Distance learning is a course attribute that shows the method of attendance. You should only select it when all students on the course are studying via distance learning.

This is an optional attribute you can use for all courses.

Scenario 1

Thomas is studying a BA Hons in sports coaching. His course hours are as follows:

• 30 weeks online study including lectures and tutorials
• 2 days per week physical attendance at sports academy
• 6 days per year attendance at university

As Thomas needs to attend the sports academy regularly rather than occasionally, this is an in-attendance course.

Scenario 2

Kate is studying an HND in Musical Theatre. Her course hours are as follows:

• 30 weeks online study including lectures and tutorials
• 3 days per year (1 day per term) attendance at college

As Kate only needs to attend college occasionally rather than regularly, this is a distance learning course.

What is a distance learning course?

Distance learning is a mode of delivery for students who do not attend traditional on-campus courses.

It is becoming more common to deliver courses which combine different methods of study. These are known as blended learning courses. They combine traditional classroom teaching with online learning and independent study.

There has been some confusion as to whether these courses should be added as distance learning courses.

Courses of any teaching method are distance learning if the students only attend occasionally, for example once a term.

If students attend regularly, for example once a week, and follow a structured timetable, the course is not distance learning and you should not add it to CMS as such.

Change of delivery method

If the mode of delivery of a course changes you must create a new version of the course. This is for both distance learning to in attendance or from in attendance to distance learning. Adding or removing the distance learning attribute will trigger reassessment of all applications linked to the course for every academic year it is available.