Those often asked questions...

Terms & Conditions

Each module Costs £90.

There are:

3 modules in the level 1 course.
8 in the level 2 course.
10 in the level 3 course.
11 in the level 3 Hand Knit course.

Registration with City & Guilds is a single payment of £44.
This is due when you have completed your first module.

There are two payment options:

Option 1, Pay £90 for the first module, work through it and pay for the next module when you submit module 1 for assessment, all subsequent modules are paid for in this way.

Option 2, To make a saving of 10% you may purchase all 3 modules of a level 3 course making a single payment of £243. This saves you £27.

For the same 10% discount you may purchase the first 4 modules of either the level 2 or level 3 courses making a single payment of £324, this saves you £36.

When the 4 modules are completed you can then purchase the 4 last modules for the level 2 course at the same discount making a saving overall of £72.

If you have chosen the level 3 course you can purchase the 6 more modules again at a discount this gives a wapping saving overall of £90!

Once the first 6 modules are completed you can purchase the rest of the modules at the same discount of 10%.

It should be stressed that the modules will still be assessed in the normal way, i.e. you request the next module as you approach the end of the current one.

However you purchase the course it is stressed that you have 14 days to decide whether the course is for you.

If you decide in the negative you must return the complete modules and envelope to WS Touchbase, who will offer a full refund, excepting the postage used.

After 14 days you have purchased the chosen number of modules and no refund will be offered.

It must be stressed that you have as long as you need to work through the modules, you can contact the office and your tutor at the times given in the back up file, but we have a principle of not contacting students unless it is with our newsletter.

Be assured you will have no unsolicited letters, e-mails or phone calls asking when your work will be completed.

We firmly believe that in learning, the journey is more important then the destination, trite but true!

How do I keep my work?
You will find you produce a fair amount of work with each module and I suggest you keep work in progress in a box file or large shoebox.
Remember to label each sample, not only with the lesson and sample number but also with the materials used and your own personal notes.
If you think a sample is a waste of time, tell us! If you were in a class situation you would, distance learning is no different!

Can I get help along the way?
Tutors are more than happy to be contacted in person and with your first module you will receive contact phone numbers and e-mails.

I am dyslexic and may have difficulties with the assessments?
At Touchbase we believe in equal opportunities for all, please never be reluctant to discuss your learning needs, so we can do our best to assist.

Can I talk to other students?
We are in the process of creating a list of those who wish to be contacted by others. This is not compulsory and plans are afoot for a notice board for inclusion on the web site.

Do I meet my tutor?
We hold workshops at the National Botanic Gardens in Carmarthen, where all are welcome, and indeed you will get to meet your tutor! We can supply accommodation details if needed. Please email us for more information.

How/when do I send my module back?
We provide a large padded envelope with an address label. When complete, the work is placed inside, and sent to us. We recommend that you insure the parcel, for your peace of mind.

What happens when I return a module?
Modules, as you can imagine, are arriving here every day and it takes up to a day to assess each module. We try to return work to you within two weeks, and will inform you if it may take longer.

What assessment procedure is used?
We follow the syllabus laid down by City and Guilds, and ensure that the work and the back up information, i.e. health and safety, copyright, etc, is of a competent standard as regards the level of course being undertaken. Samples are requested to be revisited if a competent standard has not been reached, but we always state why and how if this is necessary.

Who else sees my work?
Your qualified tutor assesses your work, it may also be sampled by an Internal Verifier, who ensures that you are receiving the back up you require. Our centre co-ordinator also oversees the modules and ensures the paper work, which includes registration, is in place. Once a year a City and Guilds External Verifier visits, and selects at random, student work to view. This is to ensure that the centre and staff are providing a competent service to our students and assessing to national standards.

When do I receive my next module?
You can request it when you send in the present module, or you can post the application form and the payment and have the module before finishing the previous. Some students prefer this as it saves a break in their creativity while awaiting the assessment.
When assessment of your first module is complete, your work will be returned with a written assessment, your second module, and a return envelope.

What do I do if I do not agree with my assessment?
As a City and Guilds approved centre we have in place an appeals procedure. You should put your complaint in writing and send it with the work. This is then seen by a separate assessor who will discuss it with your tutor. You receive feedback on this discussion and if a decision cannot be agreed, the centre co-ordinator will be asked to view the work. You may, of course, be present when this takes place.

What happens when I finish all the modules?
When all modules have been passed competent, the relevant documentation will be signed by your tutor and the Internal Verifier and passed to City and Guilds for certification.

Can I progress from there?
Progression routes are natural through City and Guilds and your tutor will give you advice on the next stage, should you wish it.

Do I get to see others work?
Yes, have a look at the web site where students work can be seen.

WS Touchbase was created because we
believe in the importance of expression through textiles.

We strive to offer courses that are
as accessible as they are enjoyable.