Distance learning

Study online, your way.

Break free from the commitments of on-campus degree study, pursue a career you're passionate about or advance your current specialism. 

This flexible study option lets you work at times which suit you as well connect with an online community worldwide. 

Distance learning at University of Staffordshire

Distance learning is the modern and flexible way to study a degree without attending the University. You’ll have the same status as on-campus students, gain the same qualification and be able to attend the graduation ceremony.

You'll be taught by expert lecturers and be fully supported by our distance learning course leaders through video conferencing, e-mail and SMS, so you’ll never be too far away from a helping hand.

All the learning materials you need will be available online including lectures, recordings and course material. You’ll also be able to join lively debates with your tutors and fellow students.

A great option for flexible learning

Study when and where you want without needing to attend the University.

Obtain a recognised and respected qualification

Distance learning qualifications are equal value to campus-based certificates.

Be fully supported and connected

Personal tutors and the student wellbeing team are on hand, and you can connect with the online learning community.

Distance learning courses

We offer undergraduate, postgraduate taught and research distance learning degrees, our specific course pages will tell you more about course content.

Undergraduate distance learning

Postgraduate taught distance learning

Postgraduate research distance learning

Study your way

Distance learning

Distance learning allows you to study entirely online so you can fit it around your personal and work life. You'll learn through online lectures, course materials and have access to a virtual learning platform and lots of resources. You'll collaborate with other students online in discussion boards and class chats where you can share ideas and experience.

Blended learning

Blended learning is a flexible option where you’ll study through a mix of both on-campus and virtual learning, supported by independent study.

Part-time study

Fit your studies around your life. Part-time learning allows you to study the same high-quality course at a slower pace, making it beneficial for those with life commitments and want to get a degree over a longer period of time.

Your next steps

Distance learning courses

We offer undergraduate, postgraduate taught and research distance learning degrees, our specific course pages will tell you more about course content.

Undergraduate distance learning

Postgraduate taught distance learning

Postgraduate research distance learning

Learn more about distance learning

You may have lots of questions about the online learning experience and we're here to help. Explore more about distance learning or chat to a student to find out more. 

DL feature box

How you'll learn

An overview of how you'll learn as an online students and FAQs
An illustration of a woman holding an umbrella over a sad man and offering comfort over phone communication

Student support

We're committed to supporting distance learners, whether you need personal advice or one-on-one learning support
DL feature 2

Is distance learning for me?

Find out more about the benefits of distance learning and advice

What our students say

The distance and financial cost of having to get to travel to university wouldn’t have worked for me, so to be able to do it from home was a huge pull. I wouldn’t have done this MA were it not for that fact that I could do it at home. The online library is a brilliant resource. Most of my dissertation was put together using resources form the online library. You also get to know people. That's what’s really interesting about distance learning, is that there’s a platform you can use to get to know each other which you would normally do in a classroom if you were physically based on campus.

Robert Trigg

MA International Relations graduate

Distance learning is extremely effective for those unable to commit to a regular location. The pace and content of my course were excellent and very engaging for someone like me, who’d been away from higher education for over two decades. My initial doubts as to whether I could return to postgraduate learning were soon overcome and I became part of a great community of distance learners. 

I can’t recommend Staffs enough to those thinking of a studying ‘from a distance’.

Ricardo Winkworth

MA International History graduate

Remote facilities

Support for distance learners

Studying remotely doesn't mean that you will be left to study alone. Which is why we ensure that however you study with us, you'll still be able to access the same services as our on-campus students. Read more

However you study with us, or wherever in the world you’re based, you’ll still be able to access the same services as our on-campus students, including IT and study support, online library, careers and wellbeing service. We’ll help to connect with other online learners to help you get the most out of your learning experience and feel a part of the community. Find out more: Support for distance learners

Blackboard (VLE)

Blackboard is a virtual learning environment which houses your learning content. It enables online teaching/learning, provides spaces to build online communities and knowledge sharing.

Off-campus library services

Distance learners benefit from a range of services including access to e-books, postal loans of physical books, online support from subject librarians and more. Read more

Library services and learning resources

We offer an extensive range of library services to our off-campus students and help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our comprehensive online catalogue of eResources are available for you to search for and access material such as eBooks, journals and databases. Our team of librarians can help you find your way around the electronic resources and library catalogues, or if there’s something specific you need, they can help you to source it.

Our LibGuides provide information and advice on using our online resources, with specific pages for each subject area, and can help you search for quality-assured websites. 

Find out more: Library Resources
University of the year

Academic Employability Awards 2026, Graduate Futures Institute

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021