home learning with a difference

Dear Student,

We believe that a college should be so much more than just a course. Thats why we encourage the full college experience with qualifications that count, tutors that care, a free NUS Extra student discount card, and when you finish your course, well polish and perfect your CV to help you get the job that you want. Its home learning with a difference. No other distance learning college offers this tailor-made package. From the moment you enrol, to applying for jobs, were with you every step of the way. What is home learning and how does it work? Many students want to know how they can learn from home and how it fits into their life. Home learning is a fun and rewarding way to gain extra qualifications without disrupting your lifestyle or breaking the bank. Studying at a traditional college can leave you struggling to fit your life around your college timetable, but learning from home with Open Study College allows you to live your life and study at times that suit you. You can enrol at any time, work at your own pace, study from the comfort of your own home and have the reassurance of knowing that if you need help, you can call or email your own dedicated personal tutor who wants you to succeed. Most of our courses are entirely assignment based, with only a handful requiring you to sit an examination (including GCSEs and A-Levels. Please check individual course pages on our website for details). Submitting your assignments is easy, just email or post your work to your tutor who will mark it and answer any of your questions, allowing you to progress. So how are we different from other home learning colleges? We provide an exceptional home learning experience and a unique course package that can help you change career. Our independent, accredited awards give a clear message to employers; I have the skills to succeed! Our students are our priority, and we want to ensure that you have the support and tools needed to gain the qualification that can change your career, thats why we only work with tutors that care. Your dedicated tutor will guide you, support you and help you achieve the success you deserve. Learning is interesting, but everyone needs a break every now and then, thats why you can treat yourself to special offers and discounts at major high street chains with your free NUS Extra card! Once your course is successfully completed, our experts will polish and perfect your CV, for free, and maximise your potential for future employment. Over 15,000 students have enrolled with Open Study College and we would love to speak to you, so if you have any questions about our courses, speak to a student advisor for free (UK only) by phoning us now on 0800 970 9131. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Samantha Rutter Academic Director

Qualifications that count

At Open Study College we offer over 160 certified courses, with qualifications including GCSEs, A-Levels, BTEC, and NVQ. Our independently accredited awards will add value to your CV. Open up a world of employment opportunity and stand out from other job applicants. Prove to potential employers that you have the skills they are looking for or prove to your current employer that you are committed to developing your role. Not only are our courses industry-recognised, they are also academically-recognised to allow successful students to apply for further education courses or training. Most of our courses require little or no previous subject knowledge so are ideal for beginners and professionals alike. You can discuss your options with one of our friendly course advisors on freephone (UK only) 0800 970 9131.

Tutors that care

We provide unrivalled support for every student. Your personal tutor will deliver invaluable support and guidance, and is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Contact your tutor by phone or email and you will receive an answer as soon as possible. Your tutor will mark and evaluate your work via post or email, giving you the feedback you need to progress, without having to leave your home. Each tutor has varied expertise, providing valuable knowledge and experience for each course. Our tutors are dedicated and enthusiastic about passing on their knowledge to all of our students. Your tutor will be with you every step of the way!

www.openstudycollege.com

Your home study pack

You will receive an Open Study College pack containing all the materials you need for your course*;

Study guide Comprehensive study notes Self-assessment activities Assignments Folder Envelopes Pen and paper Free study bag

You will also receive additional material such as a calculator, DVD and software where applicable.
*Some courses will differ and you will be advised of these procedures on the course page.

Free NUS Extra Card

Enjoy exclusive student offers with your free NUS extra card! You will be entitled to a wide range of online and high street discounts from cinema tickets to fashion. This exclusive card is free for all new students*. Our favourite offers include;

Superdrug Office La Senza Topshop and Topman Matalan Ben Sherman Nicky Clarke salons

- 10% discount - 10% discount - 10% discount - 10% discount - 10% discount - 10% discount - 40% discount

Cinema New Look Blockbuster Play.com 16-25 Railcard AA Halfords

- (various) - 10% discount - rent 2 movies for 5 - 5% discount - 10% online discount - half price lessons - 10% discount

* Your NUS Extra card will be available once the course has been paid for and has no remaining balance.

Complete the student experience with your free NUS Extra Card!

Get the job you want

Well polish and perfect your CV! When you successfully complete your course you will have access to our expert CV writing service. Our specialist will rewrite your CV and maximise your appeal to potential employers. Ensure that your achievements are presented to the highest standard. Dont waste your hard work by applying for a job with a CV that is less than perfect. Impress potential employers with a powerful and professional CV!

Any Questions? Call us on 0800 970 9131

Testimonials

An extra qualification was just what I needed to stand out from the crowd. As soon as I started applying for jobs, the interviews came rolling in. Now I have a job I love and the skills I need to progress even further in my career.

Its a great way to add to your CV without disrupting your life and the course advisors were great at helping me choose the right course. I was also really pleased with my tutors support, she was great! I loved being able to study when I could and arrange my course around other commitments...

This was a great experience with support from my tutor to a brand new CV that really worked for me! I was able to work through the coursework at my own pace without getting stressed or flustered. I was surprised that a home learning course could teach me so much, without lessons.

Nathan Willis, Leeds Business Marketing Level 2

Belinda Edwards, Birmingham Nail Technician Level 2

Cathy Winston, Edinburgh Social Work with Children & Families Level 4

Anna Cross tells us her story...

I enrolled with Open Study College in 2008 and I am amazed at what I have achieved!

As a busy mother with a job that was going nowhere, I wanted to build a better life for myself and my children. I knew I would need to get a proper qualification but family and work commitments made it difficult for me to know where to start. Luckily I came across the Open Study College on the internet and was amazed at how straight forward they made everything seem. I didnt know much about learning from home but the whole process seemed like it had been made for me! I enrolled over the phone for the Teaching Assistant Level 2 course. The friendly Student Advisor explained everything to me so that I completely understood how it worked. My course materials arrived within a few days and I was really impressed with what was included. If there was ever anything I was unsure of, my tutor would be right at the end of a phone to help out. I didnt have to rely on her very often, but it was comforting to know she was there if I did get stuck. I drew up my own time-table and aimed to study for about five or six hours a week. It was easy to study once the kids had gone to bed and I didnt get stressed or flustered once. I had 12 months to complete the course but I had finished within about 9 months; in time for the school in-take for September. I am now working as a Teaching Assistant at a local junior and infants school. My job is incredible and I feel extremely lucky to be working in a role that I really enjoy. Not many people can say they love their job, but I definitely can! You can watch Annas short video on our website.

www.openstudycollege.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: What skills are needed to enrol on a course? Most of our courses require little or no previous knowledge so are ideal for complete beginners. Is there a time limit for completion of a course? Most of our courses have no time limit for completion. This will allow you to work at your own pace, without any strict deadlines. Some of our courses will have a study time that will be more than enough time for completion. When do the courses start? Unlike regular colleges and learning institutions, home learning has no term dates and is designed to be completely flexible for each student. You can choose when you wish to start your course and can study at your own pace. When will I receive my course materials? Online students will receive course materials within 48 hours. All other students will receive their course materials within 10 working days, but it will usually be less. As soon as you receive your materials you may start your course. What is included in the cost of my course? Most of our courses include a quality record bag containing all the materials you need for your course, including study book(s), course information, assignments, ring binder, folder, pen, pencil, papers and envelopes! Some courses will also provide extra tools such as Sage software, DVDs or a calculator. Please note: This does not apply to students using an online study method. What do I do if I need help? You will be allocated a personal tutor who will be contactable by phone or email. They will advise and guide you when you require support throughout the course. They will assess your work and help you improve your skills. What other benefits will I receive? Students will be entitled to a free NUS Extra card, enabling you to enjoy offers and discounts from various high street stores, restaurants, cinemas and travel services. What other benefits will I receive? On completion of your course you will be able to have your CV written by our experts to maximise your prospects to potential employers. Is there a required reading list? Most of our courses do not require you to study from any textbooks. However, the GCSE and A-Level courses will generally list compulsory or recommended textbooks which can be purchased from any good book store or directly from us. Do I have to sit an exam? Our courses are designed to be assessed through coursework which will be marked by your tutor and sent to you via post or email. However, the A-Level and ,GCSE courses will also require you to sit an exam in order to complete the qualification. The Sage and ICB courses have an online examination which is taken at home. What if I live outside the UK? You are still able to study for any of the Open Study College courses. Our overseas students often prefer the online study option as it is a faster and more convenient way to get work assessed. You will however be required to take any examinations within the UK. How do I get my work assessed? Every student is issued with envelopes in order to return your completed work to us. Once we receive your coursework we will mark it and return it to you. If you choose to receive course materials online then you will submit work to your tutor via email. How do I pay for my course? Payment is easy! You can pay online through a secure checkout or over the phone. You will have the option to pay in full or by spreading the cost through instalments. What do I do if I want to cancel my course? We offer a seven day money back guarantee. If you wish to cancel your course please return all course material to us within seven days and we will give you a full refund. Please note: This does not apply to online studies. What do I do if I still have questions? For further information please contact us - see our details on the following page. Any More Questions? Call us on 0800 970 9131 7

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Course subjects
A-Levels Anatomy and Physiology Animal Care Aromatherapy Beauty Therapy Bookkeeping and Sage Business Care Child Care Computing and I.T. Construction Criminology and Investigation Electrical Event Management Fashion Design Fitness Foot Health Gardening and Horticulture GCSEs Health and Safety Health and Social Care Interior Design Journalism and Writing Language Law and Politics Make-Up Massage and Physiotherapy Mathematics and Numeracy Mortgage Advisor Nail Technician Nutrition Photography Psychology and Counselling Reflexology Teaching Assistant Travel and Tourism

Call now to speak to an advisor on 0800 970 9131 Contact us

Open Study College 6140 Knights Court Birmingham Business Park Solihull Parkway B37 7WY Freephone: Fax: Web: Email: Opening hours: 0800 970 9131 08444 15 78 77 www.openstudycollege.com info@openstudycollege.com 9am-8pm Monday to Thursday 9am-6pm Friday

www.openstudycollege.com