The world has become a very “convenient” place. If one has the will and the dedication to do something ,one will find a lot of ways to excel and make his mark. Education is no exception to this. Generally, everyone goes through a smooth sequence when it comes education i.e we all go to school at a certain age and slowly progress to college and then university for higher studies but sometimes ,and for some people ,this climbing up the ladder is not that smooth. There can be a number of reasons for that for example (a)one might be under a financial strain that has a bearing on one’s education related decisions(b)maybe one of the  parents has passed away ,putting you in a situation where you have to make the tough decision of either supporting your family or continuing studying(c)it might be possible that you want to work and study at the same time so as to apply what you have learnt in the classroom in the real world(d)you might be the time who wants to take things at your own preferred speed and  might not want a robotic, fast track education that doesn’t give you the time to admire the life that is around you.

          Whatever your reason, there is nothing to get worried anymore. A number of universities now offer flexible study programmes that give you an opportunity to balance your responsibilities and quest to learn at the same time. Flexible study programmes take up number of shapes. They can be in the form of  (a)special evening classes for  daytime professional(b)long hour weekend classes for fully committed work professionals(c)online  study modules for those who cannot easily make it to the physical classroom(d)longer duration courses so that those who want to finish the degree at a slower pace than the normal course duration can take it up(e)External degree programmes whereby students living in one country can study for a degree in another country’s college or university, without having to go there and with a flexible timeframe.

          The most famous and the oldest “External Degree Programme” is run by the University Of London as it has been delivering world-class education externally (as well as internally) since 1858 and in more than 180 countries. One of the most famous external students of University of London external programme is Nelson Mandella ,who did his LLB while he was in prison in South Africa. Not only this the external programme alumni and academics shape the world that they inhabit. They include over 57 Nobel Prize winners and over 35 past or present Heads of State.

               The great thing about the degree is that one gets to pay a very affordable price for the entire degree as compared to the price one would have to pay if one were studying internally. The University maintains a very high quality assurance process for all its courses. The External programme utilizes the utmost expertise in the design of its coursepack and its examinations are set and marked by the same academics that assess College-based students. So to sum up, while External students receive specially designed courses to suit their needs, they achieve exactly the same internationally recognised qualification as those who complete the degree as internal students.

                  There are a number of universities in the USA aswell that are conducting external programmes but they are generally offering PGDs(post graduate diplomas) and specialised courses rather than entire degree qualifications.