Distance learning means that you are following a course run by a university or educational institution, but you don't attend attend lectures or seminars. You receive and send in your work via the postal service or internet. You may be enrolled at the institution, but you probably live in another city. 'Extramural' courses for people who are not enrolled at the university. These are usually short-term, and held in the evenings, at the weekends or during the university holidays. Often an older person, who is interested in the arts or literature for example, might take advantage of these courses in their spare time. Extramural' courses don't necessarily lead to a qualification.