Distance learning is an ideal learning method for those unable to fit in with normal college schedules. Study is done in your own time and, for those who need to travel with their job, a distance learning course is portable.

It can, however, be a lonely way to learn and one which demands discipline on the part of the learner and a good support system from the course provider.

Before signing up for a distance education course, make sure that good back-up support is in place in the form of a personal tutor and, preferably, some local learning sessions where you get the opportunity to meet academic staff and fellow students.

In recent years, British colleges have been advertising their courses quite heavily in the Irish media. If you are considering doing a course which is essentially taught from Britain, bear in mind that you may have to travel to teaching sessions and this needs to be factored into your time and financial calculations.

Organisations such as the National Distance Education Centre at DCU and the Open University have strong and well developed local support systems for their students in Ireland. Others - such as the University of Leicester, which advertises for Irish students for its MA in mass communications programme - do not provide either local tutor support or local teaching sessions.