Frequently asked questions
Open Learning interior design courses
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 you 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?
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. You can simply telephone 020 7376 3377 with your credit card
details or you can can enrol on-line.
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 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 that it is completely flexible. You can begin whenever
you like and take as long as you like.
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. There is also a Student Handbook, which will explain exactly how to go about your studies. 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! You will be required to keep a sketchbook, but this will not be formally marked or graded - we just want to see that you have been practising your drawing, making observations, keeping pictures from magazines etc that have inspired you, and noting down your ideas. You won't lose marks if sketching isn't your strong point. Many students are concerned about this at the outset of the course, and have found that with practice they have surprised themselves with what they can do by the end! However, your creativity, attention to detail and presentation skills will be of more importance when it comes to working in design. If you feel that you would like extra help with the artistic side of things, 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 will be fully covered in the course. By technical drawing, we mean measuring drawings done to scale like 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?
KLC Staff are available (Monday to Friday, 9.00 am – 5.30pm) to rapidly respond to any course queries by phone or email. Our maximum response time is usually one working day, but 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. These are at an additional cost to your courses fees. This does not, of course, preclude these students attending Workshops or visiting our annual Exhibition of Students’ Work. It is possible for students to come in and look at examples of work, by appointment but we can not guarantee there will be a tutor available to talk to them.
HOW DO I KNOW HOW WELL I AM DOING?
The study materials come complete with 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 21 days 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 an average of your marks throughout the course.
IS KLC ACCREDITED?
Yes! KLC is accredited by the Open & Distance Learning Quality Council. 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.
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