Distance learning for International students

How do I make a Distance Learning application?

First, check you meet the entry requirements by finding your course, and if you have any queries, email distancelearning@northampton.ac.uk.

Then use the Apply Now feature on the course page to access our Online Self-Service Application portal; create an account, upload your supporting documents and submit your application for assessment by our distance learning team. As a minimum you should upload a copy of the photo page of your passport, a translation of your transcript and existing qualifications, a Personal Statement, one reference from an employer or former teacher dated within the past two years and your CV. You may also need to provide proof of your competence in English.

What are the fees, how do I pay and can I pay in instalments?

Details of fees, how to pay and how to set up an instalment payment plan are available on our Distance Learning International Tuition Fees page.

Are Scholarships or Bursaries available?

If you are already an alumna or alumnus of the University of Northampton, you are entitled to receive a discount of 10% for online learning courses. We do not offer any other scholarships or bursaries for Distance Learning programmes.

Why should I study by Distance Learning?

These are some of the reasons why Distance Learning might be a good choice for you:

• Gain a prestigious UK qualification from the University of Northampton, without leaving your home country or leaving your current job.
• Study at your own convenience, to fit in with your work and domestic commitments.
• Develop your own study schedule to allow you meet assignment deadlines.
• Stay engaged by participating in group learning opportunities with your peers.
• Develop your ability to acquire knowledge and skills independently.
• Receive guidance from tutors about reading around your subjects, researching topics, identifying relationships between different elements of study and problem-solving.
• Become part of our Alumni Plus Association providing you with free access to e-learning, jobs boards, reunions information, mentoring, fee discounts and more.

Will I be a member of the Students’ Union?

As a Distance Learning student, you can also be part of the Students’ Union. Many of the SU services can still be of benefit to you, even though you are not physically present on campus, including independent personal, financial and academic advice and support.

How will the programme be delivered?

Distance Learning is provided through the Northampton Integrated Learning Environment (NILE) – a dedicated online University learning space for students. NILE is the platform through which your tutors will engage with you and how you access course materials, assessment information, virtual classrooms and discussion boards. Your assessed work will be submitted and graded online, so you will be able to see your grades and feedback wherever you are in the world. This means it is important that you have a computer and an adequate internet connection for your online studies.

These are some of the benefits of NILE:

• All necessary materials are provided electronically, giving you access to a wide range of learning resources.
• Course materials and resources include e-books, videos and electronic materials.
• Your assessed work will be submitted and graded online.
• In addition to specific course material, as a UON student you will also have access to a wide range of e-books, journals and other online resources from the library, as well as the assistance of Academic Librarians.

Will the University support me during my studies?

We provide excellent support for our online learners, wherever in the world they may be studying. The support you receive will include:

Personal and academic support is available from two sources:

• Your dedicated Course Tutor will oversee your online studies and ensure that the resources are in place for you to make to most of the programme. Your tutor will support you if there are personal issues or if there are problems that your module tutors cannot resolve.
• Your Module Leader will help you with specific queries about your distance learning course modules. This is the person to consult if you have specific study difficulties with the module. For example, you might not fully understand the assessment requirements for the module, or have difficulties obtaining reading material.

Many other types of support including Technical support, are available via the Support and Wellbeing section of the Student Hub, which you can access following enrolment (student log-in required). If you are uncertain which service to contact, the Student Information Desk (SID) will signpost you to the appropriate source of support.

Can I attend a University Graduation Ceremony?

Yes. On successful completion of your Distance Learning Programme, you will receive an invitation to a Summer graduation ceremony, but certificates are usually available from the University on request ahead of this.

Will my certificate show that I studied by Distance Learning?

No. Your certificate will show the name of the subject you studied, the title of the qualification and, if appropriate, the classification of your award, just like that of a student who studies full-time on campus in Northampton.

Will I be eligible for membership of the Alumni Association and what are the benefits of joining?

When you graduate from our distance learning programmes, you will become a member of the University of Northampton Alumni Plus Association. This is a global network of more than 50,000 international alumni and provides you with free access to e-learning, jobs boards, reunions information, mentoring, fee discounts and more.