The well-known and recognized advantages of Distance Education stem from the fact that it is free from the constraints of location, time, and pace of learning.

These studies are intended for working people, those who are busy, and those who need to balance their studies with many other responsibilities, for whom education is a combination of necessity, opportunity, and always a significant effort.

Several decades ago, a part-time, weekend study model was developed for them, allowing them to study on days off from work. However, this model requires multiple trips to the university and spending hundreds of hours a year commuting. The Distance Learning Center of Warsaw University of Technology developed and introduced in 2001 a distance learning model using the Internet, called the SPrINT model (Studies Through the Internet). Our model was inspired by distance learning programs conducted by the Open University in the UK and FernUniversität in Germany.

The applied model is based on the assumption that by studying remotely, the student can independently choose the time and pace of studying, and stays at the university are limited to practical classes, exams, and consultations. To facilitate education, the SPRINT model uses the latest achievements in telecommunications, computer science, and multimedia technologies.

Forms of Didactic Work

The SPRINT model offers didactic classes in three main forms:

• Subject (e.g., Physics, Mathematics, Circuit Theory, Databases, etc.) studied under the supervision of a lecturer, within a specified time of a half-semester or semester. During the subject's edition on the educational platform, didactic materials are made available, and tasks, projects, or exercises are posted for students to complete. Students contact lecturers via the platform. Additionally, weekend meetings (consultations) at the university are planned for each subject. Each subject ends with an exam conducted in a form adapted to the subject;
• Laboratory session, requiring the student's daily, multi-hour presence in the university's laboratories. Each day, in morning and afternoon blocks, with direct and individual access to laboratory and computer stations, under the supervision of lecturers, exercises related to the material conveyed during the semester and the topics taught during the session are conducted. Sessions usually take place from Monday to Friday during the summer period (students choose the date in June or September);
• Diploma thesis - the last two half-semesters are devoted to the completion, under the supervision of a promoter, of a diploma project thematically related to the issues assimilated during the studies. After selecting the project topic and approving the work schedule by the supervisor, the implementation phase begins. Progress on the projects is presented at a special virtual diploma seminar. The diploma thesis is presented by the student during the exam, before the diploma examination committee.

Contacts with the Lecturer

During the study of the subject in the half-semester, students are guaranteed the supervision of the teacher conducting the subject. Using the tools available on the platform, the subject supervisor stimulates the didactic process: recommends the completion of specific tasks, checks solutions, helps the student assimilate the material by providing explanations, checks progress in learning, and attempts to creatively engage the student with the substantive content conveyed within the subject.

On-site Classes, Calculation and Project Exercises

During the 8-week half-semester, as part of the subject, on-site classes are organized at the university on two Saturdays. During the classes, project tasks are performed, and problems and issues arising during the assimilation of the material are discussed directly with the instructor.

Academic Year Calendar

The academic year is divided into 4 half-semesters: autumn, winter, spring, and summer, each lasting 8 weeks, ending with two-week exam sessions. The division of the year into 4 parts, rather than 2 as in the case of full-time studies, results from the principle that the student should study as few subjects simultaneously as possible, usually 2, but sometimes 1 or 3.

Credits and Exams

The subject is credited based on an exam conducted at the university's premises during the exam sessions scheduled in the academic year calendar. On the 8th and 10th Saturdays of the half-semester, students come to the university and complete exam tasks. For many subjects, part of the points required for their credit can be obtained by completing tasks, exercises, or projects submitted during the subject's edition.

Study Programs

The Distance Learning Center of Warsaw University of Technology coordinates part-time studies conducted in the "distance" form, providing administrative and IT support and contact with the deans' offices of the faculties offering study programs. After completing the studies, the graduate receives a diploma in accordance with the chosen field of study, issued by the relevant faculty. More information about the program offer can be found on the First-Degree Studies and Second-Degree Studies pages.

Study Regulations

Students are subject to the Study Regulations at Warsaw University of Technology (Study Regulations at Warsaw University of Technology / Regulations / Internal Legal Acts / BIP PW - Public Information Bulletin of Warsaw University of Technology). They can also apply for academic and social scholarships according to the rules adopted at individual faculties.

Student Work Tools

The primary tool for a student is a computer connected to the Internet.

During their studies, the student uses the USOS PW administrative system and the LeIA educational platform. Through the USOS system, the student enrolls in subjects and can monitor the status of their credits and payments. The educational platform allows, among other things, the use of didactic materials, submission of task and project solutions, and synchronous and asynchronous communication with lecturers and other students.