Resources and study materials
You study using materials and online learning resources that are written or recommended by academics from the University of London's federation members.
Undergraduate study
In many cases, we send course materials by courier or by post, but these are also available online. A typical study pack will contain subject guides written under the direction of the federation member.
For some undergraduate courses you may also need to buy additional textbooks. There are a range of online and local bookshops, details can be found on this leaflet. You can download our leaflet [PDF] for help.
Sample study guides
Where available, sample study materials are available on individual course and module pages. These can be located via the site search or via our degree pages ('View modules').
Sample study guide:
Postgraduate study
As a postgraduate student, your resources include enhanced online facilities such as supervised discussion forums, online lectures, and group assignments.
You may receive a study pack containing learning materials, including some key textbooks. This will vary depending on your chosen course and modules. You can keep up to date via the VLE for further information and guidance. Our online library will grant you access to the world’s best academic journals.
You will also usually have access to a personal tutor, who will support you in your studies and provide feedback on your work.
Sample study guide:
Course materials despatched to you
If you decide for any reason to cancel your registration within the cancellation period (14 days from registration or from access to the VLE, whichever is later), we may already have despatched course materials to you.
To receive a full refund of any fees you have paid to us, you will have to return these course materials to us. If you do not return the course materials to us, we will deduct the cost of the course materials from any monies refunded to you.
All materials returned to us must be returned in the same condition as you received them. This also applies to the return of any licensed digital materials which you may receive.
More information about cancelling your registration can be found in: your legal rights.
Resources available to you
Student email account
Your student email account provides a safe and reliable channel for communication.
The Virtual Learning Environment
Your Virtual Learning Environment contains study materials such as podcasts, audio lectures and activities. You can also link up with other students around the world.
Online library
Each course has a dedicated gateway to the University of London online library, which will help you get the best out of your studies. Its resources include:
- over 97 million e-journal titles.
- professional legal databases including LexisNexis and Westlaw.
- a collection of specially selected e-books.
Our state-of-the-art search engine and guides will help you find what you are looking for. We also have an enquiry service staffed by professional librarians.
Senate House Library
Distance-learning students have free reference access to Senate House Library. You can use it as a place to study or browse its collection in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Benefit from:
- an extensive collection of printed and online books including historic and antiquarian books.
- newspapers and news services including digital archives.
- specialist collections, historic maps and rare books.
- history of the University of London and of individuals connected to the University.
You will need to show your University of London ID card to gain access, and bring proof of your home address the first time you visit the library.
If you wish to borrow books, you will need to become a member. You can sign up on a 3-month or 12-month basis.
Access to further libraries
A select number of libraries have previously offered their services to distance-learning students.