I fancy making some steps toward a career change and as an initial step I am toying with the idea of doing an A-Level in Geology (also to help get use to studying again).

Has anyone done this via distance learning? Was it worth it? Any recommendations for who to do the course with?

I have found this lot:

Craven College

This place is very good (or used to be): https://www.nec.ac.uk/course-categories/a-levels

Thanks, I’ve just had a look. They don’t do a Geology option, although the Geography options looks good. However, I do already have a Geography A-Level, albeit taken many years ago.

If it’s just getting used to studying again you might want to try a MOOC course – I personally like Coursera, but it’s by no means the only one out there. Not an A-Level, but they are (generally) free and would certainly help you build study habits in a gentle, risk-free way.

Quick check through their catalog brings up this one: https://www.coursera.org/course/earth – it’s not currently running, but should give you an idea of what’s available.

Not geology, but possibly of interest and starting soon:
https://www.coursera.org/course/oceansolutions

Edit: quick Google, this one is self-paced (which I don’t like, I prefer a deadline to keep me honest) but ideal subject matter: http://www.allversity.org/courses/basic-geology

Thanks for the suggestions but I would prefer to keep it to a recognised qualification, if possible.

Thanks for the suggestions but I would prefer to keep it to a recognised qualification, if possible.

Fully understand, I was suggesting them more as a way to start studying again, working out how to fit it into daily life etc – all habits that will be very necessary when you start to do a formal qualification.

Thanks Mo, that is certainly an option an d really depends on the cost.

Going back to school is amazing, the best thing I’ve ever done. I wish you the best of luck with your studies, at times it will be hard at times but stick at it and you’ll love it.

I did a degree by distance learning. It takes a lot of discipline to come home after work and start working again however it was worth it to have the qualification.

This was before I had children and there is no way I would have the time to do it now. Check how many hours the provider suggests you need to put in and see if it fits with your other commitments. Other than that I would recommend it as a method of learning. My provider is construction related so no Geology options.