Studying Online Courses

Studying an online course might sound lonely, but it isn’t! Once you have signed up for our online courses, our system allows you to be in frequent contact with your course tutor and you will also make friends online via the student forum. Online learning is a whole new world to explore and don’t forget we're only a phone call away.

Our main aim is to help you enjoy your online learning experience and to successfully complete your online course. You are appointed a tutor for the duration of your course. Tutors will:

• Help you understand the course content
• Assess your progress on the course, through assignments
• Provide you with written feedback on your assignments
• Help you with learning online and course-related challenges

Your tutor is available for a specified number of hours per week. These details will be included in your online courses' introductory pack.

Online Learning – Choosing your Course

The task of choosing an online course can be daunting. Our dedicated course advisors are happy to assist when you are trying to decide upon a course of study. We have helped thousands of people to qualify for their chosen career enabling us to understand the kind of support you need – from choosing your online course to helping you with any aspect of you online learning experience. You can also download the distance learning prospectus or click one of the links on the left to see detailed course information at our dedicated distance learning centre.

Online Learning Introductory Pack

When you sign up for a distance learning course you will receive an introductory pack in the post to guide you through your studies. The materials in this pack vary from course to course and may include the following:

• Handbooks – specially written and designed to guide you through your studies.
• Textbooks – to complement your online course notes.
• CD-ROMs which may include information resources or interactive exercises.
• Online learning Study Guide - our "Guide to studying with Portobello Institute Distance Learning" covers the main points to remember when studying with Portobello Institute. This will be available on the online learning centre.

Extra Costs Associated with Online Learning

Apart from the cost of the online course itself (please see individual online courses which can be accessed at our Distance Learning Centre) the only extra things you may need to budget for are a computer to download notes and travel to tutorials if required. You will also be responsible for any telephone or internet service provider charges your ISP or phone company may make.

Attending Weekend Seminars

Some of the online courses require you to attend weekend seminars as required by each course. These seminars are held on a Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 4pm and are held on more than one occasion per year so you may choose the dates that are most convenient to you. All details of forthcoming seminars relevant to your chosen area of online learning will be available on the online learning centre when you log in.

Completing Practical Hours

Some of the online courses require you to undertake work experience and specify a certain number of practical hours to be undertaken. These may be completed at a time and location convenient to you. Your course tutor will be available to advise you if you have difficulty organising a practical placement.

Entry Requirements for Distance Learning

Portobello Institute Distance Learning does not place any formal previous academic requirements on candidates. There is a lower age limit of 17 and no upper age limit. However, some FETAC accredited courses do have specific entry requirements. Please see individual online course profiles for details.