Online Distance Learning (ODL)
Study online, anywhere
Learn at your own pace
Lab classes
Access the stone library
Upcoming Online courses
| Code | Name | Start Date | Duration | Price (£) | Enquire |
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Ready to apply?
If you wish to apply by post/email please download our PDF application form and send to our London HQ or email to education@gem-a.com. Make sure to review the Terms and Conditions, as you will need to agree to them when completing the application form.
ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING
ODL Resources
Teaching Centres
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between courses with a lab class included and courses without a lab class?
All distance learning students must complete some practical tuition as part of their course, this ensures you can use the equipment correctly and safely, as well as giving you the opportunity to see a much wider range of gem materials outside of those supplied with your course materials.Â
If you choose to book onto a lab class at Gem-A London, or a lab class in the US, then you will pay for this as part of your course fee. If you will be attending your practical tuition with one of our GAPP centres, then you will make the arrangements and pay them their fee directly.Â
I’m an ODL student, where can I sit my exam?
You can contact education@gem-a.com for guidance on available examination centres. Please note that not all examination centres are guaranteed to be available for every exam session.
Examinations may be possible in the following locations, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, China, France, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America.
Please note that Diamond Practical examinations are limited to a smaller selection of locations.Â
As an ODL student, how do I contact my tutor directly?Â
Communication on the online distance learning courses with your tutor and fellow students is through forums, and engaging in discussions and posting questions is part of the experience. Where possible you should post your questions within the course as they may also benefit other students and encourage group talking points. However, should you need to message your tutor privately, you can do this through the online campus that you will have access to for the duration of your course.Â
What are the recommended study hours for my course?
For each course, the recommended self-study hours per week, including time for the reading of the course notes, completing any homework (onsite studies only), and end-of-block reviews and online assessments, are:
Gemmology Foundation
- Evening: 6 to 8 hours
- Daytime: 4 to 6 hours
- ODL: 6 to 8 hours
- ODL Fast track: 10 to 12 hours
Gemmology Diploma
- Evening: 8 to 10 hours
- Daytime: 6 to 8 hours
- ODL: 10 to 12 hours
Diamond Diploma
- Evening: 10 to 12 hours
- Daytime: 8 to 10 hours
- ODL: 8 to 10 hours
Do I receive any face-to-face tuition during my ODL course?
The Gem-A online distance learning courses work asynchronously, meaning that students can log on at any time to complete coursework, giving students the chance to have their courses work around their busy schedules. There is no face-to-face tuition or live interactions on the online course, but you are assigned a tutor who you will communicate with through online forums when you have questions during your studies. The course schedule is available to download at the start of the course, which provides an outline of when you should be completing each of the online lessons and includes the dates of the block review and online assessment deadlines. Gem-A requires students to complete at least 80% of the online course lessons to go forward to the final examination.