Independent Distance Learning
Study a University of Sunderland course from anywhere in the world. Learn alongside an existing job or commitment, or use the increased flexibility to pursue personal interests. Benefit from our high-quality teaching and support without needing to visit us on campus.
Courses we offer
With our Independent Distance Learning courses you can learn from anywhere in the world that has internet access, as learning materials will be e-books, online journal papers and other online resources. We offer a range of courses taught by this method, all of which benefit from high-quality resources and great support throughout. Take a look below to find the right course for you.
Undergraduate courses
Postgraduate courses
PGCE Education (IDL)
Do you want to gain an academic teaching qualification from a respected UK university? The University of Sunderland has been training teachers for over 100 years. Take advantage of our teaching expertise as we equip you with the skills to improve your teaching, while working towards a Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Find out more about PGCE Education (IDL)
PGCE Early Years Teaching
Do you want to develop a specialism in teaching young children up to the age of five without leaving your home country? Then this course is for you. We’ve been teaching education for over 100 years, and this course builds on the University of Sunderland’s expertise in teacher training. You’ll explore how to assess development and how to lead Early Years provision, while working toward a PGCE in Early Years Teaching.
Find out more about PGCE Early Years Teaching
National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (IDL)
Develop the skills and knowledge you need to lead colleagues in meeting needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. This independent distance learning course can be studied from anywhere in the world.
Find out more about National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (IDL)
PgCert Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Leading Provision and Practice (IDL)
Study from anywhere in the world. Enhance learning and teaching for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Develop your communication with colleagues, other professionals, parents and carers.
Find out more about PgCert Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Leading Provision and Practice (IDL)
MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - IDL
Do you want to open yourself up to career opportunities around the world? Then this 18-month course is for you. Teachers with a qualification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) are in high demand. You’ll combine theory with practice as you study various topics, including ‘Principles and Practice of English Language Teaching’ and you’ll teach a lesson at an institution in your own country.
Find out more about MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - IDL
MA Education (Independent Distance Learning)
Are you a Teacher or Educationalist? Do you want to develop your professional practice? This distance learning programme provides the opportunity to continue your professional development and acquire advanced research and study skills whether you are in the UK or Overseas. Combine study with paid work or family commitments, and enhance your skills and understanding to equip you for various roles including teaching and educational management.
Find out more about MA Education (Independent Distance Learning)
MA International Education (IDL)
Are you a teacher in an international school? Would you like to develop your professional practice? If so, this distance learning programme is for you. We will support your career development with a tight focus on the international school system and its challenges and opportunities. Enhance your employability, while working towards a Masters qualification.
Find out more about MA International Education (IDL)The Sunderland difference
Studying an independent distance learning course with the University of Sunderland allows you to gain an internationally-recognised qualification as well as the skills, experience and knowledge you need to develop a career wherever you choose to go in the world. You can share and benefit from being a member of a global ‘community of learning and educational practice’ within each of your modules.
Education IDL
The Faculty of Education and Society at the University of Sunderland is at the forefront of independent distance learning, having initially commenced over fifteen years ago with the PGCE Education programme in Dubai. We now operate in over 60 countries across the world with a wide and attractive range of provision. All of our provision enables students to share and benefit from being a member of a global community of learning and educational practice. Students are able to study in a flexible, independent and well-supported manner that enables them to achieve recognised professional and academic qualifications.
Truly flexible learning
This flexible independent distance learning approach is perfect if you want to develop your career, but are unable to follow the full-time on-campus routes in Sunderland. You can learn from anywhere in the world that has internet access. You’ll interact with other students in online discussion forums, and your tutors will guide and support you via email, phone, skype and the University’s e-learning portal, Canvas.