Choosing a Distance Learning Provider help

Makkusu

Hello there,

I'm currently looking to study from home for the last level of AAT and I'm currently stuck about who to chose. At college we've been using BPP books but I hear a lot of people say Kaplan provide better material, I've contacted BPP and the minimum cost is approximately £935 (Examination fees are NOT included), the reason for this being a bit higher than I expected is because the ICAS and CRMC units are only provided via their Online Classroom Course.

I'm still awaiting an email back from Kaplan, but I'd like to ask you guys how much should I be looking at paying? I'm very happy, motivated and confident to study on my own but I understand some units have extra costs involved?

Kaplans website says the distance learning package is £724, why's that so much cheaper than BPP? Or will other costs pop up over the time. Sorry if I seem a bit lost but I'm still doing my Level 3 (1 month left) and want to move on as swiftly as possible.

Thanks for reading, I'd appreciate any help at all.

Max.

GreenMousey

Hey,

I use Kaplan, I do like their books but on other threads you'll see they're not so good at getting back to you with results!

In terms of the cost, with Kaplan you don't have to have the online classrooms for either ICAS nor CMRC (I've done this route & completed those two options) so I'd assume that's the difference. I paid just over the £700 for the complete Technician level from Kaplan.

Hope this helps

GreenMousey

You do have to pay for the CBA's seperately though, sorry forgot that point! Other than that I've incurred no further costs.

Sammmy88

I used Kaplan in Level 2, and although the material is really good. The communication is poor and getting results back is even worse!! I am using Eagle for Level 3 and they are really good! The material is excellent and you also get extra resourses that they have written themselves (study buddy!) which is excellent! It helps you that much more!!
Look into other providers! Its great to shop around, which is what I did. Don't always go for the major ones!

Makkusu

Thanks for the replies, it's reassuring these things because it can all seem a bit confusing making the jump to home studying.

I've been looking at Eagle Education lately too, and just sent them an email. Is it easy to arrange exam sittings with them still? All these angry threads about Kaplan are putting me off a bit but I'm a patient person so I'll keep my options open.

I can't wait till I get all the new material and dive into it.

Sammmy88

It is still easy to book an exam, as they have a range of different exam venues. So I can still use the Kaplan centre that I have been using, or a different one if I choose to. :-D
I know what you mean! I love diving into new material!!!

Makkusu

I just got a reply from Eagle, 3 in fact. Detailing all the prices, exam venues, materials etc. Very helpful and quick to respond so I think this is looking like the one for me so far.

They have good payment schemes too by the looks of it can pay in two instalments which is just what I was after.

pirate

Makkusu

Have you tried Premier Training, prices are on their web site. They use Osbourne books, and I have also used BPP I find the osbourne better, I havent seen a Kaplan book.

Sammmy88

That's what helped me make my mind up. The fact that they are really helpful! I have got more out of them in a week than I got out of Kaplan doing Level 2!!

pirate

Sammy

you can pay Premier in installments interest free as well. I think they might be a bit cheaper than eagle but have heard eagle are excellent as well with their study buddy scheme
Good luck

Sammmy88

I did actually look into preimer. But what swayed me was the study buddy element as well. As its such a great resource to use!! Its such a big help I feel!! I am really glad that I picked them actually as the books are also nice and easy to follow and you get a workbook and a question book!!