"The flexibility of Distance education provided an opportunity to explore and prepare for a new career while still working full time.

ACS course’s structure allowed me to custom-fit a qualification that complemented my background, experience and specific interest in garden design.
I enjoyed all my studies, particularly the Set Tasks and Assignments which were practical and in-depth. They required getting out and about in the neighbourhood, looking at gardens, landscaping features, talking to people, taking my digital camera, identifying plants over 350 plant varieties etc. Some of my favourite lessons were Native Trees, Landscape Construction and Cottage Garden design.

The main difference between my experience of studying at University and studying with ACS is that at University you're basically regurgitating textbooks. In contrast ACS assignments can be quite involved requiring hands-on application of principles, creative thinking and analysis.
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"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. I had not studied for the past 10 years and was a little apprehensive. The staff were very supportive, their feedback was always valuable and response time was extremely prompt. This course has given me a new desire to keep learning. I never knew learning could be so enjoyable. I am looking forward to my next learning experience through ACS.
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"It has been a truly invaluable learning experience for me. I want you to know that I have learnt so much from all of your constructive input and guidance throughout each lesson of the course. You have helped me to understand where my strengths and weaker aspects lie, and what areas of my answering questions I need to pay attention to.
Thank you for getting my assignments back to me as promptly as you have, and thank you for making this course so enjoyable."

"Absolutely [the course was a valuable learning experience]! Gave me confidence and knowledge to start my own small business and help others with health and weight loss... My tutor was brilliant! She replied to questions promptly and my assignments were always returned quickly with useful critique. She was extremely helpful and supportive and I cannot thank her enough! I am very impressed with ACS from start to finish! I have attended other tertiary institutions before and attended university and have never had such a smooth and positive experience as the one with ACS.
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"I would not change a thing in this course from the valuable insight it gives, it takes you on a journey from start to finish with the notes for each assignment to the SAT's & the test questions to send to your tutor.
It is just brilliant."

"Each lesson provides an excellent starting point for my own research. I really enjoy writing the assignment answers. The assignments provide just the right stimulus, with the freedom to follow my own interests, but in a directed way.
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"Everything. All four courses had great content. I also like the dashboard for students and the way the courses are set up with three elements: lesson, self-assessment test, and assignment. It was a clear structure that allowed me to organize myself well and also to plan ahead, since sometimes the tasks from one assignment would be tied to the ones from another one later on. For example, in the last assignment for my Copywriting course, I was asked to select two of the adverts I had written throughout the course and rewrite them with fewer total words, to achieve greater marketing success. This helped reinforce my learning."

"I consider that my success in recent years is directly related to the training I have done with the ACS. The materials were spot on, and the tutors were superb. I have always firmly believed that if you have a passion to do something, the only thing that will prevent you from attaining your goals, is lack of training and lack of understanding -- and for me, the Australian Correspondence School makes sure that that does not occur. Could not recommend them more."

"I found the structure, lessons and assignments practical, easy to understand and informative. I really felt like I was actually learning valuable information, much of which I have retained and still refer to. And I know that the knowledge I gained through this course led me to the position I am in now which is a horticulturist at a West Australian botanic garden.
I recall reading John Mason's history of the school and I liked how he designed the course with long term learning being the priority, as opposed to shorter term, box ticking, competency-based style of education.
I went from having zero experience/knowledge in horticulture to now working in one of the best Botanic Gardens in the world...and I do put a lot of that down to ACS.
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"I am very impressed with the standard of marking. The extra explanations and helpful advice are way beyond anything I have ever received during school, uni or workplace training.
Every question really extends me, and I find that to answer it sufficiently (or to my satisfaction) many more avenues need to be explored. I am becoming an adept researcher and ever more skilled in finding ways to re-phrase my new found knowledge. One of my daughters is particularly impressed with the scientific explanations I come up with, and I think this is the aim of all learning - to be able to pass it along the line. Highly recommended. I will definitely be enrolling in more science courses and I am opting to start a Proficiency Award 2 in Applied Science
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"I found the whole course valuable as I'm completely new to Leisure Facility Management and feel I now have an understanding of the various components of the course
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""Being an online course, I found the following aspects most valuable:

1. Flexibility and Accessibility – The ability to learn at my own pace was very convenient, especially with my busy schedule managing international cricket pitches.
2. Well-structured Content – The course was logically organized with clear modules covering soil management, turfgrass types, mowing strategies, pest control, and seasonal planning.
3. Real-world Relevance – The case studies and examples used throughout the course were closely related to real sports turf scenarios, helping me apply what I learned directly to my work.
4. Scientific Approach – The emphasis on soil testing, nutrient balancing, and integrated turf health management added a strong scientific foundation to my practical knowledge.
5. Resource Materials – Downloadable PDFs, visual diagrams, and video tutorials were helpful for reviewing and implementing key practices.""

"Naomi has completed ten courses in total with ACS, focussing on marine studies, earth science, mariculture, aquarium management, environmental assessment, aquaponics and biochemistry.
“I began studying marine biology. At first, I did the course as a stand-alone but loved it so much I began another… and then another… and then another.”
Throughout each course I have received constant support from my tutors and have always had the support I needed on my assignments to make them better. The reading material was of a high standard.”
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"The information given was excellent, but the assignments also made you look further to find answers yourself and I find this a much better way of learning than just being handed all the answers. It has given me a grounding knowledge in human biology which is perfect as I am applying to study Chiropractics at university next year. I couldn’t have asked for more from my tutor. She was very thorough and extremely helpful with any problems I encountered.
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"The most useful aspects were the practical knowledge on vineyard management, especially pruning, irrigation, and pest and disease control, which I can directly apply to my work.
Overall, I really appreciate the course and the support from ACS. It has helped me strengthen my knowledge and apply it in my vineyard work."

"I initially wanted to do the course because I really enjoy birdwatching and I wanted to learn more about birds than just how to identify them. Also, I was set to start university in September, and as I was no longer studying biology, I wanted to take the opportunity to so do some final studying in that area.
This course has been brilliant: not only did I learn about the biology and distribution of birds, but I also learned about taxonomy (not nearly as boring as it sounds!), and I now know the behaviours and characteristics of a range of bird species worldwide.
I've enjoyed the course so much that, after much deliberation, I decided to go on to do further study. After a word with the university admissions tutor I successfully switched degree courses, so I am now set to study Ecology and Conservation.
I owe this course so much, not just for teaching me about birds, but also for making me realise how enjoyable it is to study them.
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"I have never found the staff at any other learning institution as supportive as the staff at ACS. This gives one a lot of peace of mind and confidence to go on – at every squeak from my side, you guys have always been there immediately, to sort me out. The feedback on my lessons have always been really good and meaningful and an important source of my learning. Thanks!
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"I found the material clearly laid out, and, while brief, very useful and thorough. The tutor’s feedback was incredibly thorough, thoughtful, clearly explicated anything missed and both highlighted and expounded upon aspects that were most important.
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"Every lesson met my expectations, well researched and deals with the problems I face almost daily in the field. It left me yearning for more and more. The insights I got from my tutor was helpful in sorting out what is not important or scientifically proven. Much thanks to Megan.
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"[The course] provides a thorough introduction to the practices of Life Coaching. It provides very good learning materials and practical assignments at end of each lesson. The comments from my tutor are always very encouraging and positive. The services from school administrative staff are excellent [and] the course is recognised by Association of Coaching, UK."

"I feel that over the duration of the course I gained a lot of knowledge and practical strategies that will be beneficial to me, and those I deal with personally and professionally. The course exceeded my expectations significantly.
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"I wanted to study herbs but I could not find a course at my closest TAFE, and traveling to Adelaide each day was not practical. ACS offered the best option - study at home, at my own pace and still tutor contact when I needed it. I was undecided in the facet of herbs that I wanted to specialise in - that was until I completed an assignment to produce three herbal products. My tutor tested my products and encouraged me to set up a small business making and distributing a range of natural herbal cosmetic and household products. His guidance has helped me establish an interesting and profitable business from my studies.
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"I'm now 72 and still old school, thus, I expected boring lectures that one struggles to comprehend. But a revelation! I learned how to access any information I may need. This is more valuable and comprehensive than anything I ever thought. Thank you for a lovely course. And I'll be back... as soon as I decide what I want to know more about."

"This course has been one of the best learning experiences for me as I have found myself constantly wanting to study despite the fact that I don't enjoy reading. I have found the course is very well structured and that I am very thankful for my tutor who is always giving me encouragement and will show me where I have made any mistakes and how I can improve my work. I am also very impressed with the Student Room
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"Been working in the livestock (Dairy Cattle) industry for years and thought I knew it all. Calf rearing was one area I had limited knowledge of, and due to a new work role, I needed to know more... QUICKLY!!!
This course allowed me the freedom to work within the industry & learn at the same time. I learnt a lot of new and diverse calf rearing options that have now better prepared me for the 'real world' of calf rearing and my new role within the dairy industry. A great 'grounding' course, even for those who are hands on in raising calves. I have recommended this course to a few calf rearers already! I'd be happy to highly recommend the course to anyone with an interest in raising the next quality batch of calf replacements on their farm.
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"I have an extremely supportive, encouraging, helpful, knowledgeable and caring tutor. I am very grateful for all the advice, guidance and support Tracey had extended to me so kindly throughout my course journey, making it so enriching and enjoyable which really aids my course completion and high performance. The modules are also very systematically structured with good coverage. The assignments are thought provoking and useful in making me read up and research more outside of the course notes. Last but not least, the comprehensive marking and comments provided for each of my completed assignment is always so helpful and encouraging. Thank you so much, Tracey!
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"The materials were clear and informative and lead you to explore other information. The online quizzes were a good way to check understanding. The assessments meant you needed to research in more depth. I have started an Occupational Therapy course at Uni so it has given me a good foundation. An excellent learning opportunity to work in my own time, but with support.
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"I am loving the course. It relates to all the things I am presently doing with our dogs and sheep and I am finding it extremely useful and have learnt a lot. I love getting my assignments back to see how I went. Always an exciting moment and then shared around the dinner table that night!
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"Being able to instantly apply the learned knowledge to my environment. The set tasks were very practical and aided consolidation of the lesson topic."

"(The course) has provided me with a stepping stone to university, and furthered the knowledge I got from high school, preparing me for university. I wanted a course that covered a broad range of environmental aspects so that I could pinpoint which area I was most interested in. This course did just that.
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"I am thoroughly enjoying the Vertebrate Zoology course with ACS. Dr. Browne has been a wonderful tutor and has given clear, concise and constructive feedback on each of the assignments I have submitted. The structure of the course allows you to independently research topics guided by module notes, set tasks and assignment questions. The more you put into this course the more you take away. I love the suggestions of where and how to do the set tasks. Dissecting a grey mullet for Assignment 2 was thus far the best part of the course – while it is only suggested to approach in this manner you should consider making it a requirement of the module. I was able to coordinate with a local fisherman in association with a fish monger - they happily caught and presented me with a beautiful specimen. After dissection it made a great meal for my four legged friends (Nothing wasted and absolutely ethical! :). The hands-on approach enabled me to get a very comprehensive understanding of the anatomy of a fish. The gizzard of the grey mullet was a bonus and had I not dissected - I would not have been able to fully appreciate the complex digestive system of this omnivorous fish"

"I found it very useful to be able to download PDFs of the lesson materials so I am able to study while traveling. The course was structured in a logical way that helps guide students through the material and tie everything together at the end. My tutor responded fast and graded assignments very quickly. He provided constructive comments and valuable insight.
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"I found the of scientific and theoretical content very thorough. The course gave me practical knowledge and the confidence to move forward within the field. The whole curriculum was positive and enriching and I feel more at one with nature and my place within it. I look forward to undertaking more horticultural courses and putting them to practical use.
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"The course was valuable. As a biologist I am looking to expand my knowledge base into ecological restoration. To date the information in this course relates well as supporting information to the restoration textbooks I am working through.
Although I have not presently capitalized on the course materials from a professional standpoint I foresee the knowledge gained from the course being very helpful in the future even if it is in a more subtle way than originally expected. Although much of the material was covered during my undergraduate studies, I was required to do a sufficient amount of research on my end to complete the assignments.
Through this process I feel I learned the material better than I did the first time around. I feel the assignments built upon each other quite well. The necessity of the plant reviews continued to bring in not only the scientific aspects of botany but also the more practical knowledge that can be acquired, making the course that much more enjoyable.
My tutor not only provided me with information regarding where I had made errors but she also provided me with insights into how I could improve either my approach to answering the assignments or where I had missed some pertinent information.
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"The course materials were well laid out, time frames to submit been sufficient and most of all the reply to assignments and mark up by lecturer been fantastic and helpful.

As I'm coming from a practical background this course was a challenge for me with a fair amount of study involved. The lecturer was fantastic in her replies with ideas and suggestions. The materials provided been effective and sufficient.
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" ‘The course was a valuable learning experience because it challenged my thinking regarding the application of supervision and how to apply supervision to different professions. The course exceeded my expectations, in particular because it explored other aspects of supervision such as burn-out, professionalism, ethics and legal concerns. The course has a very comprehensive approach to supervision, which makes for a more rounded supervisor.’
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"In my role within a large Aged Care Facility a great deal of my employment is spent in the area of Turf management and garden care/refurbishment. With ACS I was able to study at my own pace allowing me to put into practise and thoroughly research the subject matter broadening my knowledge and study experience further. I enjoyed the way in which the subject matter was presented as it allowed you to study each subject further, allowing for greater depth, clarity and knowledge.
Overall there are not many areas in which the course subject matter will not turn out to be invaluable, everything is covered to allow you to become successful within your own business or place of employment. A big thank you to Gavin Cole [tutor] and all at ACS. It was a pleasure to study with ACS, look forward to further study."

"I found the course interesting, challenging, and rewarding. I learnt a lot by following the program and the study ACS set out. Assignments were corrected quickly, with lots of positive feedback from the tutors.
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"I found it to be an excellent course in basic Film Photography. The section on exposure was very clear. I appreciate the diagrams and clear concise directions in developing and enlarging film. The staff were very kind and my tutor was very encouraging and always gave clear feedback. I was very happy with the flexibility of the course. I moved to a different country and was able to continue with the course.
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"A very interesting and valuable experience. I learnt a lot and it gave me a good grounding in the basics. It really made me think, and I liked how it enabled me to interact with people through the practical work.
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""As the Founder and Director of not-for-profit animal sanctuary Edgar’s Mission it is paramount that the animals in our care receive the very best we can provide, both in terms of husbandry and facilities. To this end I am forever seeking to learn more, however I have little to no time to attend colleges or universities to further my knowledge. Scouring the internet, I was beyond delighted to find ACS Distance Education who offer a variety of self-paced courses covering a vast array of subjects related to farm animals. Assignments are quickly marked and returned along with constructive and helpful comments, which really complements the learning experience. ""

"I think the course is a valuable learning experience as I feel I’m being challenged along the way. Generally, I am impressed with the service I have received from ACS since enrolling. The enrollment process was very quick and all email support has been prompt and helpful. The tutors seem very pleasant and helpful in their remarks, and this keeps me motivated. It is very encouraging when they offer additional information or ask questions of me/my writing.
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