Q Do I need to complete a pre-course assessment?

A Yes. Entry to all distance learning courses require learners to complete a short pre-course assessment. This allows the student to get a feel for how home study will work, to outline their objectives and, if any, concerns they may have about the course. This also provides the tutor with a small insight into whether the course is suitable for you.

Q When can I start?

A Once we have received your pre-course assessment we will contact you regarding your enrollment, prior to forwarding your details to your dedicated home study tutor. Once you have agreed with your tutor your requirements we can help you complete the enrollment procedure and order your materials for you. For most subjects, the start date is flexible. You will need to consider however, the date which you wish to study towards, including final examination dates, and will need to complete your home study course within 18 months.

Q Do I need to buy other materials?

A Usually all course materials required are included within the course fee. You may wish to talk to your tutor about additional support material or text books that they can recommend.

Q Are examination costs included?

A Yes, the course information provided will details the examination costs for your course. These need to be paid at enrollment to the college, fees are then forwarded to the appropriate examination body

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Q Are there any hidden extra costs?

A All costs are detailed on the information provided. This may include Association membership, examination fees, simulation fees, etc.

Q Do I need to come to college?

A No. You can choose to access tutor support by telephone, e-mail, by post or by occasional face-to-face tutorials. You will need to discuss with your tutor whether you plan to take your final examinations with the college or whether you wish to take them as an external candidate elsewhere. In some Science courses, you may be required to come to college to complete assessed practical work � please ask your tutor about this.

Q Do I need to take examinations with the college?

A No. You may decide that it is easier to deal with one organization for your course and examinations but it is not compulsory. People within the Armed Forces may wish to enquiry whether their local Education Centre is accredited for the appropriate examinatios. Craven College does not undertake to enter candidates externally.

Q Where is Craven College?

A Skipton, 25 miles from Leeds/20 miles from Bradford, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

Q What can I expect from my tutor?

A You will have a dedicated tutor for your course. You will be able to discuss support arrangements with your tutor during your induction. Your learning agreement with college indicates what you can expect from your tutor, and what the college will expect of you as a learner.

Q Do I need a computer to complete my course?

A In most cases, access to a computer may be beneficial. You may wish to contact your tutor via e-mail rather than by telephone, and you may have access to the college Intranet for further support material. Assignments do not need to be submitted electronically.

Q What study materials will I receive?

A This varies depending on the course studied. Please contact the distance learning department for details about the course you wish to apply for: tel 01756 708003, or e-mail:

Q How long does a course take?

A This will vary from course to course, and learner to learner. However, you should plan to take no longer than 18 months to complete a course. If your course has examinations, you will need to discuss with your tutor the examination date that is most appropriate for you, within this time scale.

Q When do my materials arrive?

A Unless we hold your materials in stock, these will be ordered for you once you complete enrollment. You should then allow up to 3 weeks for materials to arrive. Once you have paid for your course, your tutor will be informed and will contact you regarding your course of study.

Q Do I need to be a member of the NUS?

A No, as a student of the college you are able to access the college services available, but do not need to be a member of a student union to do so.

Q Is there a discount if I enroll to more than one course?

A No. We keep costs to a minimum so there is no opportunity to discount courses.

Q Is there a limit to the number of courses to which I can enroll?

A Craven College would not normally recommend that a student enrolls to more than 2 A-levels and no more than 3 GCSEs at any one time, due to the number of hours of study required.

Q What happens if I am struggling with distance learning?

A In the first instance, contact your tutor who will be able to give you advice and guidance. If you are close enough to the college, you may wish to consider transferring to a taught class � bear in mind that all taught classes have published start and end dates.