Frequently Asked Questions

At ICS, we aim to make achieving your learning goals as straightforward and flexible as possible by providing you with all the information you need before, during and even after you have completed your chosen course.

Here are some of our students' most frequently asked questions.

1. What do I need to get started on an ICS course?
2. How does distance learning work?
3. How much will it cost?
4. What is the online Student Community?
5. How long should it take to complete my course?
6. How quickly will I receive my course material?
7. What support will I receive from ICS?
8. Will I have to sit an examination?
9. Can I study from outside the UK?
10. What qualifications will I receive at the end of my course?
11. How do I enrol?

What do I need to get started on an ICS course?

For each course you’ll find information on any previous qualifications or experience you might need in the ‘Pre-requisites/previous study’ section of the relevant course page. Some courses also require special equipment, such as a computer with Internet access; information on anything you might need can be found in the ‘Technical requirements’ section of the course page. Many courses don’t require any previous experience, qualifications or special equipment.

If you meet the requirements specified on the course page, you don’t need anything else, except for a willingness to learn – we’ll provide you with all the materials you’ll need.

How does distance learning work?

Distance learning allows you to learn where and when you want. What’s more, you don’t have to give up your job, and we support you every step of the way.

It works like this. All our paper-based courses are divided into bite-sized modules made up of clearly identified study units. You work through each unit at your own pace. At the end of each unit there’s a testpaper for you to complete and send to your tutor for marking. Your tutor returns this to you with your mark and any comments. When you successfully complete a module and feel ready, you move onto the next one.

With useful tips and self-assessments at every stage, you'll find your confidence and ability increasing steadily as you progress.

How much will it cost?

The price of your course will vary depending on the qualification that you choose to enrol upon. The price of the individual course is indicated on the specific web page dedicated to that qualification. Payment plans are available (subject to a minumum deposit) so you can enrol for only a fraction of the course price. However, substantial savings will be made by you should you decide to pay for your course in full upon enrollment. Our standard 10% online discount applies to most courses should students wish to pay in full. For more information on our payment plans please speak to one of our courses advisors by calling freephone on 0800 056 3983.

What is the online Student Community?

Our fantastic online Student Community has been designed to allow you to interact with, and learn from, other students, ICS members and experts. As a member of the community you’ll be able to share information, engage in discussions, browse our resource library, and voice your opinions through student surveys. You’ll also have access to online Customer Services, where you’ll be able to update your personal details, make payments and, in most cases, submit test papers and queries to your tutor.

You don't need to be a student to join the Student Community, so if you want to find out a little more about ICS, why not register? It’s free!

How long should it take to complete my course?

Course length varies: on each course page you’ll find information on the approximate number of hours of studying involved in that course, as well as the support period available. The length of time it takes you to complete your course will depend on how much time you’re able to devote to learning each week. Most students complete their course within a year, although some of our courses require longer periods of study.

How quickly will I receive my course material?

For online courses you’ll be able to start learning as soon as your payment has been processed. For other courses your enrolment should be processed within two days and your course materials delivered within two weeks.

What support will I receive from ICS?

Studying at home doesn't mean studying alone. For all our paper-based courses you’ll benefit from the support of an experienced and knowledgeable tutor. Your tutor will mark and comment on your work, providing feedback and encouragement, and will also answer any questions you may have. What’s more, all students can contact our ICS Student Advisors, who can provide you with practical assistance throughout your course. And as if that isn’t enough, you’ll also have access to our online Student Community.

Will I have to sit an examination?

Each course page supplies information on assessment details. Most ICS Diploma courses do not require an examination; instead you’re assessed on a continuous basis. Some of our courses do, however, require you to sit one or more exams. You’ll receive all the information you need to make your exam arrangements with your first study shipment. If you’re based in the UK, you shouldn’t have to travel far to any exams, as most can be sat in one of numerous centres across the UK. Please note that exam fees are not included in your course fee.

Can I study from outside the UK?

All of our courses are available to overseas students. However, if your course involves an examination, you may have to come to the UK to sit it. Sometimes it is possible to arrange to sit an exam at your local British Council, but we suggest you contact a course advisor if your course has an examination requirement. Call 0044 141 302 5487 from outside the UK.

What qualifications will I receive at the end of my course?

On successful completion of your course you’ll receive a qualification from the awarding body of your course (e.g. from the University of East London or Edexcel). Each course page specifies exactly what qualification you’ll receive at the end of the course.

How do I enrol?

It's easy! Enrolling is easy. Just call one of our Course Advisors free on 0800 056 3983 (from within the UK) or 0044 141 302 5487 (from outside the UK). You can also enrol online: just click “buy now'” on the relevant course page and then proceed to the checkout.

If you have any further questions please go to the Contact Us section on this site.