Distance Learning
With distance learning you can study flexibly at a time and a place that suits you with courses to help support both personal and professional development.
Courses can be booked for yourself or through your employer.
Many are fully online (with and without tutor support) whilst some require campus attendance often for assessment purposes only.
How to apply
Go to courses below. View our online guide and then go to the dedicated course web pages for course content and options on how to book.
Many of our shorter online courses are bookable online whilst other courses will require you to contact us as pre-entry guidance may be required prior to proceeding with your application.
All employer bookings must be made via the distance learning paper application form.
Aberdeen FC Club Captain Joe Lewis talks about his own distance learning journey.
Our online guide shows you our full distance learning programme. Take a look and shortlist the courses you are interested in.
Then check out the dedicated course web pages for more information and how to book.
View courses here
We value your feedback – let us know what you think about our guide by completing this short questionnaire here.
You can book your course at any time. For courses with tutor support applications are taken from August through to April to coincide with tutor availability. Courses fall within three broad categories
Distance Learning with campus attendance
A course which is studied at a distance, students may have to come in to a campus– often for assessment purposes only. Occasionally attendance is required for an evening class, day class or a workshop.
Distance Learning with tutor support
You will manage your workload independently with a basic level of tutor support.
You will be assigned a tutor who will support you throughout the course to ensure you are fully prepared for any assessment. Support is normally provided using College email and a number of the units will be accessible via the College Virtual Learning Environment – MyNESCol Brightspace.
Your tutor will set an Individual Learning Plan with dates for completion of tasks, which you will submit for marking. You will receive feedback on your submissions, and your tutor will be able to answer any questions or queries via email, as you progress through the course.
Distance Learning without tutor support
You will be expected to manage your workload independently without tutor support. You will have an individual learning pathway with key milestones – these courses are commonly all online.
A number of Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Higher National (HN) units are offered and these are normally booked one at a time. They can be undertaken as stand-alone courses or you can complete them whilst working towards a Personal Development Award (PDA), Higher National Certificate or Diploma (HNC/HND).
Before you book
Pre-entry guidance is required prior to booking any SQA HN units. This is to ensure that you have the necessary entry qualifications to undertake the chosen unit. For further information email distancelearning2@nescol.ac.uk.
Additional costs
All SQA Higher National qualifications are subject to an administration fee as follows:
- HN Unit £14
- HNC Group Award £114.25
- HND Group Award £137.50
Students undertaking individual Higher National units on a stand–alone basis must pay the additional HN unit fee at time of booking.
A Group Award fee applies when completing a HNC or HND, and can be paid when booking the final unit of the qualification or earlier if preferred. You will then receive a Group Award Certificate on completion of all required units.
Our popular professional accreditations
We have courses with accredited qualifications to enhance your CV. Here’s a selection of our most popular courses:
Health and Safety
The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) qualification is the starting point for anyone looking to start a career in Health and Safety
Health & Safety at work
Occupational Health & Safety
Human Resources
The Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD) courses offer the opportunity to learn the fundamentals and build a firm foundation for a career in HR
Human Resource Practice – Part 2
Logistics management
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) offer an introduction to logistics management for those who wish to pursue a career in this field
Logistics and Transport – Level 2
Logistics and Transport – Level 3
For individuals
Funding options for distance learning courses include:
- Individual Training Account (ITA);
- Remission of Fees (Fee Waiver)
You can also contact a student advisor to discuss your options based on your individual circumstances. Email: studentadvice@nescol.ac.uk
Find out more
For Employers
If you are a business then the Flexible Workforce Development Fund offers funded training up to £15,000.
Find out more
If you have a question on distance learning get in touch here or call us on 01346 506014