Degrees by distance or online learning

In 2010-11, more than 503,795 students studied for a UK university qualification outside the UK – both at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

 

Distance or online learning allows students to study for a UK qualification in another country - while still benefiting from the educational excellence of courses for which the UK is famous. Rigorous quality-control systems ensure your learning experience will be of the same high standard experienced by students within the UK.

Full-time courses

 

If you want to study full-time, it's worth exploring whether UK programmes are delivered at your local college or campus - these may be run in partnership with a local university.

 

Whichever you choose, you will gain a UK qualification and experience campus life in your own country. Check with your locals colleges and universities or your nearest British Council office to find out which full-time courses awarded by UK institutions are available close to your home.

Part-time and distance learning courses

On part-time and distance-learning courses, you can work at your own pace or to a set schedule, supported by a range of media, including printed study materials, CDs, DVDs and the internet. You can often communicate with your tutor and other students by telephone, email or online facilities, such as chat rooms or video conferencing.

You may also have the opportunity to attend classes at an education institution local to you, or be required to attend several study visits or workshops in the UK over the period of your course. You can search for courses online by using the Education UK Search tool (at the top right of this page) - just tick the ‘Distance/online’ option that appears under the ‘Type of Attendance’ at the bottom of the institution search box.

What can you study?

There are a large range of study options available for you if you decide to study in your own country. A wide range of UK colleges and universities, professional bodies and specialist organisations offer courses by distance learning. The courses available depend on which country you study in, your subject area and level of study.

Studying for a UK degree can boost your employability around the world, and many UK universities and colleges offer undergraduate programmes as a distance learning course. Some will include compulsory or optional study periods in the UK.

For all Higher Education degrees studied remotely, UK universities must provide full information of the degree awarded and a record of the achievement throughout the period of study. The degree certificate and transcript will give full details of what you have studied, as well as where and how you studied it. This provides all the information an employer or professional body may require.

You can also study in your own country for GCSEs, International Baccalaureate, A-levels, Access and Foundation courses plus many other qualifications. The entrance requirements and availability vary but there are a wide range of resources available. Institutions such as the National Extension College (NEC) can provide further information.

 

If you are planning to study a UK course outside the UK, you will need to apply directly to the institution. Applications forms are often available on university or college websites. You can search for courses using the Education UK search tool.