Distance Learning
Everyone 'does' distance learning in a different way. At DIS we put the student at the centre of the process as far as possible. We know that mature distance learners often have to juggle their work and family committments with their studies, so we try to be as flexible as we can. We allow students time out from the course should temporary circumstances prevent them from continuing. We do not impose assignment deadlines, students work to their own timetable not ours.
Our core materials are printed - because that's what students tell us they want. You can study them wherever its convenient because they are portable - on the train, or in the bath. However we also provide updates, discussion and web links and activities on our customised Moodle online learning environment.
Modules
Each course consists of a series of modules which are each worth between 10 and 30 credits. Most of these modules take the form of printed learning materials together with a readings pack. The modules are set out to enable you to get an overview of the subject which is then broken down into units and include exercises to enable you to think, apply and test your knowledge as you learn. Some of these modules will be core modules, which means that they have to be completed as part of the course. Others are options and you can choose which of these to take. You will find support for your studies via module support areas on our Moodle learning environment.
Pace of Progress
We understand that you must fit your studies into already busy lives and aim to give you as much flexibility as possible whilst advising you and monitoring your progress. You have from
3 to 5 years on the undergraduate course and
2 to 5 years on our postgraduate courses
to complete your degree; how you manage that time is up to you. As long as you complete the minimum credits per year, you plan your own study time, including when you submit assignments.
It sometimes happens that students do not make the progress they would wish to and if your studies are affected by particular circumstances we can normally offer you temporary withdrawal time or an extension to your course.
Assignment Deadlines
There are no deadlines. You decide your own deadlines in line with your own timetable for course completion. As you work through one module, you may be planning the next one, obtaining the core texts etc.
Workload
Nominally, a 20 credit module will require you to put in 200 hours of study in terms of reading and producing the assignment. In practice, how long you spend on a module depends on many things, such as how you relate to the subject and how long you have been studying. Most students find that they can estimate and plan the time to work through a module but that they need to spend more time when they are completing the coursework.
Study Schools
Most courses begin with attendance at a study school. Our schools normally take 4 - 5 days. For more information on Study Schools, see the Study Schools section.
After the first year of study there is normally a second study school and on some courses a third study school.
Exit options
All our postgraduate courses have Diploma and Certificate exit points and undergraduate courses have a Diploma exit.
Payment Options
Students who pay for themselves can pay for their course a module at a time or in installments through the finance office. For students who are being sponsored by employers, the fees are broken up into annual invoices over three years, which are issued after the study schools.
Communication
In addition to your Aberystwyth email account, our Moodle learning environment has a built in messaging system to help you stay in touch with the Department and with each other. (See the Support section)