BlairS
The VAT element would normally be recovered by a commercial company and the course costs offset against tax liabilities on profits, so this is only an issue for private individuals who cannot offset these costs.
There is nothing to stop you taking physical notes during the course as an aide memoire, but the photographic content and layout of slides and other materials may well be copyright and subject to proprietory interests. I'm sure that a low resolution copy of the materials could be made available if the course provider cared enough!
I'm a little surprised that if you are spending that much money as an individual you didn't check more carefully exactly what would be provided and the total costs involved. Still, if you need the rating and are subject to time or travel constraints, I guess you have to pay what the market dictates. Seems pricey for what you say you are getting though.