LearnDirect Centres
What is Open Learning?
Open Learning courses are designed so that you don't have to attend college regularly, if at all. They give you the choice of working where you want, when you want and at a pace that suits you. Most open learning courses take the form of home based self-study packs with your own tutor to advise and mark assessments.
...and Flexible Learning?
Flexible Learning Courses give you the benefit of being able to come into college to use equipment and to talk to your tutor without having to attend classes. These courses have been designed to allow you greater choice about when and how often you come in.
Would Open and Flexible Learning suit me?
You may want to to gain a formal SQA certificate or perhaps study just for interest. Students from all over Britain and from overseas have successfully tackled our open learning courses. Obviously, flexible learning courses are particularly suited for people from Dundee and surrounding areas.
These types of courses are particularly suitable if you:
- live too far away to attend regular classes
- are on shift work or work irregular hours
- have young people at home
- have other reasons that prevent you coming in regularly
How are the courses assessed?
Most course assessments involve written work in the college at times to suit you but it is also possible to arrange for assessments away from the college. Other types of assessment include essays, projects, portfolios, and practical work. Further information is given for each subject in the course guide but your tutor will be happy to give guidance as well.
How long will my course last?
That's up to you. As a guide, most of the SQA National Qualification Units and many National Higher Units are designed to take around 40 hours of study but you can take a longer or shorter time if you wish. Normally they can be completed within about 12-15 weeks and we usually require you to finish these courses within 6 months. A few other courses are longer and may extend over one or two years. Details of the lengths of study are given for each subject in the course guide which is available by contacting the Learning Centre direct.
When can I start?
You can start most SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority - formerly SCOTVEC) courses at virtually any time. Where courses have fixed exam dates, for instance Highers and some City and Guilds courses, you have to be careful to give yourself sufficient time to finish the course work before that date.