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Home Studying

Home studying

No strict deadlines, no moaning teachers an lots of lie-ins, right? If the idea of studying from home appeals to you, read on to find out what’s really involved.

What is it?

It’s a way of studying for recognised qualifications, such as GCSEs, A-levels and degrees in your own home at your own pace. It offers an alternative to studying at a set time in as set place, like a school, college or university. Sometimes known as distance or open learning.

How does it work?

Once you have selected and registered for your chosen course you'll be paired up with a tutor. Although it's unlikely you'll meet up with them in person, they are contactable via phone or email and provide feedback on your work. You'll be sent your course materials, such as printed materials, CD-ROMs, DVDs, set books and assignment tasks and then the hard work is up to you. Most courses provide charts and advice to help you structure your study and organise your time.

How does it compare to traditional study?

The most obvious difference is the lack of a teacher. Your tutor will be an expert in your subject matter and they are there to offer guidance, but the actual learning bit is down to you.

Benefits

• Flexible: You may have 'cut-off dates' for assignments or set dates for exams but how and when you study is up to you. If you want to study on Tuesday and Thursday nights one week and all day Sunday the next, that's fine.
• Course materials: At school, if you miss out on what the teachers have said it's hard to pick up what you've missed. With home study it's really useful being able to read back through the module I've just done.
• Location: "Distance learning is very convenient if you live in a remote place," says Pete Giesinger of the Open University. "It's also ideal if you have to relocate during your study as you can continue to study as normal."
• Cost: Although you have to pay for distance learning, the fees are usually quite reasonable, you don't have travel and living costs on top of full-time study, and you can work at the same time. The Open University say that the average cost of a standard BA degree, including all fees and study costs is £3390 - £4535, and the average time to complete a degree is six years. Shorter courses are significantly less; Richard is paying around £370 per A-level.

Drawbacks

• Lack of interaction: If you're the kind of person that enjoys bouncing ideas around with teachers and other students you may find it hard to study alone.
• Motivation: The benefit of having a teacher is that they are there to motivate you. Then again, if you've chosen to do this course you should be pretty self-motivated anyway.
• Time management: All this freedom can leave you feeling like you have forever to do your work - which can be hard if you thrive under pressure. You'll need to set your own targets and put enough pressure on yourself to make sure you stick to them.

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Sophie-x- 2010-11-04 18:12:03

I'm considering doing a degree at home... But I agree with all the drawbacks; they are what's making me have second thoughts about it. It would be so much easier to fit jobs into your schedule as well. I think they're a great idea!

KaciesMum 2011-01-24 22:01:17

They are a great idea! I agree with the drawbacks, I quite often find myself sitting here watching some crap on tv instead of actually doing some work. But it you can get yourself into the right mindset they are fab :D

gillied 2011-02-08 21:31:33

I think that the only way they work is if you are a strong and highly motivated person who is able to schedule your time effectively. I am not sure that I could do it, I would start off so positive, but I would soon start to look out of the window or think of all the other more interesting things to do. No will power!

Yasmin 2011-04-15 21:39:03

It sounds great but what about meeting all the new people you would going away? You make friends for life most of the time, but the advantages do make it appealing!

Sophie-x- 2011-04-15 21:59:11

I'm hoping to do this, this year. Meeting people doesn't bother me; I have everyone I need in my life right now. And living away from home with a bunch of pissed up students does not appeal to me in the slightest. ^_^

KaciesMum 2011-04-18 12:34:47

Some study from home courses offer day schools, they aren't compulsory but do give you the option of meeting new people on the same course. I haven't been to any in the year that I've been studying but it doesn't bother me in the slightest, the info that is given on these days is always emailed to me anyway.

Sophie-x- 2011-04-18 13:58:25

It wouldn't bother me either. The reason I want to do home studying is so I'm able to have a full-time job and earn an income at the same time, rather than moving away, not being able to work a decent amount and end up getting into debt.

KaciesMum 2011-04-19 22:49:45

Yeah it makes studying whilst doing other things possible. There would be no hope in hell of me going to brick university, I'd have to move with a toddler, sort out funds for childcare, go to lectures during the day blah de blah. But home studying lets me study, without having to sort out childcare and because I get bored in the evenings when she's asleep it's a perfect study time :')