Q: What are the Admission Requirements for the Foundation Course?
A: Faculty students are adults of all ages and backgrounds and all are welcome. No formal educational qualifications are necessary, although a reasonable degree of literacy and numeracy is assumed. Students for whom English is a foreign language should note that a good standard of reading and writing English is required. Please note however that you must be 18 or over to study with us.
Q: What are the Admission Requirements for the Diploma Course?
A: Anyone is welcome to study any of our modules without having completed the Foundation Course. However, if you wish to gain the Faculty’s Diploma qualification, you must be a Certificate holder before you are eligible to take the Diploma exams.
Q: Can I study for my own interest only, without having to take any exams?
A: Absolutely. Anyone is welcome to study any of our modules or to complete the entire Foundation and/or Diploma without taking any of the assessments or exams.
Q: Can I attend London seminars if I am not a Faculty student?
A: Yes, you are very welcome to enrol on any of the Diploma Modules in London without having to do the whole Diploma course. Modules are given as four Saturday seminars spread over a term and are an ideal way to explore a subject that you wish to learn more about or to practice your chart interpretation at intermediate or advanced levels.
Q: If I am a classes’ student and the module I want to do is not scheduled, how can I continue my studies?
A: Even if a module is not scheduled as a live class, it will still be available by distance learning, and possibly also as a module at Summer School, so your studies will not be interrupted. You may study by any method you choose, according to your circumstances.
Q: How long does it take to complete the Foundation Course?
A: The Foundation Course comprises three modules and is designed to take you approximately one year to complete. Each module is taught over 8-10 weeks at classes in London and can easily be completed in approximately 10-12 weeks by distance learning if studied consistently.
Q: How long does it take to complete the Diploma Course?
A: The Diploma Course consists of six modules which will take you two years to complete if you study three modules per year.
Q: What will the Faculty’s Diploma qualify me to do?
A: The Faculty’s Diploma is held in very high esteem in the astrological world as a first class training. As a Faculty Diploma holder you will sign the Code of Ethics and may choose to set up your own consultancy practice, or to develop your astrological career through teaching or writing, for example. Diploma holders may use the title D.F.Astrol.S. after their name and can choose to be listed in the Faculty’s Directory of Consultants.
Q: Who are the Faculty’s tutors?
A: All the Faculty’s tutors are holders of the Faculty’s Diploma, and have a great deal of astrological and tutoring experience. Their aim is to ensure that you have a rewarding and individually supported learning experience.
Q: What is my Tutor's role?
A: Whichever method of studying you choose, your tutor will support you throughout each module, mark your exercises and assignments, suggest extra reading, provide specific examples and generally ensure that you have all the guidance and feedback you need to work through to the successful completion of each module.
Q: What are the advantages of Distance Learning?
A: The advantage of Distance Learning is that you can begin your studies at any time of the year, and work through the modules at your own pace, according to the amount of time you have available for studying. You need only an internet connection for access to your emails. Working closely with your own personal tutor via email, you will enjoy one-to-one attention. Distance Learning courses also make astrological studies available to those outside the classes’ area.
Q: What are the advantages of attending Classes?
A: The advantage of studying astrology at live classes is the opportunity to meet like-minded people and to learn from the experience and examples of other students. At Faculty Classes you will also receive the individual support and feedback of your class tutor, who is there to guide you through the course and to mark exercises and homework completed between lessons.
Q: What happens if I have to take a break in my studies?
A: The Modular Course structure gives you flexibility and choice. You can spread the cost of your studies and take a break between modules if necessary.
Q: What are the assessment procedures for the Certificate and Diploma?
A: You need 120 credits to gain your Certificate. 20 credits are allocated on the completion of each of the three Foundation Course modules and 60 credits are awarded when you have passed the Certificate Interpretation Exam. You need 360 credits altogether to gain your Diploma: 120 credits for the Certificate, 120 credits for the completion of Diploma Level One and 120 credits for the completion of Diploma Level Two. Visit the Exam Page for further information.
Q: How do I enrol on a Faculty Class or Distance Learning Course?
A: You can enrol online using our secure server. You can also download the Classes programme and enrolment forms from the Brochures and Bookings Page.
Q. Will I need to buy an astrological software package for your courses?
A. Students do not need to purchase any software package because all the charts and tables they will need to work on will be provided by the Faculty.
Q. I am worried about calculating charts by hand as my maths is not very strong.
A. Calculating charts by hand is a small but important part of our Foundation course and does not require great mathematical skills. The course teaching guides you through the process step by step, providing all the help you need to master the art of chart calculation.
Q. Will I have to spend a lot of money buying materials/books for the courses?
A. No, for the Foundation course (the first 3 modules) only Raphael’s Ephemeris is needed. For subsequent modules, 2 ephemeris for 20th and 21st centuries, Reinhold Ebertin’s The Combination of Stellar Influences and Baigent, Campion & Harvey’s Mundane Astrology are required. For further information, including where to buy these books, see our Essential Book for Purchase in Brochures and Bookings.
Q. Are the exam papers sat in exam conditions i.e. timed exams?
A. No. Exam papers are sent to students by email and they can work on them at home.
Q. How much time do I have to submit my exam after I receive the relevant exam papers?
A. We currently have two exams session coinciding with the Spring and Autumn equinoxes. Exams have to be submitted by the second equinox from the time exam papers are received. For examples, if you have applied for your exam at the end of March, you have until the following Spring equinox to submit it. For further information on exams, see also “Exam Rules and Regulations”. Students can apply for a 2-week extension (see “Exams Extension Form” in Brochures and Bookings for further details).