For postgraduate students the minimum period of registration is two years and the maximum five years. A wide variety of qualifications is available through the External Programme. A small number of courses require students to attend classes at recognised centres or spend a short period in London. Many postgraduate qualifications are offered as full distance learning programmes. The University of London allows students to decide how and where they study.
Some students prepare for the examinations totally by themselves.
For most first degrees, the External Programme offers help including subject guides, past examination papers and examiners' reports. None of the institutions offering tuition to University of London External students is affiliated to the University itself, and the University cannot advise on their academic merit. The only exception to this is for certain institutions which have been given specific permission to teach for a number of Diplomas. Costs Undergraduate students pay a handling fee when they apply, an initial registration fee when they first register, and a continuing registration fee annually for as long as they continue their studies. Examination entry fees are also payable to the University.