“Flexible learning at Holborn College” is said to be less expensive than traditional studies in the UK. In view of the many students wishing to go to study there to obtain a recognised diploma, but who do not have the financial means, this new concept will be of certain interest to them.

Vicky Narwan, Flexible learning admissions and marketing officer and LLB (Huddersfield) course leader, was in Mauritius last week for a presentation of what Holborn College offers. “Flexible learning is only a fraction of the price,” she explains. The argument is convincing. The college was initially set up for students of any age who don’t have time to go through full time study for practical or personal reasons.

Flexible learning is a new name for distance learning as the latter was considered “old style. The distance learning department has undergone significant changes and we now handle all non-campus students.” Actually, courses offered range from the old style correspondence courses to full on-line courses.

For students who have an interest in Law or Business or both, the College offers courses divided into three categories:

● Pre-university through a traditional distance-learning course

● Undergraduate, which offers 2 Law degrees. First, the old University of Wolverhampton LLB by distance learning and second, the new University of Huddersfield LLB (Hons) and LLB (Hons) Business Law.

● Post-graduate courses offer the brand new NYB by distance learning and the graduate diploma by flexible learning.

Modulate degrees include 12 weeks of courses after which students can be assessed in a centre in Mauritius. But the course leader insists on the fact that on-line students are given a lot of support through the Internet. “Every student will be given access to the university’s online virtual learning blackboard system. All of our students will be able to communicate via discussion boards, not only with other students but with Holborn College lecturers as well. Usually by way of completing a given task each week.”

The UK has always been an attractive destination for Mauritian students but many have to face financial problems, which don’t allow them to go there. But “the overriding factor for choosing a UK education is that it is internationally recognised and has historically welcomed international students for generations. Our system works and many countries are now trying to emulate our success,” Vicky says.

Students studying online are said to have exactly the same chances as those on campus. The same tools and support are given to all. It is just a question of personal determination.