Distance Learning for Higher Nationals refers to teaching, learning and assessment which is 100% remote or online. As such, Distance Learning is where there is no face-to-face teaching, learning or assessment (please see ‘How we define learning’ section below for more information).
In May 2020, due to the COVID-19 crisis, Pearson’s Higher Education Qualifications (HEQ) department made available Temporary Distance Learning approval for centres so that teaching, learning and assessment for BTEC Higher National programmes could continue for the remainder of the 2019/20 academic year.
Pearson’s HEQ department extended temporary distance learning approval for centres until November 2nd 2020, and whilst many centres were able to return to either centre-based face-to-face teaching or blended learning, there have since been new restrictions imposed that have impacted centres. As such, centres can ask for temporary distance learning re-approval until the 31st Jan 2021, with the condition that centres apply for formal Distance Learning Approval via the Distance Learning Self-Assessment (DLSA). The self-assessment must comply with the Distance Learning Policy and will be assessed by Pearson’s Centre Management team.
Please note however, that some programmes may not be suited for full Distance Learning approval, so we advise that theory-based units be taught for those programmes during the period that temporary distance learning is granted.
Programmes that are unsuitable for full DLSA are:
- Healthcare Practice
- Healthcare Practice for England
- Early Childhood Education Care
- Performing Arts
- Applied Science
- Nuclear Engineering
- Engineering
- Rail Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Manufacturing Operations
- Policing
- Public Services
- Sport
- Sport and Exercise Science
Programmes that may be suitable for DLSA depending on pathway selection or combination of units are:
- Music (Music Business and Composition pathways)
- Art and Design (Graphic Design and Digital Design pathways)
- Creative Media Production (Web & App Development, Games Development and Visual Affects pathways)
- Hospitality Management (depends on combination of units)
- Construction (depends on combination of units).
We advise that centres first seek advice from Pearson subject experts about whether their pathways or unit combinations will be suitable for DLSA.
If centres can continue with blended learning, there is no need to apply for distance learning approval. Any combination of remote/online learning with face-to-face learning is classified as blended learning.
Please note that if centres choose to deliver through Distance Learning, students will still be expected to complete their qualification within the usual full-time or part-time timeframes for either the Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND).
What is the difference between distance learning and blended learning?
There are different terms used in the Higher Education sector globally referring to teaching, learning and assessment that takes place in classrooms, digitally and remotely. The QAA have issued a guide, and we also provide definitions below relating to the Higher Nationals qualification suite.