Online learning: qualifications, cost and advice

The flexible nature of online degrees make them an ideal choice for those with prior commitments. What's more, online learning is often cheaper than studying in person

What is online learning?

Also referred to as distance learning or elearning, online learning courses are conducted 100% online. Students participate in a virtual learning environment (VLE), where they watch lectures and seminars, access student resources and submit assignments digitally. All contact with tutors and fellow students is conducted online via discussion forums and email.

The terms 'online learning' and 'distance learning' are often used interchangeably to mean the same thing, but be aware that at some institutions they mean slightly different things. Check with your university what an online or distance learning course involves in terms of contact levels and expectations before committing to a programme.

It's also important that you don't confuse online or distance learning with blended learning.

Who are online courses aimed at?

Because of the flexibility that these programmes provide, traditionally online and distance learning courses were seen as being particularly suited to mature students with work or family commitments, as you can fit your study hours around your lifestyle.

However, they can also be useful to:

school leavers who'd prefer to study at home rather than move to university
graduates who'd like to fit their postgraduate studies around their first job
international students who want to stay in their home country while studying at a foreign university
students with a health condition or disability that makes navigating a campus environment difficult.

Courses of this nature require a huge amount of dedication and self-discipline so you'll need to be a proactive self-motivator to get the most out of this mode of study.

Can I study an online Masters course?

Yes, as well as undergraduate courses you can study for a Masters degree, postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate online in a range of subjects from English and engineering to policing and education. Entry requirements are usually the same as for on-campus programmes - typically a 2:1 Bachelors degree in a relevant subject, although some programmes will accept a 2:2.

Online postgraduate courses involve the same level of work as an on-campus programme and the qualification you receive at the end will be the same. You can choose between full-time, flexible or part-time options.

Examples of online Masters courses include:

MA Education, University of Exeter
MSc Health Psychology, University of Liverpool
MSc Nuclear Science and Technology, The University of Manchester
PGCert Climate Change Management, The University of Edinburgh
PGDip Creative Writing, University of York.

Search for online and distance learning courses and find out which Masters is right for you.

A computer, internet connection, standard office software such as Microsoft Word, a camera and a headset are all you need. The university often provides any required specialist software, but check this with the course leader.

As there is no central applications system for postgraduate study you'll apply for your course online and send your application directly to your chosen university, just like for on-campus programmes. Institutions set their own application criteria so check what they require. Learn more about applying for a Masters.

How much do online postgraduate degrees cost?

Another advantage of online or distance learning programmes is that they often work out cheaper than their in-person counterparts. Tuition costs are usually lower and you'll save money on travel and accommodation as well as on textbooks, as most materials are available online.

Fees vary depending on the course, the level of qualification and institution. For example, the:

PGCert Business Management at University of Essex Online costs £4,056
PGDip Global Mental Health at the University of Glasgow costs £10,000
MA Education at the University of Exeter costs £10,000
MSc Health Psychology degree at the University of Liverpool costs £16,065.

Get advice on postgraduate funding.

What should I consider before taking an online course?

You'll choose an online Masters course in much the same way as an on-campus programme - with thorough research. Before deciding on a course, you should think about:

Duration - both full and part-time degrees are available so think about the best option for you. How long will the course last and how much of your time on a daily/weekly basis will you need to dedicate to the programme?
Flexibility - one of the biggest advantages to an online degree. But if you're choosing a virtual course to fit round work or personal commitments, it's worth checking exactly how flexible the programme will be. Can you extend the duration of the course if needed? Is there flexibility on assignment deadlines? Do any modules require physical attendance at university? Will you need to attend live lectures/workshops, and if so, how frequently?
Content - don't be fooled into thinking that an online course is less intense than in-person study. While some course elements may be adapted for an online format, for the most part the programme content will be the same as its on-campus counterpart. Understand the content and examine the modules on offer - do they align with your needs? Does the course content interest you? How is it delivered and assessed?
Online experience - online degrees should be interactive and engaging. To really get a taste of what the programme involves, watch video demos or attend online taster sessions as part of your research. This should give you an insight into the production quality of the course and the learning platform used. Learn more about choosing an online learning platform.
Access to resources - online students should have the same resources at their fingertips as those studying on campus. Find out how you'll access course materials, whether the same library access and resources are available to you, how accessible lecturers and tutors will be and if you'll have the same opportunities to gain work experience.
Reputation - just like for an on-campus course, you'll need to consider the reputation of the university and programme. How do they rank? What are student satisfaction and employability rates like? Is the course accredited or recognised by a professional body?

You'll also need to think about whether you're set up to study online. Do you have a laptop or computer? A stable and reliable internet connection? Access to a study space or a quiet area at home to complete your coursework?

What support is available to online and distance learners?

Online learning doesn't have to be a lonely experience. Quality courses allow online students the same access to support services as those studying in person. This means that as well as access to practical study materials, you should also be able to benefit from a range of support services and careers advice. When researching programmes and institutions make sure that this is the case.

When you register as an online student your chosen institution will give you access to a student or study portal through which you'll be able to access your university email account, the virtual learning platform, library resources and support services including academic skills, student and wellbeing, and technical support.

One of the main concerns with studying online is the lack of interaction with peers. However, many universities have dedicated communities of online students and these programmes often include group work, discussion forums and live chat software so you can connect with your coursemates. You may also have video tutorials and live seminars with your lecturers.

Technical difficulties can also cause problems when studying online and that is why course providers have extensive technical and online study guides, usually available via your study or student portal. As an online or distance learning student you'll also have access to a technical support helpline, the majority of which are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

How do I stay motivated when studying online?

Create a routine - while it's possible to fit online learning around your lifestyle, try where you can to establish a regular study schedule and stick to it. This could mean allocating certain days of the week to your studies or dedicating a set number of hours in the day to your course.
Remove distractions - when you really need to focus it's best to remove all distractions. Tell your family, friends or your housemates that you need time alone to study, reduce noise levels, switch off all unnecessary devices and turn off social media notifications.
Stay organised - don't leave assignments to the last minute or let too much time pass before writing up your lecture notes. It's also important to keep track of all your contact hours, assignments and deadlines. How you do this is up to you -you could write everything down in a diary, create a post-it note timetable, use an app or add your schedule to your desktop calendar.
Set goals - giving yourself something to aim towards can increase focus and motivation. Try to keep goals realistic, otherwise your enthusiasm might wane. So while setting overarching goals such as completing a module or an assignment is fine, break this down into smaller, more easily achievable tasks such as watching a certain number of tutorials or reading so many pages in a day or hitting a certain word count by the end of the week. Once you've achieved your goals, reward yourself.
Contribute - feeling like you're part of a wider group can do wonders for your motivation so get stuck in and contribute whenever you can. Ask questions where appropriate on forums or message boards and join in with group discussions. Set up online study groups with your peers and arrange weekly or monthly catch ups - hearing about the progress of others often spurs on your own. Also, don't be afraid to seek help and ask for feedback from your tutors when you need it.
Leave the house - the beauty of online learning means it doesn't have to be done in one place. A change of scenery can boost your motivation, so why not take your laptop to a local café or library? Just make sure they have Wi-Fi first.
Take a break - it's important to factor regular breaks into your study schedule. These breaks don't have to be for long but they'll allow for some time away from your screen. If you need help fitting these in to your routine you could try the Pomodoro technique, where you work intensively for 25 minute intervals with five minute breaks in between. After four of these intervals, take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

What are my career prospects if I'm an online or distance learner?

Don't worry about your online or distance learning degree holding you back in the job market. Employers understand that there are many different ways of gaining a university-level qualification, be that part-time study, online or distance learning or even an apprenticeship.

As long as your online course was studied at a recognised institution and your programme holds the correct accreditation (if needed), your career prospects are no better or worse than if you'd studied your degree in person.

What are Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)?

MOOCs cover a range of topics but differ to online degrees as they’re usually much shorter, don't have any entry requirements and are free, meaning anyone can register and learn from them. They are offered by well-respected universities and other organisations using their own expert staff, and made available through central MOOC platforms, such as FutureLearn, edX and Coursera. To take part, register on the platform and then join any of the courses.

To complete the course you'll watch short videos, which give key information and context, read short articles, post comments on course activities, and get involved in discussions with other participants.

Facilitators tutor some MOOCs while others are self-accessed. Many MOOCs also feature activities, which involve learners creating and sharing their own content with other learners, such as videos, audio recording and images.

The length of the MOOC, how many study hours you need to commit to it and what you receive at the end of the course differ depending on what you study and where. You need to do your research and make sure you can devote enough time to getting the most out of the course.

Are CPD courses available online?

Continuing professional development (CPD) involves you continually developing your academic and practical skills to make sure you're the best at your job. This could involve perfecting existing skills or learning new ones.

For some professions, CPD is a formal requirement of your professional body membership or licence to carry out your job. You're required to do a certain number of hours and everything needs to be documented. In other professions, it's used more generally and everyone is expected to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. Either way, it's worth keeping a log of everything you do.

First, you need to identify any gaps you want to fill or any skills you need to improve. Then decide how to meet these needs, for example, whether an elearning course or a workshop would be more suitable.

A number of institutions offer online CPD courses. For example, Bath College, University College London, the University of Derby, University of Leeds, University of Liverpool and the University of Southampton all offer online CPD programmes in subjects ranging from arts and humanities and healthcare to teaching and engineering.

While some courses can be studied for free, others incur a fee. The price of online CPD courses varies widely; from £150 to in excess of £5,000, so you'll need to do your research and be sure that the course will benefit your career before taking the plunge. In some instances, your employer may pay for courses if you can demonstrate the value of up-skilling to the company - but this is a conversation you'll need to have with your line manager.

For more information, see CPD opportunities for graduates.

Find out more

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