Correspondence and online courses

BPP Professional Education

• We have over 15 years' experience in delivering qualifications.
• Courses start every few weeks.
• We have a national team of highly experienced tutors, who have worked in practice or industry.
• Industry-leading learning materials, all included in the cost of your course.
• Online learning resources, including virtual 24/7 support, meaning you can study at a time and place that suits you.
• All levels of the AAT qualification are offered.

How is distance learning delivered?

Our BPP Basics Plus package gives you a combination of online and physical learning materials. These include a Study Programme, Study Text and excellent Revision tools. You’ll also have access to authors for any technical queries.

Books are provided by post, and support is available via an online classroom.

Benefits of distance learning

With BPP, distance learning is a dynamic, interactive experience. You will have a designated tutor for the duration of the course, access to online lectures recorded by specialist academics and practitioners, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to interact with other classmates through online forums and email.

Our MyStudy platform provides more focussed topic support for each Learning and Assessment area.

Support offered

Tutor support is provided via an online classroom where you can meet your tutor. As a BPP distance learner you have a direct email and telephone line to your tutor, including topic-specific email addresses.

Costs

Different fees apply according to the level of study and the level of tuition support provided. Apprenticeship Funding is available to eligible students at this training provider, find out more online.

Sitting assessments

All distance learners can take computer based exams at BPP regional training providers - you can sit your exam at a convenient time for you and in the comfort of BPP's modern and relaxed facilities.

For more information visit the BPP website.

Eagle Education and Training

• A leading provider of AAT home study courses for students in the UK and overseas.
• Highly recommended by students and employers - training techniques to help you develop knowledge, skills and abilities to help you excel rapidly in your career.
• Courses are carefully designed by highly qualified experts, who have developed a thorough understanding of how people learn and what employers in the profession look for.
• Provide the widest variety of learning tools currently available, using a combination of traditional and modern training techniques and technologies.
• Training to help you stand out in a competitive employment market.
• Home study courses are completely flexible, you can start anytime and progress at your own pace.

How is distance learning delivered?

Study materials are sent by post and email. Providing a carefully selected a range of learning tools (traditional and modern) to target a range of learning styles - you can learn in your preferred way. A combination of listening, looking and doing creates a lasting impression; what you learn becomes more memorable.

Benefits of distance learning

As a student, you are paired up with a mentor for the duration of your studies. We have also created our very own Accounting Study Buddies. They are paper-based guided learning resources, especially created by highly skilled teachers and accountants for home learners.

• They guide you through the syllabus, engaging you in enjoyable, varied activities to enable you to learn more easily in bite size chunks.
• The subject material is presented simply, clearly and concisely which helps you gain a thorough understanding of the more challenging areas of the syllabus.
• They provide structure; keep you focused, interested and motivated.

Support offered

You can contact our tutors by phone and by email at specified times. Our team all have different skills, knowledge and personal attributes and they are eager to share a wealth of practical accounting and business experience to help you achieve your ultimate goal; improved career prospects.

Costs

Prices start from £649 and you can find out more about what's included online.

Sitting assessments

We arrange for students to sit computer based assessments, and assess computer based projects in accordance with AAT's policy.

For more information visit the Eagle Education website.

Kaplan Financial

• Home study courses are totally flexible allowing you to study at a pace and place to suit you.
• Each course is highly successful, with excellent pass rates.
• As a student you will benefit from Kaplan’s dedicated tutor support, assessors and Kaplan Publishing exam focussed study materials.
• The courses offer superb value for money.
• All distance learning courses include Kaplan Publishing study materials at no extra cost.

How is distance learning delivered?

Courses combine distance learning with revision, and a wide range of high quality online resources to get you ready for the computer based tests. 

Study materials also come in an online text format assessed through the Kaplan EN-gage site, so you can flick through the material on your computer as easily as reading a book.

Benefits of distance learning

• Excellent pass rates - in June 2010, 84% Kaplan Distance Learning students passed their exams. We’re so confident that you’ll pass, that in the unlikely event that you fail an exam, your tutor support will be extended to the next exam sitting free of charge.
• Flexible learning - Kaplan team can create a personalised work programme to fit perfectly with your life.
• AAT approved study materials - a complete range of exam focused study materials, including study text pocket notes packed with examples of questions.
• Experience - Kaplan Distance Learning students have access to our experienced team, who have 25 years combined experience of supporting students studying from home.

Support offered

• Dedicated support - access to expert tutors and customer service staff to answer any questions and provide personal feedback on your progress.
• Online resources - anytime access to an innovative range of online study resources, with cutting edge learning tool Kaplan EN-gage.
• Kaplan Interact - your very own online community for tips and help with tricky questions, and the chance to chat with tutors and other learners just like you.

All distance learning and online students are supported by our dedicated team of highly experienced tutors who are available during the following times:

• Monday to Thursday - from 08.30-17.00 and 19.00-22.00
• Friday - 08.30-17.00
• Saturday -10.00-13.00

Students can contact tutors by phone and email during these times.

Costs

Distance learning courses start from £115 per unit (excluding postage).

Online learning courses start from £145 per unit.

Discounts of up to £70 are available when a complete stage is ordered (which includes all units for a level) - a £70 discount is applied if complete stage is ordered via the Kaplan website.

Sitting assessments

Computer based tests can be sat at any of the 28 Kaplan centres in the UK, just contact your nearest centre for details of how to book your test.

Computer based projects can be sat at any Kaplan centre or your workplace, just contact the Distance Learning team for more information.

For more information visit the Kaplan website.

Premier Training Centre

• We specialise in home study accountancy courses.
• You can start your training at any time of the year.
• If you enrol between Monday and Thursday before 15.00, your course study materials will arrive the next day, including Saturday.
• Assignments are online, so you can get familiarised with this testing format, with marking service and prompt tutor feedback.
• You also have instant and direct access to tutors, and their support is highly recommended - see AAT forums for feedback.
• IT specialists are available to help you with any technical difficulties.

How is distance learning delivered?

Study materials are sent by post and email - you will receive study books, revision tools and help notes. You will also receive audio presentations and study aids when you enrol, along with a structured timetable to keep you motivated and targeted throughout the course.

Benefits of distance learning

• Experienced and qualified personal tutor with instant and direct access during opening times.
• Personal course advisor for extra guidance and support.
• Guides to reinforce learning and to help prepare for online assessments.
• Mock exams and interactive tests with comprehensive tutor feedback.
• You will be paired up with a mentor for the duration of their studies.
• Access to Premier Training online student resource centre.

Support offered

As a student, you can contact tutors by phone and email Monday to Friday, and late evenings Tuesday to Thursday until 20.00.

Costs

You may spread the cost over four interest free monthly instalments.

Sitting Assessments

Once you have registered as a student, we advise you to use the Find an assessment venue search tool (available to members logged in to MyAAT) to find suitable venues for your assessments. We assess computer based projects and are involved in the assessment and feedback of these learning assessment areas.

Find out more on the Premier Training website.

Aplus Distance Learning

• We have been training accountants since 1984, and the AAT qualification since 1992.
• Our close involvement with the accountancy profession allows us to provide careers and job hunting advice in addition to our training support.

How is distance learning delivered?

• On enrolment we will email you a welcome pack that includes an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), a Home Learning Support Guide and log on details and password to our virtual learning environment (Moodle).
• Your personal tutor will then phone you to discuss your plans and amend your ILP dates to suit your personal circumstances.
• You will receive comprehensive study materials covering the knowledge and skills required for the course. These include supporting materials for our virtual learning environment (Moodle), interactive presentations, games and additional accounting activities plus our unique virtual reception and virtual office.
• We provide a tutor help-line via phone or email and can arrange contact by Skype if needed;
• We provide a series of progress tests and practice assessments to submit for marking and feedback as you progress through the qualification.

Benefits of distance learning

You can start your course at any time of the year and sit your exams when you feel ready for them. You can plan your studies around your life, not ours, and fast-track or slow-track to suit your learning needs. Distance learners who live locally to us can also attend the centre for face to face guidance.

Support offered

• A personal tutor is allocated to each student - they will contact you after enrolment to touch base, agree a contact process (i.e. how regularly to contact you and how and when is best for you) and to tailor your learning plan to your needs.
• Your ILP will include target dates for the submission of progress tests and mock exams, which we will mark and provide tutor feedback for those areas on which you need to work.
• As well as having online learning materials, we have a tracking system that monitors your progress and achievements - this can be accessed by tutors, you and your employer (if supporting your studies).
• We provide a tutor helpline by phone or email until 9.00pm on most evenings, except Fridays. We can also, by prior arrangement, provide phone or email support over the weekend.

Costs

Prices start at £649 incl VAT (or £350 for the Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping). Refer to the Aplus website for a useful summary of all costs for each level, including exam fees and membership fees. Payment of course fees can be made by standing order in order to spread the cost for you. Discounts may be available to eligible learners for whom we are able to draw down either Apprenticeship or non-Apprenticeship funding.

Sitting assessments

When you enrol, we will help you find a test centre close to you that accepts external candidates, through our growing number of relationships with providers across the country and through AAT’s centres.

For more information visit the Aplus website.

Gold Edge Training

• Our tutors have over 14 years’ experience in delivering the AAT qualifications.
• Enrolment is continuous throughout the year.
• We provide both pastoral and technical support for an inclusive learner journey.
• Every lesson is interactively assessed to monitor knowledge and understanding.
• You can try a free trial before you enrol.
• We offer personal tutor support for an effective study partnership.

How is Distance Learning Delivered?

Our courses are delivered online using the latest materials and are accompanied by support from your own personal tutor.  Each study plan is delivered in a stepped approach for ease of learning, and concludes with an instantly marked knowledge assessment. Exam practice questions are integrated from week one of the course, and each course is concluded by a 3 stage integrated revision. The final stage offers you a number of exam familiarisation opportunities with instant marking and feedback.

In addition, we offer a gallery of extra resources that are designed to broaden your understanding of the wider aspects of accounting and finance.

Benefits of Distance Learning

Online learning is an extended virtual classroom offering peer contact as well as tutor support. You can interact with other learners by arranging study groups or linking with study buddies through the student forum.

• Distance learning allows you to be a unique learner.
• Your tutor support is focused on you and your needs.
• Courses are structured to give study guidance & totally flexible to fit your commitments.
• Distance learning means we support your lead, you decide where, when & how you study.

Support Offered

We have advisors trained to support you before enrolment, and during study you have open access to your personal tutor via phone, email and the virtual learning environment. You can also pre-arrange face to face tutorials.

Costs

Prices vary for each level and we regularly offer discounted promotions. Fees can be paid by instalment at no extra cost.

Sitting Exams

We locate your assessment centre for you from the many regional centres available. We try where possible to locate more than one centre to increase your choice of exam dates. Exam dates are usually available on a monthly basis.

For more information visit the Gold Edge Training website.

Home Learning College

How is distanc​e learning delivered?

With distance learning there are no face-to-face classes. This is ideal if you have a busy life and prefer to study at home - or anywhere else you fancy - at a time that suits you best. Home Learning College website has forums, a notice board and FAQs for students to access, and their VLC (Virtual Learning Community) has a wide range of learning materials. Books are provided by post, with a digital version on VLC, and assessments can be used by the student and tutor to assess knowledge and understanding.

Benefits of distance learning

Distance learning offers a number of clear benefits over a traditional course:

• Progress at your own pace
• Plan your studies around your work, family and friends
• Start at any point in the year - no need to wait until the next academic term
• Take a break and resume your studies without falling behind
• Why tie yourself to attending classes when you can enjoy greater flexibility and gain your new professional qualification your way?

Support offered

Tutor support is provided by phone, email and VLC. When you are ready to sit your computer based assessments, a ‘mock’ version can be taken in preparation which will be marked by your tutor.

Costs

Prices vary at each level - discounts are applied if you enrol for Levels 2 & 3 or 3 & 4 together, and you receive 20% off if you pay in full. Flexible payment plans are also available to spread costs over 24 months.

Sitting assessments

When you are ready to sit an assessment, the Home Learning College will find a venue and organise your computer based project (LearnPlus).

For more information visit the Home Learning College website.