Abstract
The suite of astronomy courses available from the University of Central Lancashire by distance learning provides a broad range of options to the student. A key element is flexibility of study mode and pace, allowing students to work at a variety of rates, and to complete their studies at a number of different levels of achievement. The bulk of our students are mature (over 21 years in the UK educational definition), but a significant fraction are also in the 16 to 21 years bracket traditionally seen in the UK as university age. The programme is deliberately designed to be student-focused, both in the approach to the syllabus and in the
development of new modules for the suite. The modules have steadily developed from a paper-based correspondence approach to increasingly on-line delivery and learning support. Current challenges include maintaining an expanding set of modules for existing students and ensuring the entry-point modules are sufficiently attractive to generate a sustainable cohort.
