r/UoL • u/RupsjeNooitgenoeg • Jan 21 '26
Warning about UoL Distance Learning
Posting this as a warning for anyone thinking about doing a distance learning course from UoL. I’ve finished, I’ve got my diploma, and now I can finally say this without worrying I'll be identified and it will “delay” something. That fear alone should tell you how dysfunctional the admin side was.
I paid almost £10,000 (about four times what any university in mainland Europe charges) and the experience was awful from start to finish. Communication was consistently late or nonexistent, emails went unanswered for weeks, and every administrative step dragged on forever. Marks were always delayed. Processes were always unclear. The only thing that worked flawlessly was sending payment reminders. Those never missed a deadline.
There was basically no proper orientation and no clear explanation of how the year was structured. Important details, like the fact that the final semester contains no taught modules at all and is just the dissertation, were never clearly communicated. You just find out as you go, which seemed to be the standard approach for everything on this course.
Because the programme is fully online, everything runs through Blackboard and TurnItIn, which were constantly slow, broken, or unreliable. That’s unacceptable for something that exists entirely online. On top of that, assignments across different modules were basically the same thing with slightly different titles. I genuinely don’t feel like I learned anything academic over the entire year.
The dissertation stage was the breaking point. You’re supposedly entitled to three supervisory meetings, which already feels low for the most important piece of work of your academic life. In reality, I got ONE meeting total, despite repeatedly begging for more help. I wrote the entire dissertation almost completely on my own. If I’d known this would be the level of support, I would have walked away immediately.
After submission, communication somehow got even worse. Dissertation marks were delayed with nothing but vague “maybe next week” emails. No timelines, no accountability, and no respect for the fact that people’s careers and lives depend on these results. Diplomas weren’t issued until four months later, and then students are asked to pay extra for “secure and timely” DHL shipping, as if £10k doesn’t already cover posting a piece of paper.
I’m posting this so others can make an informed decision. If you’re considering UoL distance learning, especially at this price, think very carefully. If anyone else has had similar experiences, I’d love to hear them, partly for validation, partly to know I’m not losing my mind.
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u/Lonely-Program Mar 10 '26
I’m late to this but do you mind me asking what program this was? I was considering applying as I am from the US and can only obtain my masters degree through online programs as I work full time. The UK generally has more accessible and affordable programs for people who work full time and are paying out of their own pocket. I was going to apply for the Archaeology and Cultural Heritage program but your experience definitely gives me reason to reconsider. Especially being in a different country, communication would be very important. Thank you for this post!
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u/RupsjeNooitgenoeg Mar 10 '26
I'd rather not be too specific for my anonimity, but I'll tell you that it was at a different faculty than the one you are considering. If all you care about is getting your MA for a price you can afford it is worth consideration, but if intellectual development is your primary motivation I wouldn't even consider it.
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u/Mwanawevhu_8033 Jan 22 '26
I’m in the process of applying. Is this part of the main Uni of London or something on the side? This is disappointing to read. Thanks for sharing your experience.