Motivation | Distance learner
Making the most of your study time
Studying accountancy from home comes with major benefits such as flexibility and independence, but it also demands discipline, motivation and the right strategy to stay on track. Lee Jones of Premier Training, AAT’s Distance Learning Provider of the Year 2024, tells us the key to studying at your own pace
AT A GLANCE
1
Distance learning means you can progress at your own speed and fit studying around other parts of your life.
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The key to success is being organised and disciplined about your study time.
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Transferable skills from your previous career will be valuable.
School leavers, mature students, career changers and people with family and caring responsibilities have all chosen Premier Training to support their AAT journeys over the past 27 years.
“One gentleman looking for a new challenge even began his studies after his 70th birthday,” Lee Jones, the training provider’s marketing manager, says. “Others are returning to work after starting a family. Many opt to switch to accountancy using transferable skills they have developed in the banking or financial services sectors, but we also support students who have previously worked in hospitality, manufacturing and education.”
Through its link-up with the Professional Footballers’ Association, Premier Training has supported dozens of sportsmen and women – including England internationals – through AAT qualifications.
“One current student, Danielle, combines her AAT Accounting study with caring for two young children while her partner works away from home Monday to Friday every week,” Jones says. “Despite that, she completed the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting qualification in four months and is already midway through her Level 3 course. In addition, she used her AAT qualification to make a career change and secure a role as a trainee accountant just three months after beginning her studies.”
Premier Training also supports teenage students who are entering work for the first time or are still at school or college. Distance learning enables them to add a valuable qualification to their CV while simultaneously studying for GCSEs and A-Levels – and often working part-time too.
“Exam preparation is all about feeling confident and reassured heading into your assessment.”
The winning formula
If you are studying from home, you will need to have self-discipline and good time management to be successful, Jones says.
“Students need to follow a study schedule and be able to prioritise tasks to progress through their coursework and ensure they are fully prepared for their assessments,” he says. “Every student is different and has their own strengths, but a common denominator with the most successful students is the ability to stay motivated. Setting clear objectives is at the heart of this, to ensure students remain inspired to reach their study or career goals.” Through the bursary, Spencer was able to enrol in AAT Level 2, which she passed in September 2020, and she hopes to complete Level 3 by the end of 2025. What’s more, after receiving 12 months of mentorship from Harris, she has just started as the entrepreneur’s personal assistant, where she will be able to learn how to run a successful accountancy business first-hand.
What support can students expect?
Student engagement and satisfaction are hugely important, Jones explains. Premier Training tracks completion rates and keeps tabs on alumni and their careers across accountancy and finance.
Tutors and course advisers are available for guidance until 8pm most evenings – and on Saturday mornings – while a combination of pre-recorded and live learning resources can suit different study needs.
“We talk to our students and obtain regular feedback,” he says. “Our people are our most valuable support system.”
Tutors regularly schedule Teams calls with students to provide valuable one-to-one support and engagement, and the Accounting Student Network Facebook group is a community with more than 26,000 past and present AAT students on hand to offer advice and guidance.
“Exam preparation is all about feeling confident and reassured heading into your assessment, so we place significant emphasis on practice assessments and mock exams,” Jones adds. “That positive reinforcement helps to ensure that students feel exam-ready and relatively stress-free.”
TOP TIPS
Time management
Most students have only five or six hours a week to dedicate to their studies. That means you will need to be focused. Here’s how to make the most of your time:
- Eliminate distractions: Find a dedicated study space that helps you focus.
- Break tasks into bite-sized pieces: Micro goals make large topics feel more manageable.
- Find a study rhythm that works for you: Whether it’s an hour each evening or a full study session on Sundays, consistency is key.
Tools and resources for success
Online timetables help to set clear but flexible deadlines and ensure that course advisers and tutors can quickly identify if students aren’t progressing.
“We understand that there are visual, auditory, written and kinaesthetic learners. Our learning resources reflect that, with videos, infographics and slide presentations for visual learners, and e-books and written assignments,” Jones says.
“We have also created hundreds of hours of free live lessons and webinars for AAT students – an additional resource that makes a real difference when students are struggling with a specific topic or unit.”
With so many potential distractions at home, remaining fully focused can often be a challenge.
“We advise them to set boundaries with family and friends to minimise interruptions, and to limit digital distractions – for instance, turn the television off and put your mobile phone out of reach,” he says. “Make the most of the emotional and practical support available from family, friends, peer groups and tutors.”
TOP TIPS
Lee’s top tips for distance learning
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Use all the resources available
Books, e-books, videos, webinars – mix and match to reinforce your learning.
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Ask questions
Your tutor’s expertise is there for a reason, so tap into it!
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Set clear goals
Flexibility is great but having deadlines and targets ensures you keep moving forward.
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