Teaching is a popular career, but achieving NQT (newly qualified teacher) status isn’t always easy. The time you have to commit to complete the standard PGCE can be too much for some; you may have other work commitments that don’t allow for you to study full-time, or perhaps you don’t want to go back to the student lifestyle. If this is you, then you can always study your PGCE via distance learning online. There will still be fees but with no face-to-face teaching you may not be expected to pay as much as if you were studying your PGCE at university, although institutions do vary so it’s worth checking.

If you’re not looking for information specifically about online PGCEs, see our detailed guide on the standard PGCE.

To find your ideal PGCE course, compare PGCE courses now.

Read our guide on how to become a teacher if you are unsure if you are ready to study a PGCE.

What types of PGCE can I study via Distance Learning?

Online PGCEs can be studied at most or the majority of universities and can be taken either as a full time option or, in a smaller number of cases, as a flexible part time course. Part time courses allow you to study the course over two years at a pace that suits you. While studying at home you will learn the theory of teaching which will be around 50 percent of your course and the other half will involve classroom experience.

You can take a variety of different PGCE courses through Distance Learning on a flexible basis. With secondary school teaching between the ages of 11-16, it is possible to specialise in the specific area of study your expertise lies, for example, if you have a BA Hons in English you could study a PGCE Secondary English (Age Phase 11-16) with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). Courses like this are available if you wish to teach science, design and technology, modern languages, music, business studies or computer science.

Classroom experience

Although the theory part of a PGCE via Distance Learning can be done at home, it is not possible to complete the entire course from the comfort of your own home. To fully complete any PGCE which leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) you must complete a certain number of hours in the classroom, teaching students in your chosen subject or age group. Many universities have links set up with specific schools to which you can apply, but in some circumstances it may be possible to organise teaching at a specific school close to you if you are a good distance from your PGCE provider.

Again your classroom experience can be completed on a flexible basis which you will agree between yourself, your mentor and the partner school in which you are teaching during your studies. For example, you could do this by performing 2 days a week at school every week until enough hours have been accumulated to meet the requirements set out by the exam board – it doesn’t have to be a full time commitment.

You will be expected to attend any on-campus sessions which are part of the flexible course to ensure completion, these will be in the form of teaching mock lessons to other students in the same circumstances as yourself. On some courses this may comprise of just 2 days out of the whole 24 months, although other courses may demand a week of interaction with classmates before you are let loose on the children, imparting your wisdom upon them.

Studying a PGCE Online

Carrying out your PGCE through Distance Learning means that it is difficult to have face-to-face time with lecturers or mentors, but this is where newer technology steps in and makes your life easier. You will often be supported by an individual tutor during the completion of the course that will ensure you receive the right hand-outs, information, and training; they will monitor your work and ensure it is completed to the expected standard. This mentor will also work with you during the development stages during classroom experience, often looking at your lesson plans in depth and ensuring that you are following the curriculum correctly for that year groups school or subject. Some institutions now offer webcam chats with tutors, making your learning environment a little bit less ‘virtual’.

Cost of studying your PGCE through Distance Learning

As with any university course the cost of study will vary between courses and institutions, along with whether you study full or part time. It is important to look at costs for your studies as it can differ if you study on a part time basis, as you often pay for each individual module or term by term.

Take the time to research what is on offer at the different institutions and what is expected of you to complete the course. Plan your time wisely in advance, especially in terms of flexibility between yourself, tutors and partner schools. Be prepared for the hard work too, just because you are studying in your own home, or even at the local coffee shop, it doesn’t mean it will be any less stressful. The PGCE is a very intense course, but extremely rewarding, and studying for it via distance learning makes it possible for those who aren’t able to study at an institution to gain QTS.

Start looking for your PGCE, search now for PGCE courses.

Studying for a degree in Law online or by distance learning offers a flexible route into an industry that offers great starting salaries, employment opportunities and job satisfaction. Learn at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home whilst achieving an internationally recognised qualification. There are many different law qualifications you can achieve through distance learning, in this article we look at the most popular.

Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) Distance Learning

Aimed at graduates of non-law degrees, the Graduate Diploma in Law, or GDL is the stepping stone to becoming a law professional in the UK. By studying for the GDL online, you gain access to all the required information and course materials 24-hours a day and can fit the GDL around any other work or family commitments you may have. Most courses run for two-years and are designed to give you the training you require to convert to a career in law. Whilst the course content often varies between institutions, you could expect to study the Laws of Tort and Contract along with Property, Criminal and Public Law. Once you have completed your GDL distance learning course, you can begin an LPC or BPTC in order to become a fully qualified solicitor or barrister respectively. Read more about law conversion courses.

Search for GDL distance learning courses.

LLB Distance Learning

LLB courses provide students with a qualifying law degree. Upon graduation, you can apply for the Law Practice Course (LPC) or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), which are the vocational training courses that must be undertaken to become a solicitor or barrister. By studying for an LLB online, it allows you extra freedom to continue with work or other commitments. Courses vary in length depending on the course provider, but usually take three to four years to complete. LLB distance learning courses allow you to study at your own pace and are ideal for students who are unable to attend university full-time.

Search for LLB distance learning courses.

LLM Distance Learning

It is now possible to study for an internationally recognised Master of Laws, or LLM qualification online. The course is aimed at those who already hold a professional law degree and usually allows you to specialise in a particular area of the law. There are many courses to choose from, such as LLM in Intellectual Property or LLM in EU Commercial Law, from a wide variety of institutions. An LLM isn’t a qualification in itself to practise law but is an opportunity to gain a specialist knowledge of a particular area of law.

Search for LLM distance learning courses.

LPC Distance Learning

The Legal Practice Course, or LPC is the second stage of your career path to becoming a solicitor. Available to students who have already obtained a qualifying law degree, such as an LLB or completed a conversion course such a the GDL. Studying an LPC online combines all of the benefits of studying for the highly-regarded qualification, with the ease of studying from home in your own time.

Search for LPC distance learning courses.

Studying law degrees online shouldn’t be seen as an easy option, as most will require you to study for several hours every day, including weekends. Whilst it is sometimes possible to juggle commitments, distance learning law degrees take a considerable amount of time and effort to complete. As with all distance learning programmes you will have less exposure to your peer group by learning remotely, this is particularly significant in Law as careers are fiercely competitive, when choosing an online law course look for institutions that provide many opportunities for networking and other face-to-face events.

If you want to become a barrister or solicitor but don’t have a law degree, a law conversion course is essential. The only requirement is that you already have an undergraduate degree.

If you do not have an undergraduate degree and want to study law then you should read our guide on law degrees.

Law Degrees

Law conversion courses allow non-law students to convert to law after undergraduate study. Regardless of the subject gained in their original degree. Most law firms have a fairly equal intake of non-law and law graduates for solicitor roles. Although commercial barrister roles are more usually taken by law graduates.

But does it matter if your first degree is not in law? Not at all. More important than the subject of your first degree is the result you have achieved. Proof that you are able to apply yourself enough to obtain a 2:2 or greater is the only requirement. In Northern Ireland you need a 2:1.

There are a few acronyms that you’ll come across when looking at studying a conversion course in law. Finding a course can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the may acronyms. Here is a handy list to help you:

BPTC – Bar Professional Training Course
BVC – Bar Vocational Course
CPE – Common Professional Examination
GDL – Graduate Diploma in Law
LPC – Legal Practice Course
PDL – Postgraduate Diploma in Law (same as GDL)

Which Law Conversion Course?

There are two main options when it comes to conversion courses. The common professional examination (CPE) and the graduate diploma in law (GDL). Both courses broadly offer the same content as they are aimed at equipping you with the knowledge to start a career in law. It doesn’t matter which of the two courses you choose.

Search CPE Courses Search GDL Courses

These courses are typically one year full time (two years part time or distance) and prepare you for further studies in law. Following the course this will either be the legal practice course (LPC) or the Bar professional training course (BPTC).

If you already hold a good degree (2:2 or higher), you should be able to take the course. A legal career might be something that has always interested you. A conversion course could provide you with the right qualifications that lead to an exciting, rewarding and often very well-paid job.

How to become a Barrister

Why Study a Conversion Course?

Law is necessary to organise and maintain order within society. Studying law allows you to evaluate the nature of human relationships and broaden your general knowledge. Law as a career has the ability to improve the lives of others. Law degrees hold a considerable gravitas in both professional sectors and educational institutions. Studying a conversion course in law is the first step for graduates without a law undergraduate degree.

Once you complete the course, you can train to become a solicitor or barrister. You can also advise businesses on legal issues. Average starting salaries in Law sectors are usually higher than non-Law graduates. A newly qualified solicitor could earn in excess of £40,000, with salaries rising with experience.

What does the course involve?

The GDL will include seven core foundation modules. These will be common across all GDL / CPE courses regardless of the course provider. The foundation modules will usually be:

• contract law
• criminal law
• equity and trusts
• European law
• property / land law
• public law
• tort law

These are common for England and Wales. If you are studying in Scotland or Northern Ireland the foundation modules may differ slightly.

You will also be able to chose at least one more module which may be specific to the university. This can include topics such as legal ethics, immigration law and patent law.

There is a lot of course material to learn. However, if you have been able to achieve at least a 2:2 undergraduate degree this should not pose a problem. Of course good time management skills are essential.

In recent years mooting has become a common part of law courses. What is mooting? Mooting is kind of like debating. It involves the presentation and discussion of an hypothetical legal issue. Excitingly, it will be performed in a court like setting. Yes there will be an opposing counsel and even a judge.

Choosing a Course Provider

When choosing a university it is important to look at the rankings, course content and many other factors. When courses are identical though, as they largely are with theses courses, the decision becomes more difficult. Each of the major providers are generally regarded as equal too. This makes the decision even harder. With no technical differences to pick between, choosing one can come down to personal preference or location.

If you’re struggling to choose between a few courses then it is worth looking at the structure of the course. The way it is delivered can vary between universities.

If you’re looking at a higher ranked law school then you will need a high grade in your undergraduate degree. These institutions will receive more applications and they will be more selective based on first degree results. Work experience in and around the area of law may help if your grades are closer to a 2:2. Don’t let this get you down, the fundamentals of the course will be the same across all course providers.

If you are still struggling to decide then why not visit the institutions and check out the facilities.

Costs & Funding

Costs vary depending on the institution you want to attend. Fees range from £5,000 – £12,000, although the higher price band will usually be for international students.

It may be possible to have your studies funding by a law firm. If you already work at a law firm and are thinking of studying a GDL then it is worth discussing with your employer to see if this can be funded. Alternatively some law firms will sponsor future employees, so it is worth looking out for these opportunities.

To become an architect requires five years of study (full time) and a minimum of two year’s experience.

You will need to complete all of the following steps to become an architect:

• Part 1 – Complete an architecture degree – 3 years.
• 1 year of paid practical experience.
• Part 2 – Complete an advance architecture degree (BArch or MArch) – 2 years.
• 1 year practical experience, under the supervision of an architect.
• Part 3 – qualifying exam.
• Register as an architect.

If you can’t or don’t want to study full time you can become an architect at your own pace. We will discuss this option later in the article.

Architecture combines a balance of art, science, maths and technology. As such architecture is a popular subject. Architecture is one of the most employable degrees.

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Qualified architects often work on a self-employed basis, or in a partnership. This is similar to law firms. However, some do work for larger companies on fixed salaries.

Qualified architects can expect a great variety of work. Specialise in residential architecture or commercial buildings design. Whatever area you decide on, you can be sure of a varied working day.

How long does it take to become an architect?

Becoming an architect isn’t a speedy process. It will take at least seven years to qualify. This includes five years of study split into three parts and a minimum of two years professional experience.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) validate the degrees. Continue reading to find out how to become an architect.

How to Become an Architect

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) regulate the process of becoming an architect. This means that to refer to yourself as an architect you must qualify to a prescribed level. You must follow agreed standards of conduct and practice. Once qualified the ARB will add you to their register.

You will need to complete all of the following steps to become an architect:

• Part 1 – Complete an architecture degree – 3 years.
• 1 year of paid practical experience.
• Part 2 – Complete an advance architecture degree (BArch or MArch) – 2 years.
• 1 year practical experience, under the supervision of an architect.
• Part 3 – qualifying exam.
• Register as an architect.

Part 1

Part 1 requires you to complete a RIBA recognised architecture degree. You can expect this to take 3 years of full-time study.

Some universities may run exchange programs with universities abroad. If this is something you’re interested in be sure to enquire when choosing your university.

The degree will equip you with a broad range of knowledge that you can apply to your practical experience. It is common to take a year out before moving onto part 2. This will allow you to gain a year of paid practical experience. This experience is often known as professional studies, and in some universities will be mandatory. If you wish you can work for longer that one year.

Part 2

Part 2 requires you to undertake another 2 years of full-time study. This time on an advanced architecture course such as a BArch or MArch. Although you will now have a degree you will still be an undergrad during your part 2 study. You can study Part 2 at the same uni you completed part 1, or complete at another uni.

You will require 24 months of practical experience to move onto part 3. This experience must be recorded with and recognised by RIBA. At least 12 months of this experience should be under the direct supervision of an architect.

Part 3

The final part is the final qualifying exam. You will complete this at a RIBA validated course provider. This will include assessments of your practical experience and written and oral exams.

Upon completion of all parts you can then register as an architect. At this point you can also become a Chartered Member of RIBA.

Studying Part-time

Some universities offer part-time RIBA validated course. This means that you can study whilst working and earning money. Obviously this route will take longer than the full-time option.

If you work in a architectural practice but are not qualified then RIBA Studio may be an option. RIBA studio allows you to complete Part 1 and Part 2 alongside your current work in practice.

Studying Architecture

The study of architecture differs to the study of other subjects. You will study design modules in studios. Whilst ‘crits’ (critiques) will form a crucial part of your study. The crit involves you presenting your design work to your tutors for feedback. This is perhaps the most important part of your time as a student.

Architecture students attend lectures, seminars and tutorials. Field trips to interesting and important buildings are also common.

Certain institutions offer work-based learning modules. This allows students to gain the practical experience that employers value. Other unis may offer specialist subjects to study. This allows students to excel in areas such as town planning or sustainability. Universities do differ in the teaching style. No more so than when it comes to architecture. This makes researching different institutions offerings very important. Attending open days is a great way of finding which courses are best suited to you. Studying architecture and becoming an architect can be a long process, but the rewards are worthwhile.

Read more about Architecture Degrees

Entry Requirements

Architecture is a subject not commonly studied before degree level. Many believe that it doesn’t matter what previous experience or skills you hold. Architecture is in fact related to a variety of subjects. Experience and a good grades in maths, science and art are ideal. Most universities require you to provide a portfolio of your work. Showing your ability to draw freehand and create 3D models will be beneficial. If you have experience with computer aided design (CAD) make this known. Your portfolio is the most important part of your application.

Requirements vary but heavy relevance will be placed on A levels results. Most universities will look at GCSE and AS levels. English and maths results will be important. Some schools of architecture recognise further education and work experience. Particularly for mature students who may not hold the prerequisites.

Universities will invite you to an interview. Interview questions can be daunting, so read our guide to postgraduate interviews. Be sure to discuss architects design you admire.

Applicants to ‘Part 2’ need to hold a good degree in architecture and RIBA Part 1. Institutions will require you to demonstrate your talent as a designer. You will be asked to attend an interview if successful. You will need to bring your portfolio. This should include a wide range of work from undergraduate level.

Start your journey to becoming an architect now.

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