DistanceLearningCentre.com
Online courses to suit your lifestyle
The most flexible study
The most flexible fees
Giving you the best support
Friendly online student community
Excellent reputation & experience
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About us

our background and mission
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Dedicated to online learning

Celebrating 30 years

DistanceLearningCentre.com has been providing Access to Higher Education courses for 30 years, helping tens of thousands of students to achieve their goals and transform their careers.

We also provide GCSEs, and Functional Skills Courses, plus Advanced British International Diplomas aimed at non-UK residents, which create an affordable alternative route into UK Universities.

DistanceLearningCentre.com was set up in 1993 by an experienced group of teachers and lecturers who were dedicated to distance learning. We felt that many people would like to study, but were unable to attend regular classes. We wanted to give everyone the opportunity to access excellent, flexible learning from home.

In particular, we wanted people who didn't have a great experience at school to have the chance to study at university. So we have specialised in the Access to Higher Education (Access to HE) Diploma, which is specifically designed to prepare people without traditional qualifications for study at university. We have now expanded into Advanced British International Diplomas which make the same opportunities available to non-UK residents.

We also offer GCSEs, Functional Skills and Level 2 Awards to enable people to catch up on English, Maths and Sciences.

Today, we are the leading online college for access to UK Universities. Each year our successful students achieve much more than they ever thought possible – and go on to study at dozens of universities across the UK.

We have a strong reputation going back years

Our expertise and efficiency, and our positive relationships with staff, students, awarding bodies and universities, have earned us a reputation for professionalism, reliability and quality. Which is great for our students.

We are signed up to QAA's Academic Integrity Charter which exists to protect and promote academic integrity, and take action against academic misconduct.

Our success is reflected in:

  • The success of our students. Our students have gone on to study at over 140 universities across the UK. Around 1500 students per year are awarded an Access to HE Diploma.
  • Positive feedback from students. 94% of students rated their studies with us as very good or excellent, and would recommend our courses to friends and family.
  • Consistently high quality standards. We receive excellent Moderation Reports from our awarding bodies, and have been held up as an example of best practice at the QAA conference to celebrate 20 years of Access to Higher Education.
  • Strong relationships with universities. Some universities specifically recommend us as the best place to study by distance learning. Many universities are keen to take applicants who have studied with us. They know that our students are self-motivated, disciplined students who have already mastered the skills needed for independent study at university level.

We are not 'trying to make a quick buck'

We are true to the aims we had right from the start, to provide affordable courses to people who are unable to study at traditional local colleges or would prefer the flexibility of online study.

Most of our students have complex lives and have to juggle aspects such as jobs, family commitments, care needs etc. along with their course.

We always keep our prices as low as we can manage as it is the success of our students which primarily motivates us. We also make our fees and study flexible so they can adapt to our students' changing circumstances.

We do not emply cheap sales gimmicks, we just provide great value, consistently.

Our tutors are all highly qualified subject-specialist teachers, and also very supportive

Our tutors are chosen for their expert subject knowledge and qualifications, and for their skills in supporting and motivating adults who may have been out of education for some time.

Tutors at DistanceLearningCentre.com are directly employed by us (unlike other providers, who often work with freelance or short-term staff). They have at least a first Degree in their specialist subject, as well as a teaching qualification and experience in adult education.

A friendly, encouraging approach

Our tutors understand the challenges – and rewards – of distance learning. They know how to provide clear structure and supportive guidance by phone and email to students who may need to develop their confidence and motivation, and who are juggling to fit their studies into busy lives.

And because we specialise in courses to give you access to University, all of our tutors know how to help you acquire the knowledge and skills (as well as the grades!) that will help you succeed at university level.

95% of students rate our tutor support as good or excellent.

Qualifications from recognised Awarding Bodies

Our Access to HE Diplomas, Advanced British International Diplomas, Functional Skills and Level 2 Award Courses are fully accredited by recognised awarding bodies. Access to HE Diplomas are also regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

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Our awarding bodies are Ascentis and Open Awards, who provide Certification for our courses, ensuring that they achieve relevant learning outcomes and quality standards, as well as consistent and fair assessment, grading and marking by our tutors.

Open Awards Logo

As an approved centre for Ascentis and Open Awards, our courses are accepted by almost all Higher Education Institutions (such as universities, teacher training colleges and nurse training schools) across the UK.

GCSEs from recognised exam boards

Our current examination boards for IGCSE and GCSE courses are AQA and Edexcel, which are both fully recognised by OFQUAL, the official regulator for GCSE qualifications and exams.

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Students book their own exams at recognised exam centres for the relevant examining body, which then awards their grades and certificates.

Emily

The website and materials were easy to navigate and the Facebook group gave me extra reassurance and support.

The tutors were supportive, patient and most importantly motivated me to carry on when I found it tough. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing to gain an extra qualification to achieve their dream career. Emily

Yannick

The learning materials were excellent and they exceeded my expectations. I would like to thank my family and the tutors for their amazing support.

I am happy to say to have secured a place to study a Nursing Degree this September. I cannot recommend them enough. Yannick

John

The course is excellently written with information perfectly explained for those who have been out of education.

I completed mine whilst working full time, undergoing several overseas military deployments in support of the COVID pandemic. I could not have done this without them, my tutors were with me every step of the way! John

Richard

Support of tutors, & the wider student community were fundamental in enabling me to overcome adversity. The peer support of fellow students proved a wonderful resource. People of all ages & backgrounds united in their desire to study & self-develop, quick to offer help & encouragement. So I became active in supporting others through the Facebook Group. Richard

Sam

I have dyslexia. They suited all my needs. It was flexible, affordable, and the modules offered would provide me with the fundamental basics to study a Law degree.

They did more than help me get into my dream Russell Group university studying Law. The whole experience finally made me feel academically worthy. Sam

Aaliya

Tutors and staff have been fantastic in helping me achieve the grades I need, as well as any other situations I needed support with.

I applied to 2 universities and have received conditional offers from both.

I have achieved more credits than the offer requires, it wouldn't have been possible without them. Aaliya

Mehluli

I loved the flexibility that comes with the course and the outstanding tutors.

I have since been offered a place from two universities to study a BSc in Adult Nursing.

It is in this regard that I strongly recommend them without hesitation for any person who would like to reboot their career. Mehluli

Beth

I was very nervous about beginning my studies as I thought that Access to HE Diplomas were aimed at mature students, being 17 at the time of beginning my studies. But I was so wrong!

The Diploma is for anyone wanting to enter higher education. The staff, and my tutors especially, couldn't have been more accommodating and supportive. Beth

Victoria

From day one I found my tutors to be incredibly friendly, supportive and accessible. They encourage independent learning, but are always there to give guidance and answer questions of any kind.

The learning materials are brilliant; extremely thorough and logically laid out in topics and sub-topics, so you move smoothly through. Victoria

Sean

The materials were easy to follow. I received advice from others via the Facebook page & from my personal tutor, who was always so quick to answer any questions. During the modules, I developed my research methods & even my English improved. I am far more confident in finding the pros & cons of every theory. I now feel I am in a far better position & I am currently enrolled on an LLB Qualifying Law degree. Sean

Fanny

They stood out for me because of their flexibility and affordability.

Enrolling to study remotely for a science course, was overwhelmingly nerve-wracking but my tutors were very kind, supportive and helpful. Their support allowed me to excel and achieve high grades. I have now secured a place at a university. Fanny

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