Frequently Asked Questions

The majority of students enrolled with KLC have not taken an open learning course before and it can be daunting. The following questions and answers are aimed to give an understanding of the mechanics of studying from home, and if you have any other questions then please do not hesitate to contact one of our course advisors.

• How do I apply for an Open Learning course?
• Can I examine the course materials without fully committing?
• When can I start the course and how long will it take?
• How long will it take for my course to arrive?
• Do I need to be artistic / good at sketching?
• Will I be able to learn technical drawing?
• Is the student allowed to telephone, email or write to the tutor, and ask questions
  about the subject being studied?
• Can I attend the School if I need help with my studies?
• How do I know how well I am doing?
• How long does it take for work to be returned to me?
• Do I get a certificate if I reach the required standard?
• Is KLC accredited?

How do I apply for an Open Learning course?

There are no formal entry requirements for KLC’s Open Learning Courses, although a reasonable standard of English language is necessary. All we ask is for commitment, enthusiasm and a desire to learn. There are two ways to enrol - simply telephone 020 7376 3377 with your credit card details or enrol online.

Can I examine the course materials without fully committing?

KLC offers a money-back guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your course materials, you can return them to the school (in pristine condition) within 28 days of your enrolment and KLC will refund all fees paid.

When can I start the course and how long will it take?

The wonderful thing about open learning is its flexibility. You can begin whenever you like and take as long as you like. The only deadline is for submission of your first set of work which has to be done within 18 months of enrolment. After that you can take as long as you need to complete the course.

How long will it take for my course to arrive?

Your course materials will usually be dispatched 48 hours from receipt of your completed enrolment form via a secure delivery system (requiring a signature) and take about 10-14 days to arrive. They consist of a binder containing the printed course material plus a Welcome leaflet which will explain exactly how to go about your studies, including how to activate your online student account and access all the online facilities. Once you are enrolled you will find the student handbook can be downloaded from the student support services area on the KLC website.

Do I need to be artistic / good at sketching?

Please be reassured that you don't need to be a great artist in order to successfully complete the course!  As part of your course you will be required to keep a personal reflective journal which is similar to a working sketchbook and this will be graded along with your other project work. You won't lose marks if sketching isn't your strong point as we are looking for the communication of ideas rather than pure artistic ability. However, it is well worth practising your sketching during the course as it is a very useful design skill. Although many students are concerned about this at the outset of the course they have found that with practice they have surprised themselves with what they can do by the end! If you feel that you would like extra help with freehand drawing/sketching, we do offer a one-week 'Freehand Drawing' course that you might be interested in.

Will I be able to learn Technical Drawing?

Technical drawing is extremely important, and you will be marked and assessed on this. However, this type of drawing does not require artistic skill and it is fully covered in the course. By technical drawing, we mean the production of measured drawings, drawn to scale including plans and elevations - there are some good examples on our website.

Is the student allowed to telephone, email or write to the tutor, and ask questions about the subject being studied?

The KLC open learning team are available Monday to Friday, 9.00 am – 5.30pm to respond to your course queries by phone or email. Our maximum response time is usually one working day and we endeavour to respond to students as soon as possible.

Can I attend the school if I need help with my studies?

You can come in to the school for a one-to-one tutorial, whereby your distance learning study is supported by tutorials at our design studios at Chelsea Harbour. These are one hour sessions with one of our tutors on a one-to-one basis, providing professional guidance on a student’s work. Students can also take any of the short courses offered by KLC and open learning students will get a discount on these.

How do I know how well I am doing?

The study materials include self-assessed test papers and exercises to help you absorb lessons and prepare for projects. There is also project work for each stage of the course, which must be submitted to the college for assessment by a specialist tutor.  This will be returned to you with in-depth feedback on the marking tutor's assessment sheet, which will show you where you have done well and where there is room for improvement. You will also receive a grade for each set of work.

How long does it take for work to be returned to me?

We usually return students’ work within 4-5 weeks of receiving it.

Do I get a certificate if I reach the required standard?

Provided your work reaches the required standard, you will be awarded the Diploma or Certificate applicable to the course you have taken. Your overall diploma grade will be based on your marks throughout the course.

Is KLC accredited?

Yes!  KLC is accredited by the Open & Distance Learning Quality Council (ODLQC). The accreditation procedure carried out every three years includes rigorous assessment of the college’s administrative and tutorial methods, educational materials and publicity. You can contact the ODLQC on 020 7612 7090 or visit their website at www.odlqc.org.uk if you need an independent opinion about KLC.