correspondence course: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Educational
Quick answer
What does “correspondence course” mean?
A system of education in which students receive materials and submit assignments by post or electronically, without attending regular classes at an educational institution.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A system of education in which students receive materials and submit assignments by post or electronically, without attending regular classes at an educational institution.
Any structured educational programme designed for remote study, often to allow flexibility for learners with other commitments or those who cannot attend in person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally standard in both varieties. 'Distance learning course' or 'online course' are modern synonyms more common in both regions.
Connotations
Slightly old-fashioned, as 'distance learning' has largely superseded it, but remains understood and used, especially in official contexts.
Frequency
More frequent in formal educational and administrative contexts than in casual conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “correspondence course” in a Sentence
take [a correspondence course] (in [subject])enrol on [a correspondence course]study [via a correspondence course]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “correspondence course” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to correspondence-course her way to a degree while working full-time. (informal, rare)
American English
- He correspondence-coursed in graphic design last year. (informal, rare)
adverb
British English
- He studied for his diploma entirely correspondence-course. (highly informal/non-standard)
American English
- She completed the qualification correspondence-course. (highly informal/non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The correspondence-course model suited her busy schedule.
American English
- She appreciated the flexibility of the correspondence-course format.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in HR and professional development contexts for employees upgrading qualifications.
Academic
Used in university prospectuses and educational administration.
Everyday
Used when discussing educational options, especially for adult learners.
Technical
Used in educational theory and instructional design to denote a specific delivery mode.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “correspondence course”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “correspondence course”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “correspondence course”
- Using 'correspondence course' to refer to any online tutorial or YouTube series (it implies a formal, accredited programme).
- Misspelling as 'correspondance course'.
- Using 'correspondence' as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'I took a correspondence' – must include 'course').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While all modern correspondence courses use online methods, 'correspondence course' traditionally implied postal communication. 'Online course' is a broader, more modern term, but they are often used synonymously now.
Yes, if they are from an accredited institution. The mode of study (correspondence/distance) is less important than the reputation and accreditation of the awarding body.
Yes, many universities offer full undergraduate and postgraduate degrees through distance learning, which is the modern evolution of the correspondence course model.
Flexibility. It allows students to learn at their own pace and schedule, making it ideal for those with work, family, or geographical constraints.
A system of education in which students receive materials and submit assignments by post or electronically, without attending regular classes at an educational institution.
Correspondence course is usually formal, educational in register.
Correspondence course: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒr.əˈspɒn.dəns ˌkɔːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːr.əˈspɑːn.dəns ˌkɔːrs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Learn at your own pace (common phrase used in advertising for correspondence courses).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CORRESPONDENCE means communication by letter. A CORRESPONDENCE COURSE is a course you do by sending and receiving letters (or emails).
Conceptual Metaphor
EDUCATION IS A JOURNEY (taken remotely); KNOWLEDGE IS A COMMODITY (delivered by post).
Practice
Quiz
What is the key defining feature of a correspondence course?