This version of the Model Documentation, Analysis and Reporting module is available to:

• students who cannot attend a face-to-face course in the UK or overseas
• students who having attended a face-to-face course have failed the exam.

See contact information for non-UK students for information on where the courses are being held.

Please note:
All Distance Learning courses are now fully booked for the 2008/2009 Session. The application form for the 2009/2010 Session will be released on 5 January 2009.

Requirements

If you decide to use this route you will need:

• a computer with: software compatible with Excel 2003 and Word 2003, printer, internet access and access to email (allowing the sending and receipt of spreadsheet and other attachments). Candidates are asked not to use Excel or Word 2007 and must not embed documents in spreadsheets.
• reference material including the Profession’s core reading for subjects CT1-CT8 and the Formulae and Tables for Actuarial Examinations
• a suitable environment to work through the pre-course, course and examination material

Overview

The distance learning version consists of material which is accessed through the Profession’s website, and worked through with the help of an on-line tutor.

The module has the same aims and standards as the face-to-face version and uses the same material. The format is as follows:

• Pre-course Excel exercises and assignment (which will form part of the work studied in Part One of the module)
• Part One: exercises to work through and material to consider, with access to an on-line tutor
• Part Two A: on-line test

The work outlined above should take around 15-20 hours to complete

• Part Two B: examination assignment with access to an on-line tutor

More detailed information is given below.

Examination Dates

You will need to select a date to take the examination from those advertised on the application form for the Distance Learning Module. The course material will be available about one month prior to this date. You will need to make sure that you can complete the pre-course and course work, together with the on-line test, in good time before the examination date.

Application form

All Distance Learning courses are fully booked for the 2008/2009 session. The application form for the 2009/2010 Session will be released on 5 January 2009.

Further details

The sequence of tasks for the distance learning version is set out below, including an on-line test to check learning before you take the examination assignment.

The steps you must follow

1. Study material on the website including the sample projects. This should have been completed before applying for the module.
2. Apply for the module.
3. Receive your access code for the study material and the contact details for the on-line tutor. You will be able to ask the on-line tutor for help via the bulletin board whilst working through the module material.
4. Do pre-course Excel techniques mini-modules and pre-course assignment. This work will form part of the material you will study during the rest of the module.
5. Work through the course on the website.
6. Revise your work and take the on-line multiple choice test. This will consist of a number of multiple choice questions chosen from a bank of questions. You may refer to any written or electronic reference material you wish in taking this test. You will receive feedback on your answers. The aim of this test is for you to check your learning. The test is for self-assessment only and will not count towards your final mark.
7. Revise your work and sit the examination assignment on the pre-agreed date. Again, you may use any written or electronic reference material. You will be able to receive guidance from the on-line tutor during the examination and the tutor will help 'move you on' if you are unable to progress a particular aspect of the assignment. Only 5% of your overall mark will be for your ability to work independently so it is better to ask for guidance than become stuck. Your on-line tutor will record the help given to you. Help for any one student may need to be limited to allow adequate help to be given to all of the students. If a student requires 'excessive' help then they may be advised to withdraw from the examination.
8. You must build your model from scratch.
9. If you experience delays outside your control, you must discuss taking additional time with the on-line tutor, submitting appropriate evidence 
10. Upload your completed assignment to the web server via an easy-to-use interface.
11. You will receive notification of whether you have passed or failed.
12. You must work through the on-line test and examination assignment without assistance from another person (apart from the on-line tutor as described above). The assessment regulations of the Profession apply as set out in the Examination Regulations, except that you may use reference material, as referred to above.

Go to the distance learning version of the module