Having studied this same way myself and worked towards 4 Higher Education qualifications, I am the first person to recommend the convenience of distance learning education. This means that you are completely able to hold down a job, then study in your own time and at your own pace.
Many learning institutions have recognised the fact that more and more people are looking to educate themselves in this way. Indeed, even Top Culinary Schools and top universities like Oxford and London have established extensive programmes for students wishing to learn in this way.
This is also becoming increasingly pertinent through the fact that the cost of going to a bricks and mortar institution is rising so exponentially. Full time students are now looking at debts of tens of thousands of pounds for their years at uni. and this is always going to prove to be a black cloud hanging over your working life.
Admittedly, though, distance learning is not going to be for everyone. You need to become extremely self-disciplined to be successful at this kind of learning. There will be strict deadlines set throughout your programme and it is essential that you adhere to these at all times.
The overall cost of the distance learning courses will work out at far better value for money than if you were to attend the institution in person. Many courses will offer a tutor for support. Alas, though, many such courses are becoming too reliant on the internet - whereas many people would prefer hard copy learning materials.
