Opinions on TOCES?

[Est]

Just wondering if anyone has done a distance learning course through The Open College of Equine Studies? Any comments, good or bad? Thanks!

[decibelle]

Hello Est,

I'm doing my HOC level 1 though TOCES and I've been really impressed with them so far. The course material is well put together (with questions throughout so that you're not just reading) and the two assessment that I've send in so far have been returned quickly, fully marked with comments and suggestions from my tutor. They also recommend that you do as much practical experience as possible and include a booklet of different things to do to help. I'd recommend doing the HOC to anyone. I don't know anything about any of the other courses, but if they're as good as the HOC, they'll be worth doing, as far as distance learning goes.

There is someone here (I think she's called Dolphin) who had a bad experience with TOCES, I'm afraid I don't know any details. She might pop up and tell you more herself. But I've found them to be very professional and easy to work with, and I intend to continue my HOCs with them.

Hope this helps!

[emm]

Hi,
I have just completed an HNC through TOCES, i've been with them for a few years and attended two summer schools (study weeks) when they were at their old yard. I cannot praise them highly enough. They are family run by lovely people, who will always help you if you need it. They have grown enormously since i have been studying. I have no complaints. The summer schools will be happy memories for many years, completley enjoyable and you are made so welcome.
What course are you thinking of doing?

[Est]

Hi emm and decibelle
Thanks for that :)
I'm thinking of doing BSc Equine Science part-time through distance learning and using that to gradually move into sports/nutrition based work. Because the degree costs so much (£6,800 :eek: ) and takes up to 6 years to complete I want to make sure they are a reputable provider.
Thanks again :)

[emm]

Good luck. :)

[decibelle]

It does seems like huge amount, doesn't it! But when you think about it, it makes sense. A normal degree would set you back over £3000 in fees (£4000 if it was an honours degree). And you wouldn't be able to work full time, or maybe even part time, meaning you'd have to survive from sudent loans etc. Which soon add up, I went to college for 2 years and have a student loan debt of £3500! I wasted a lot of that, but I know people who genuinely had to live off theirs and had to loan a lot more. So if you balance things up that way, it's really not that bad.

I'm considering doing the Behaviour and Welfre degree, I think it sounds really interesting. I don't work with horses, so I would be doing it purely for my own benefit.