My Tips for Studying At Home with the NCC Home Learning

A couple of months ago I started a home learning course with the NCC. My chosen subject was Creative Writing because it’s something I’ve always wanted to learn more about. The NCC has over 350 learning courses though, so I’m sure there is something there for everyone.

Have you ever considered a home learning course? It’s a great way of topping up your education or learning something completely new without the commitment of attending a college or class on a regular basis. It’s useful if you are working and don’t have the time, or you have young children at home.You get to choose when and where you complete your work.

You can choose whether the course you do will help you in your career, or guide you into a new career, or even just open up your knowledge of something you’ve always wanted to know. There are so many new things to learn from A levels to Accounting, Beauty Therapy to genealogy, Teaching Assistant to Photography, the possibilities are almost endless.

The NCC have over 20 years experience in adult education and offer accredited courses from bodies such as the NCFE, Training Qualifications UK, ABC, SAGE and Ascentis. They offer excellent tutor support to their students too.

You can split your payment for your chosen course over six months with a deposit as low as £35. You then receive your course materials and the help of your tutor for 12 months, although this may be extended for some courses. If you find the course cheaper anywhere else the NCC will price match it.

So what does it take to complete a home study course? I’m already familiar with the set up as I completed a degree with the Open University at home. Things were a bit different back then as computer access was not quite the same as it is today and most people did not have home PCs. I did all my work on a typewriter and spoke to my tutor by phone or at regular meetings. Exchanges were made by post rather than e-mail. (I bet I sound really old now!) There are some things that remain the same though and I’ve put together a short list.

Tips for Studying at Home

• Establish a routine – this is very important. You need to be able to exercise some self-discipline and keep to a routine to get the work completed on time. It’s easier having to attend lessons, at home you have to be firm with yourself. The challenge does become easier with time as your establish your routine.
• Work out your timetable – This can often be easier for working at home, you can choose whether you work better in the morning or the evening. Or work out your timetable against your existing commitments. It’s best to complete your work when you know you can give it the time it deserves and when your brain is most active or engaged.
• Take a break – It’s best to work in short but frequent sessions rather than trying to cram everything in. You need to take regular breaks and make sure you get up and take a walk or a stretch. Taking breaks make you feel rejuvenated when you return to your study.
• Ask for help – working at home can be lonely and you don’t get the input from other students. If you need help there is always someone you can ask, whether it’s your tutor or an online forum. Don’t be afraid, just ask.
• Set Goals – This helps you work to a time frame and makes sure you get your studies completed on time, They can also help to keep you motivated. It’s important to make sure your goals are realistic, measurable and within your control

Disclosure: I am completing my NCC course free of charge in return for my blog posts.