The traditional face to face classroom setting is still very common but other choices such as home and online study are now more readily available.  Deciding where to study will depend on your choice of course and your own personal circumstances. 

Some of the main options are:

• Community Education
  Choosing to learn in a community education setting gives the opportunity to study in your local area.  You may find classes running in a local school, women's centre or community group.  Many centres have links with the local further education college.  Some run programmes for specific groups, for example women or the unemployed and may have additional facilities such as creches.  However they don't offer as full a range of courses as colleges and institutes.
  
• Colleges and Institutes of Further and Higher Education
  A wide range of courses are offered, from leisure and hobby classes to those offering academic qualifications. While the majority of courses run on a full time or part time basis through their main buildings, they can also be offered in outreach locations, for example in local schools.  Colleges and Institutes would tend to have a wider range of additional facilities, than community education centres.
  
• Home Study/ Online learning
  Home Study (also called distance learning) can be a good option for learners who aren't able to study outside the home, due to family commitments or other personal circumstances.  Although there will be some timetables and deadlines in place in general you can learn at a pace and time that suits you.  Courses which are offered online will require you to have a computer and internet access.  Not all subjects can be studied at home and it is worth noting that it can be a more expensive option. 
  
• Libraries
  Most libraries offer free internet access to members.  Some will offer “internet taster sessions” to help you get the most from the web.
  
• Trade Unions
  If you are a member of a trade union, your Learning Representative can help with your training needs.  Some unions run courses specifically for members.
  
• Universities
  Universities mainly offer degrees, at undergraduate and postgraduate level, in a wide range of subjects. The main universities in Northern Ireland are Queen’s University Belfast (including Stranmillis and St Mary's University Colleges), the University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Coleraine and Derry (Magee) and the Open University.  Courses are offered on a full or part time basis and Open University courses can mostly be studied at home. 
  
• Workplace Learning
  It is now recognised that learning does not need to be at an educational institution.  Employers are keen to increase their employees’ skills with some offering opportunities to study for a qualification or take specific training while in the workplace. If you are already in work, your employer might be able to help by providing financial assistance or give you time off for study or exams.

If you have a subject or course in mind and would like to know where it is available, you could visit the Find a course page. You will also have the opportunity to browse an A-Z list of learning providers throughout Northern Ireland.