part time degree - help

[fleabitten]

I have applied to the local college to do an Associate Bachelors Degree in English and History (this is the first 2 years of a normal degree and then you can go straight to the 3rd yr of an honours at uni).

However, it is part time and there are two study options:

1) 1 day per week for 3 years

2) Blended Learning 2 evenings per week for 1 year. Blended Learning is a mixture of direct tutor contact and online learning with the tutor through the internet/email. Students will attend a tutorial every 4th week and use the internet/email for their work - its called a 'Virtual Learning Environment'

Its not a course that I am dying to do - would prefer pure history but dont have enough UCAS points to get into uni this year (2011) so thought I might as well apply for whatever I can and then decide what to do in August - i dont have to go, after all. I have a few other ideas in mind of other options to do but thats another story.

They are looking me to get back to them with which study option I would like to do. I dont really like the idea of doing 3 years of a course im not really dying about, but on the other hand, i dont like the idea of distance learning.

Thoughts?

Thanks

[dannyboy]

I done my hons degree, distant learning, through the Open University. It was part time and felt like an eternity to complete

Studying this way was really my only option as I still needed to work to pay the bills. The web wasn't as much in then and everything was sent in books / video's etc: which proved very time consuming (approx 16hrs per week). I did feel isolated at times and would have loved the company of fellow students. My recent management course was done at University and imo there is no comparison - its great to feed of your peers and my scores reflected this.

sorry for wandering off to my own story Basically Flea, I think its a great idea that you follow on with your study. I would say that perhaps it would be better to do a subject you are interested in. Distant learning is difficult and although it didn't suit me, you may thrive so I wouldn't dismiss it. The Open University used to cost approx £600 per module (dependent on course), so its not a fortune - have you got their prospective?

Its so hard making a decision about what courses etc: you want to do so good luck xx

[fleabitten]

Yes have had a look at the open university but really dont want to go down this route, as i dont think distance learning would suit me.

I was thinking today - bit off topic. I could do 2 more AS levels next year for free and apply for Uni for entry in 2012. However, still mightnt get accepted, whereas if i did this course i would gain entry to the 3rd year of a degree so i could be guaranteed to get my degree in history, possibly. Although i would have to pay a fee for that course its not as dear as universities and you can get financial help.

Thanks for the advice DB

[fimacg]

Distance learning or home learning only seems to work if you are incredibly motivated and interested in what you are studying. I think at your age you would be better off doing the 2 extra AS levels and finding something you REALLY wanted to do

[fleabitten]

thanks Fi, doing the extra AS's does appeal to me more. Still not sure on what to reply back to them, need to sit down and have a good think through it.

[zara]

I agree with the others, distance learning is very hard unless you're extememly motivated; somethhing which I'm not! i did my Master's part time and it took me 4 1/2 years instead of the 3 it should,ve taken 'cos i didn't have someone kicking my a**! Good Luck Zx

[fleabitten]

I replied there now - chose option 1. Dont think distance learning is for me.

Thanks for all your replies