The educational system in London is known worldwide for exceptional quality education. Distance learning UK programs provide flexibility for residents to earn a degree from their home. Distance learning UK programs provide an opportunity for people living outside of England access to an excellent global education. All the distance learning degree programs offered through distance learning UK colleges are reviewed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education for approval. The Quality Assurance Agency was created because the Higher Education Council for England wanted to make sure public funding was going towards universities offering quality educational programs. The main accreditation agency for distance learning UK programs is the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council which was originally a government organized institution but is now private. The Council provides a list of accredited distance learning UK colleges on their website.

The University of London is a distance learning UK University with over 40,000 distance learning students in their external program. The external program was developed in 1858 making it the oldest program in the world. The University of London distance learning UK program is held to the same standards as the traditional academic programs which ensure a quality education. The programs offered through the University of London have been approved by the Quality Assurance Agency. The University of London distance learning UK program offers bachelors and master degrees in a variety of fields. Most degrees require 2-4 years of study. All but 5 of the degrees offered through the External Program can be completed online. The other 5 programs require the student to complete some of the coursework at 1 of 200 worldwide institutions.
Open University offers only distance learning UK programs. 150,000 undergraduate and 30,000 postgraduate students attend Open University. Distance learning UK degrees are very popular as evidenced by the fact that Open University is the largest university in the United Kingdom. The courses last 6-9 months and there are set due dates for completing assignments and an exam. Open University distance learning UK courses are offered through several means including video and audio cassettes, TV programs, printed books, and through their website. There are no admissions requirements, so anyone over the age of 18 can attend Open University. Open University offers bachelors of arts and bachelors of science degrees that are open degrees meaning they are not specific to a subject area. A certain number of credits are required for degree completion and a vast number of subject areas can be included in the credits earned towards a degree.