I did this course in 2007/8. If you want to make progress you must put in the practice and be prepared to study basic theory just as if you were doing a language or maths.
Don't get the cheapest possible violin, you need something easy to tune and with nice soft strings such as Dominant or Chrystal (nylon based) or Helicore (quality metal). Best to go to a music shop where someone plays the violin themselves.
You also need a shoulder rest, a simple curved velvet pad which fixes to the violin with elastic is ok to start with.