Sheffield FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheffield's Distance Education Programs.
Do I need to have any special training or work experience before enrolling in a Sheffield Course?
I've been away from school for some time. Will I have difficulty adjusting to being back in school?
How much time must I devote to studying?
Do I get personal supervision and help?
Does my tuition fee cover the entire cost of the course?
How long are Sheffield Courses?
Do I need special artistic talent?
How can I start earning money in my new field?
What do I need to succeed in my Sheffield Course?
Do I need to have any special training or work experience before enrolling in a Sheffield Course?
Each of our Courses teaches you from the ground up. We start with the basics, and then build on this foundation until you've achieved mastery of advanced techniques. If you do have prior experience, so much the better. Some of the material might be a review for you, but you'll also learn a great deal that is brand-new, including countless insider tricks-of-the-trade.
However, please note that a high school diploma or equivalency is required to enroll in Sheffield's Feng Shui Interior Design Course and our Wedding and Event Planning Course.
I've been away from school for some time. Will I have difficulty adjusting to being back in school?
Because the Sheffield experience is so flexible, this probably won't be an issue. You are in a class by yourself, with the freedom to study whenever and wherever you want. And you aren't tied down to a rigid academic schedule. You can study in whatever way is comfortable for you.
How much time must I devote to studying?
Only as much as you can spare. You go at your own pace. You are neither hurried nor held back by other students. This is the beauty of home study. You don't lose time from your present job or take away time from your family.
Do I get personal supervision and help?
Yes. This is a hallmark of the Sheffield experience. You have unlimited access to your Personal Advisor, who is ready and willing to answer your questions via telephone or e-mail. And when you complete your projects, they will be evaluated on audio by a working professional. This support and guidance from insiders in the field an important part of your creative training — giving you much more insight than a letter grade.
Does my tuition fee cover the entire cost of the course?
Yes. Sheffield's tuition covers everything that is included with our Courses. For this price you receive your lesson texts, audio and video programs, and a host of course-specific items. See the specific course descriptions o n this Web site for a detailed list of everything that is included with our specific Courses. Your only additional expense is the postage it takes to send your projects to the school for evaluation.
Is Sheffield training appropriate for someone who wants to explore a creative field, but isn't necessarily interested in a new career?
If you think that the training from one of our Courses will help you get further with a hobby, interest, or personal project, you're absolutely right. In fact, about half of our students fall into this category. The other half go on to become design professionals, working in interior design and decoration or as Feng Shui consultants or wedding planners. Sheffield offers complete training in these design-related fields — the choice of how to use this training is yours.
How long are Sheffield Courses?
Our Courses cover a lot of information, so you won't be able to race through them. And because you set your own pace, we can't tell you exactly how long it will take to finish one of our Courses. If you study several hours a week, you might finish in six months. If you take a more leisurely approach you might take eight months, a year, or even longer. You have up to three years to complete your Course of study at no extra charge. The beauty of distance education is that you can learn with us from the comfort of your own home, at your own pace.
Do I need special artistic talent?
If you're interested in one of our Courses, then you probably have a good sense of style, an eye for color, and a strong creative sensibility. That's all you need. You don't need to know how to draw. You don't need prior training in art or design. What you need is a love of beautiful objects and a desire to succeed.
How can I start earning money in my new field?
Whenever you feel ready. Some Sheffield students start earning money from freelance work before they even complete our Courses. As a result, many students pay for their entire tuition — and more — from just one freelance job as an interior designer, Feng Shui consultant, or wedding and event planner.
What do I need to succeed in my Sheffield Course?
As we've mentioned, the Feng Shui, and Wedding and Event Planning Courses require a high school diploma or equivalency. Other than that, there are three things we need you to bring to your Sheffield Course:
- A reasonable knowledge of written and spoken English.
- A passion for beautiful designs.
- A willingness to learn.
We do the rest. You can count on us to give you the education you need to succeed in your chosen field.
