Studying through Distance and Flexible Learning (DFL)

Approximately half of the University's 15,000 students choose to study by Distance and Flexible Learning (DFL) within their own home countries. The vast geographical distances that USP serves makes it difficult for all students to come to study at one of the three major Campuses. For this reason, USP has been a pioneer in DFL since the 1970s.

Today, the University utilises a state-of-the-art satellite communications network, USPNet, to deliver tertiary education to people in the Pacific who would otherwise not be able to study face-to-face. Distance learning is administered by the DFL Support Centre, which manages the administrative and academic operation of 14 USP Centres. The Centres are like small Campuses and are located in each of the University's 12 Member Countries. Due to its larger size, three USP Centres are located within Fiji.

Over 200 credit courses are now offered through DFLm representing all USP's discipline areas and all 100-level courses. Priority is being given to offering entire academic programmes through DFL mode. In the near future it will be prossible to complete your full programme through DFL, but at present it offers a critical pathway to graduation.

DFL students are provided with a mix of printed materialm audio and video cassettes, the Internet and live access to lectures and tutorials taking place at the main Laucala Campus through video conferencing and broadcasting. These multiple modes of delivery are aimed at supporting students with their studies. The USPNet technology is greatly enhancing the learning experience for DFL students and the University is rapidly expanding the number of courses available to students through distance.

Typically, DFL students come from a variety of background, but they all share a desire to study in a way that is convenient to them, does not require them to move away from their homes and families or to give up full-time work.

Distance learning has particular appeal for people who:

• Live in remote areas of the South Pacific
• Have heavy family or professional responsibilities which prevent them from studying on-campus
• Do not want to move away from their family and friends
• Simply prefer to study on their own

Details on course available through DFL can be obtained from the relevant USP Centre.