Yes, there are some universities that offer distance-learning programmes.

You will usually be allowed to bring your husband/wife and any children under the age of 18 with you, as long as you show that you can support and accommodate them for the duration of your stay. They will normally be allowed to work if your leave to remain in the UK as a student lasts for 12 months or more.

Students who are not citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) are usually granted permission to work in the UK part-time up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. However, you should be aware that you would only be admitted to the United Kingdom on the understanding that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependants without taking employment. Therefore, you cannot rely on finding employment in the United Kingdom to fund your stay here.

If you are married and your visa gives you permission to remain in the UK as a student for 12 months or more, then your spouse will be permitted to work during their stay.

In the past, most degree-course students have found it difficult to obtain permission to work in the UK after their studies have finished. But the UK Government has recently changed its policies to make it easier for some students to stay and work in the UK on successful completion of their studies. If an employer obtains a work permit for a student who has completed a recognized degree in the UK, the student may become a work permit-holder without having to leave the UK.

Under the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme, students graduating in certain physical sciences, mathematics and engineering may be able to stay in the UK to look for or take work for 12 months after their graduation without a work permit. A list of approved courses can be found on the Working in the UK website by clicking on Schemes and Programmes.