IDI has made learning in the creative industries very accessible. The first challenge living on an Island is finding out which courses I can do with out tedious trips to the mainland. IDI's method of assessment relies completely on portfolio work from the activities and interaction with tutors. As I am not required to make special arrangements for assessment I have been able to follow my chosen career path. Funding is also hard to figure out, it's not very clear on any website what you are entitled too, if anything. IDI admissions staff are extremely helpful in sorting out what your best options are for paying tuition fees. I was able to sort out a plan to pay that suited my financial situation. The employers discount is very helpful.The fees are very expensive, however it's a small price to pay for the ability to study completely at home.The tutors are extremely helpful, all tutors are experts in there field and have considerable experience, their feedback is empowering and they are very keen to see students push their work to the full potential.

IDI offers an incredible opportunity to those of us not able to follow conventional paths of study. I have just completed my first year in Graphic Design and Illustration and have had an amazing journey. The learning is as it should be, intensive, academic and challenging. Each module builds on and expands previous learning; it is wonderfully exciting and develops real skills and knowledge. I have gained practical technical skills and broadened my academic understanding. And it's not all sat in front of a computer; we are encouraged to meet fellow students if possible, attend exhibitions, experiment and study away from the screen.Tutor interaction is obviously different from that of an attendance university and we are expected to keep strong and productive dialogue going with tutors. This is part of learning, adapting to online study and working towards my degree. My tutor feedback has been encouraging, insightful and vital. It is easy to engage with tutors too; the nature of online study means that I can send in questions and preparatory work at any time and I will get feedback waiting for me the next day.Online study is not the easy option. It will have inevitable ups and downs but it provides amazing opportunities to people and I believe that IDI excels in that. I know I could not have learned so much any other way. Student support in all matters has been excellent and my peer group are great. We are in contact via the university forums and the normal social media routes and I have met up with a few fellow students. Importantly I feel connected to the university. I feel part of it.