Boston College's Distance Learning courses allow you the flexibility to study wherever you are, arranging your studies around your work and family life.

Once you have applied, you will be contacted by a member of the Distance Learning Team who will confirm your place on the course. You will then be sent all of your learning resources. These will either be online or paper-based workbooks, depending on your personal preference and the course you have chosen to study.

The course will consist of your working through information and activities, as well as answering assessment questions.

You can apply and enrol on a Distance Learning course at any time. Your official start date is the day they your enrolment is processed. The Distance Learning Admin Team will send you a welcome e-mail and provide additional information which you may find useful to help with your studies. 

The duration of the courses varies from 10 – 18 weeks, depending on which course you choose.  You are provided with your submission dates and your planned end date in your welcome e-mail. 

If you find meeting any of the submission dates challenging please contact the Distance Learning Admin Team to discuss.

To be able to meet all assessment deadlines we advise that you spend a minimum of 5-10 hours a week studying.

You will need to be aged 19 or over at the start of the current academic year to be able to enrol on a Distance Learning course.  You will also need to have a minimum of a Level 1 English qualification or equivalent.  This is due to the course being a Level 2 and you will be required to write or type your answers for assessment purposes.

If you fall in the 19-23 age bracket prior to the start of the current academic year you must already hold a minimum of a full L2 qualification or equivalent e.g., 5+ GCSEs A-C / 9-4, 1 A Level or NVQ L2.

Boston College can assess your English/Literacy level before you enrol on a Distance Learning course, as well as providing you the opportunity to complete your Level 1 English if necessary.

Individual eligibility will be reviewed by the Distance Learning team, and this will be communicated to you.

Yes, all of the Distance Learning courses are accredited by leading awarding bodies.

Boston College accept that sometimes there are exceptional circumstances that prevent you from completing the course. If you find yourself struggling with the qualification, support staff will always try to help you find a workable resolution. However, if choose to withdraw from a Distance Learning course, you may have to pay a non-completion fee of £85 to cover the administration costs, materials and registration fees.

You will receive the course resources either paper-based or online, and will be assigned your own personal tutor who you can contact throughout your course should you need any additional support or guidance.  The Distance Learning Admin Team is also available to help with any queries you may have.

As a Boston College learner you will also be entitled to the same support services and additional benefits as those students attending onsite college. i.e. join Totum, access counselling services, use of the library and tutor support. For more information, please visit our 'Student Support' and 'Student Life' pages.

If you would like to speak to someone further regarding Distance Learning, please call 01205 365701 and ask to speak to a member of the Distance Learning Team.