Can distance learning earn you a degree in your spare time?

Distance learning can be a flexible, time efficient way of learning from home in your own time, without being in regular, face-to-face contact with teachers or lecturers in the classroom.
You are supplied with learning materials by the college or university providing your course, which can be usually accessed online.
You will still have one-to-one tutorials, but these will take place remotely by phone, email, Skype or webinars. Most courses now have message boards and study forums where students on the same course can discuss their studies.
Courses can include summer schools or residential weekends where you can work...