| There are several questions that need to be | | | | in a variety of fields from Humanities to |
| asked when thinking of doing a distance learning | | | | Engineering. |
| course in Ireland. | | | | Oscail |
| What type of qualification will I get? | | | | Perhaps the Irish version of the Open University |
| Distance Learning through a recognised education | | | | but on a much smaller scale, Oscail was set up |
| provider generally works on a modular basis. This | | | | and is accredited by Dublin City University. They |
| means that for every module or section of a | | | | currently offer diplomas and degrees in Nursing, |
| course you study, you receive credits. Once you | | | | Arts, Science and IT, in addition to some post |
| have achieved a sufficient amount of credits you | | | | graduate options. |
| will be awarded a Certificate, Diploma or Degree. | | | | Universities |
| The level of qualification you achieve and the | | | | Many Universities now offer some Distance |
| length of time it takes is up to you. You could | | | | Learning options as part of their adult learning |
| work towards a degree over 3 or 4 years, or | | | | programmes. NUIG for example, offers a Diploma |
| simply study subjects that appeal to you on a | | | | Degree in Social Care (amongst others), while the |
| more leisurely basis. | | | | National College or Ireland, offers a Degree in |
| Distance Learning Providers | | | | Human Resource Management. If there is a |
| Since Adult Education has become a booming | | | | specific course you are interested in, your local |
| business in Ireland, there are now more Distance | | | | University is often a good first port of call. |
| Learning colleges and courses available than ever | | | | Private Colleges |
| before. Some of the more mainstream providers | | | | There are a number private learning colleges in |
| are as follows: | | | | Ireland, offering a whole range of courses and |
| The Open University | | | | options. Some like the College of Progressive |
| Probably the best known, and for a long time the | | | | Education are specialised in the type of courses |
| only provider of Distance Learning, the Open | | | | they offer (Childcare/Montessori), while others |
| University offers over 600 courses in a variety of | | | | such as Kilroy's College offer a much wider range |
| areas. Recognised worldwide, courses are available | | | | of options. |