Open College, Author at Open College

How does Online Learning Work?

26/04/202126/04/2021Open College

If you’re considering signing up to online learning, you may be wondering exactly how it all works and what you will get once you have enrolled. Online learning is actually very simple and straight forward and we’ll explain a few of the ins and outs within this blog for you. First things first, it’s important to remember that not all online learning is the same and there are some important differences from course type to course type and also from learning provider to learning provider. With some courses such as A-Levels or GCSEs, you will need to also take external examinations once you complete the course. How Online Learning Works… Read More

How can I Improve my Job Application?

23/04/202123/04/2021Open College

Whether you are just starting out with job applications or you have been applying for a while now, chances are, you are already asking yourself how you can improve your job application and ensure that you stand out from the crowd. With so many people applying for each role, you need to make sure you are at least one of the ones that gets shortlisted for a closer look and hopefully even an interview. But how do you go about doing that? Well, let’s start with the basics, there is absolutely no point at just throwing your CV at any and every role you find that vaguely matches your abilities.… Read More

What does Self Study mean?

21/04/202121/04/2021Open College

When looking at distance learning and online learning, you will see the phrase ‘self study’ mentioned several times, but no one seems to take the time to fully explain what this actually means for the student. Self study is a bit of a vague term and tends to make people think of themselves sat there with just a textbook and maybe a pen making notes as they read aimlessly through trying to make sense of everything. That’s not really the case, that style of learning would be more along the lines of independent study, where a student decides to study a subject, but then doesn’t enrol with any form of… Read More

What Learning Style am I?

19/04/202119/04/2021Open College

When considering taking a course as a distance learner, it’s important to take a moment or two and work out your learning style. Unlike when you’re at school or college, distance learning comes with the added benefit of you being able to tailor your learning according to your learning style. Believe it or not, your learning style, doesn’t actually effect the type of courses you can study, even if you prefer all things visual and not a lot of text, you can still study courses such as GCSEs or A Levels and don’t have to stick with just Diplomas. The key to successful studying is being able to identify how… Read More

Can a Level 3 Diploma get you into University

14/04/202114/04/2021Open College

If you’re thinking of going to uni, you may be wondering if a Level 3 Diploma can get you into University instead of A-levels. And you wouldn’t be alone with wondering this. It’s more than safe to say that A-Levels aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, especially the examinations. With a Level 3 Diploma though, your entire course is based on coursework and broken down into bite sized modules that you can pick up and study quickly and easily as and when you want. So not only can you study a Level 3 Diploma to get into University, but you can study it in less than 2 years, in fact you… Read More

Can Adults Study GCSEs?

07/04/202107/04/2021Open College

When thinking of GCSEs, most people tend to automatically think of teenagers at secondary school preparing for their next steps in the educational world. But what if you’re an adult looking at returning to education to study GCSEs? Is it possible for you to go back and redo courses of your choice? Believe it or not, more and more adult learners are returning to education to retake their GCSEs and gain better grades. With the developments and advancements of online learning, it’s quick and easy for learners to register online and get studying the GCSEs of their choice. Do I have to go Back to School for Retaking my GCSEs?… Read More

What are Short Courses Good for?

05/04/202105/04/2021Open College

Short Courses are programmes that have been designed and created for students to study over a very short period of time. Usually the study length is just a few hours and are intended to be completed within a week or two of study. Unlike A-Levels or full Diplomas, which can take a minimum of a year to complete, these courses are designed to help professionals in their field keep up their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The great thing about Short Courses is they can be studied online while still working, meaning that you don’t need to take any time off work to complete them and you can easily and quickly… Read More

Is it Normal to Hate your Job?

29/03/202129/03/2021Open College

Believe it or not, you’re not alone if your hate your job. No matter what the role is, how high up you are or where you work, chances are, there are going to be times when you hate the job you have. There isn’t a person out there who hasn’t gone through challenging times when working a role, whether it’s the workload or the people or the position itself, there are going to be challenges and testing times. But when it goes from just a short period of hating the job to being a long term thing, then it might be time to start looking at changing your job. How… Read More

I Can’t get a Grade in 2021, What are my Options?

24/03/202124/03/2021Open College

The last couple of years have been very turbulent for students who are trying to achieve either GCSE or A-Level grades. With so many examination periods being cancelled at short notice, it is no wonder some students can’t get a grade in 2021 and are left wondering ‘What are my options?’. First things first, try and remember that you’re not alone and there are hundreds of other students stuck in the same position as you right now. You need to take a calm look at what your options are and what you feel your best route now is. As a distance learning student, you will most likely fall into one… Read More

Can I go to University as a Mature Student?

22/03/202102/01/2022Open College

University as a mature student can be quite a daunting prospect, but it doesn’t need to be that way. Whether your reason for deciding to go to University is based on a career change or finally being in the right position to go, there are a few things as a mature student you will need to be aware of. Firstly, what is a mature student? Well, unlike the way it sounds, a mature student is classed as someone aged 21 years or older. In other words, someone who hasn’t been in full time education for a few years. Unlike with school leavers, the entry requirements for degrees at university vary… Read More