Applicant FAQs

You will need regular access to fast broadband and a working knowledge of such IT skills as using emails, dealing with files and following online instructions. Once enrolled, you will be given guidance in the tasks that may be specific to your course (such as teleconferencing, using e-books, accessing journals online and participating in online discussion boards).

You will need to be able to open PowerPoint Presentations, Word and Excel documents and be able to open audio and video files (usually via Windows Media Player or Adobe Quicktime). We are now able to offer every student free Microsoft Office for the duration of their studies. Once you have enrolled you can download it through the IT Services webpages. You will also require Adobe Acrobat reader and Adobe Flash Player which can be obtained from the Adobe website for free.

As the courses described are fully online, you will need an up-to-date PC desktop or laptop or Mac. You will not be able to interact fully with all the materials with an iPad or iPhone so these should be not your only computer equipment.

If you wish to participate in optional face-to-face meetings you will need access to a webcam, a microphone if your webcam does not have one built-in, and speakers or headphones. Most laptops now have these facilities built in. Alternatively you can attend a WebEx meeting from your tablet or smart phone.

One of the major benefits of distance learning is that you can choose when and where you study so you can manage your own time, however we structure the courses into weekly sessions and we do encourage students to stick to this weekly schedule. Additionally there might be set points throughout a Semester where you are expected to take part in scheduled online discussions and/or assignments and deadlines for portfolio tasks.

The weekly sessions are held during semester one and two, excluding dissertations which often run throughout semester three. Please view the Academic Calendar

Every module has a dedicated member of academic staff who will be on hand to answer your queries and help you through any content-related difficulties. They can be contacted by email or phone and will be able to set up a specific appointment time if required. At set points throughout the year they may also offer face-to-face appointments via WebEx or Skype.

You will also be able to contact your personal tutor for general enquiries. You will have the opportunity to contact other students on your course to discuss and share ideas.

The majority of your learning resources will be available through the VLE but you will also have access to a wealth of electronic resources through our Learning and Information Services, all of which are free to our students. We usually find that some students prefer to buy key texts which are particularly relevant to the course but this is at your own discretion and there is no requirement to buy additional materials.

Learning and Information Services (LIS) offer a wide range of electronic resources and are able to help with any queries if you cannot locate what you need. If you're a UK student you can also use SCONUL Access to access hard copies of shared resources across the UK. If you ever have problems accessing the e-resources you need, you can instant chat with LIS through Assist.

For each 20-credit module, it is calculated that you should allow at least 10 hours of study time per week including at least 4 hours working directly using the VLE. Part-time students will take two modules per semester. Many students find that the study time needed each week increases towards the assessment period and prior to any examinations.

The course duration depends on which course you're studying and whether you study full-time or part-time. As a general guide, full undergraduate degrees will take 3 years full time and 6 years part time. Please return to the previous page to check the Course Finder] for the course you're interested in.

Not all of our distance learning courses include examinations but where they do, we will arrange for you to sit the exam at the nearest available Examination Centre. For some students that may mean travelling to the University of Wolverhampton campus but for international students, that may mean attending your nearest British Council office. Please check the details for the course your interested in to find out whether there are additional fees for this. Details of the weeks where examinations may take place are available at the start of the course so you can plan any work or home commitments around them. To find out whether your course has any requirement to come into the University or attend an examination please see your faculty's distance learning page.

In general we expect you to keep within the set module structure for the course. If there are problems which prevent you from keeping up, you should contact us at the earliest opportunity to discuss further action. Breaks from study can be arranged where needed, but students should be aware that there is a strict period in which you need to complete your course.

We welcome distance learning students from all over the world, but we would advise candidates that these courses require strong language skills and are therefore only suitable to those who are confident communicating in English. You will be required to provide evidence of your IELTS level. The requirement for each course is available on the Course Finder page. If you have any queries regarding your standard of English you may wish to contact the International Academy for support and advice. 

Travelling to the UK is not required for the majority of our distance learning courses, and therefore you cannot use them to obtain a study visa.

Any examinations will be conducted at your nearest appropriate test centre, which will usually be a British Council premises. 

All of our students are welcome to use our on-campus facilities, many of which are available over the weekend. Remember to always bring your ID card when visiting campus.

Whilst our distance learning students are welcome on-site, it is important to note that you may not attend our on-campus lectures.

Once you have achieved your degree, you are a graduate of the University and entitled to attend a graduation ceremony if you wish. Graduation ceremonies are only held in the UK at the University of Wolverhampton.