If you gain a qualification by learning yourself or being taught by a tutor is there no big difference? As in, you get the same certificate and the same qualification? Stupid question I know!
Also if you get a degree by studying from home do you have a graduation ceremony?
I am considering studying from home from now on as I find attending college etc too stressful. I'm a busy working mum of two and when the kids are ill and my college tutors used to say 'oh its just viral my son had it last week!' its pretty hard to be in two places at once.
I see qualifying at college as a big accomplishment. Is qualifying at home by yourself an achievement too or is there a difference in the qualifications?
For accountancy there is no difference if you study on your own, do it through distance learning, or through a college. Employers will only look at what qualification you have, occasionally at how long it took to qualify but never about how you studied.
It depends on everyones personal circumstances college is good for some, where as distance learning is better for others. You dont get the social aspect with distance learning but you get alot more freedom with distance learning. The mantra at the college where i used to teach was, "you will only sit the exam when you are ready, but you all will be ready in exam week, which is the only week we are running the exams." But distance learning does take alot of self motivation and isnt right for some.
Award ceremonies are down to the awarding body rather than the way you get the award.
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Nick
Nick Craggs FMAAT ACA AAT Distance Learning Manager