Frequently Asked Questions
Below are our most frequently asked questions. If you don't find an answer to your question below, please contact us at enquiries@horsesandcourses.co.uk, or call on 01234 771882 and ask for Beth.Question 1 - What is Distance / Open Learning?
Distance or Open learning are the titles given to any structured learning plan where the student studies course material away from a college or university, usually at home. This form of study also goes under the names of 'Home Study Courses', 'Correspondence Courses' and 'Distance Learning Courses'. One the key advantages of this form of learning is that it lacks many of the drawbacks of studying in a College or University: you have control over your learning and your studies can be tailored to your individual requirements.
Question 2 - Can I study from outside of the UK?
Yes, you can study our courses from anywhere in the world. There are additional overseas postage fees so please contact the office for details. Please note that our online payment system is unable to process payments outside the United Kingdom or Channel Islands. Overseas students can pay for a course by using a paypal account or we can arranging bank transfers from their own bank. Please contact us at enquiries@horsesandcourses.co.uk for further information.Question 3 - When can I start my course?
You can enrol on our Equine Owners and Advanced Diploma courses at any time of the year. We usually provide you with your course materials within 14 days from receipt of your order (within 7 days for downloads). The BTEC programme has 4 start dates each year - please contact the office to details of the next enrolment date.Question 4 - What if I change my mind?
We pride ourselves on the service and quality of materials we provide. However, if for any reason you are dissatisfied with your course, simply return the printed or CD of materials, totally complete and in good condition within 14 days of receipt and we will refund all fees paid, less an administration fee of 10% per course. For downloaded courses, we are unable to offer an automatic refund, however we are very happy to look at such cases on a case by case basis. Once you have retained the material beyond the fourteen day period you are deemed to have checked and accepted its contents and all conditions of payment fully so we would be unable to refund any fees.
Question 5 - Are there any exams?
There are NO examinations to sit for any of our courses. All our courses are assessed by written assignments that are designed to assess your knowledge, demonstrate your understanding of the subject and how you can relate this to a practical context.
Question 6 - Will my qualification be accredited?
This depends on what your aims for studying with us are, and what you want from your studies. Although Horses & Courses Ltd is an approved BTEC centre, our bespoke Equine Owners and Advanced Diploma courses are not accredited with any national awarinding body. This means that our bespoke courses are ideal for those wishing to build their knowledge and experience without the additonal accreditation of a national awaring body, but you will still be provide with a certificate to recognise your achievement and development. These are the ideal stepping stone into a fully accredited programme.
Should you wish to study a course that does offer accredited points (such as for UCAS etc.) then you will need to apply for one of our BTEC courses, which are fully approved by the Government approved awarding body EDEXCEL.Question 7 - Are there any time limits for completing the courses?
For all our Equine Owners and Advanced Diploma courses there are NO time limits. As long as we are still offering the course you can submit your course assignment. This allows you to study at your own rate and timescale, and fit your studies around your other commitments. If you are intending to enrol onto a BTEC module or programme this will have set assignment hand in and course end dates. Enrolments and hand in dates may be extended beyond these timeframes where mitigating circumstances apply. Please contact the H&C office for more details. The maximum period for completing a BTEC course is 18 months from enrolment.
Question 8 - Do I need to buy any additional books or access additional online materials?
No... You will receive everything you need within the course materials provided. We do offer additional study materials (again included in your course fees) and articles for those students who wish to explore their subject in more detail through the student area of our website.
Question 9 - Are any discounts available?
If you are in receipt of state benefits, wish to enrol on more than one course, or apply for a group of students we are happy to consider a discount. Please contact the office to discuss what discount is applicable.
Question 10 - How old do I have to be to study?
You need to be aged 12 or older to enrol on our Equine Owners or Advanced Diploma courses.
You need to be aged 14 or older to enrol on any of our BTEC courses.Question 11 - Are there any other requirements before I can enrol on a course?
As long as you are able to meet the following requirements, you can enrol on any of our courses:- You are English speaking
- Aged 12 or more for Equine Owners and Diploma courses
- Aged 14 or more for BTEC courses, and
- Have access to a horse and have an interest in learning about horse care and equine management