FAQs

Q) How many assignments are there in the course?

A) The number of assignments will vary from course to course.  As a guide the list below shows the number of assignments in some of our most popular courses:

Each assignment will have between 3 – 5 questions on average.

Q) How will I contact my tutor?

A) You can contact your tutor at any time through our online helpdesk at www.mydistance-learning-college.com/helpdesk

Q) How will I submit my assignments for marking?

A) We have a dedicated student portal in which to submit your assignments.  When you enrol on your course, you will be sent an email with your login details for this system.

Q) I am looking for an NVQ 3 in Health and Social Care – what is the difference between this and your Level 3 Health and Social Care course?

Good question! There is a great deal of confusion. For a start, an NVQ Level 3 in a particular subject, often has an equivalent NCFE-accredited qualification at the same level. However, an NCFE Level 3 qualification may not have an NVQ associated with it. This is because, although both hold the same academic weight status for the achiever, the NVQ has to be taken in an employment situation. In other words, it is more job-related than subject matter-related. This is why many NVQ's are much more expensive than similar qualifications obtained the distance-learning or home study route. Indeed, because of their "vocational" nature, it is impossible to obtain an NVQ entirely through distance-learning or online study. In contrast, an NCFE qualification at the same level is much more affordable and CAN be completed from home, in your spare time, and away from the workplace.

 The simple answer to the question is therefore that there is no difference in terms of the impact either can have on your career, but an NVQ must be done in the workplace, and is therefore much more expensive, less fun, and less flexible.  Hope it helps!

What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept payment by credit / debit card either through our secure online checkout, or for telephone orders.  We can only accept cheques from businesses.  Sorry, but we do not accept postal orders.

Who are NCFE?

NCFE are the awarding body.  For more information, please visit their website

What is the National Counselling Society?

The National Counselling Society is a professional body for counsellors.  For more information, please visit their website

Q) How long do my responses to questions need to be?

A) There is no set word count for most questions although there are many issues to consider here. Think about the level of the course you are studying, the higher the level the more detail you need to put into your responses.  Your tutor needs to see that you have understood the question fully and you have thought of the answer from more than one angle.

Q) Can I submit more than one assignment at a time?

A) No.  Your tutor needs to see that you are taking any feedback from them into consideration when receiving your next assignment and they cannot be sure of this if you have submitted more than one assignment. The system will not allow you to submit your next piece of work until feedback is received for your prior submission.

Q) What about volunteering? When should I apply?

A) Students are advised to apply as soon as possible due to the limited amount of places available to those studying through MyDistance Learning College. Applications to volunteer will be considered on a first come first served basis.

Q) How should I format my assignments?

A) Please use 1.5 line spacing, with your name, student number and address at the top of the first page of your assignment. Should these details not be provided your work will not be marked. Please also send all work in Microsoft Word format.

 Q) I haven't received my feedback yet! How come?

A) Please allow up to 10 working days to receive your feedback. If you haven't after this time then please submit a ticket. Reasons for it not being marked could be because you didn’t include your student details or you sent your work in a format other than Microsoft word.

Q) My tutor support is going to expire soon, what are my options?

A) You will need to pay to extend your tutor support for another year.  Please contact your tutor for details on how to pay. 

Q) How does the grading system work?

A) Each assignment you submit is given either a ‘PASS’ or ‘REFER’ mark. The feedback you receive for each assignment will explain what you have done well, and – if the assignment has been referred – give details of what areas need improving. An assignment that has been referred will need to be resubmitted in order for you to be awarded a ‘PASS’ grade, and you can contact your tutor if you need assistance. All assignments for your course must have been awarded a ‘PASS’ grade in order for you to complete your course and receive your certificate.

Q) I am unsure of what is being asked by a particular question.

A) Contact your tutor with exactly what you are finding difficult (including the question) and they will be happy to expand on what is required. This is not to say the answers will be given but some suggestions may be offered.

Q) How should I reference my work?

A) The best assignments will reference books, journals or other resources that you have read. This can indicate that you have a broad understanding of the subject in hand. A guide to referencing can be found in the ‘Resources’ section on the student portal.

Q) Have you got another copy of the study guide for me?

A) Yes, a copy of the study guide can be obtained from 'Resources' section on the student portal.

Q) I cannot get full access to the feedback system

A) Sometimes we need to update the system or add new features to it, although this is very beneficial for everyone in the long run, occasionally you may get some unexpected errors. If you do receive an error or message, for example "I'm sorry but our records show that you have not kept up with your payments for the course as agreed." or " Your tutor support time has expired" and you believe this to be an error, please submit a ticket and we will look into this as quickly as possible.

Q) I have completed my course when will I receive my certificate?

A) Once your tutor has received all of your work, they will then need to send it off. Once received, your tutor's work is checked and then the request for your certificate and qualification is made. This process usually takes 8 – 10 weeks.