Woman sat at table with laptop on lap and headphones in

10 Questions People Ask about Studying an Online Masters

This blog has been sponsored by the University of Birmingham, University of Bath and University of Glasgow.

If you’re thinking about studying a Masters online, you’ve probably got a million questions about it. Who can you study with? What subjects do they offer? What are the entry requirements? Is it a real degree? (Spoiler alert: absolutely, it’s the same as an on-campus degree just done online).

With the help of the University of Birmingham, University of Bath and University of Glasgow, we’ve answered 10 of the most common questions they get asked from students interested in online study.

#1 What are the entry requirements for studying a Masters online?

These will differ depending on the subject but they shouldn’t be any different to an on-campus degree. It’s best to check with your chosen university, but usually you’ll need at least a Bachelors degree. For STEM subjects, this is usually in a related-field. Some online Masters will be professional qualifications in which case experience in the sector will be taken into consideration.

#2 How many hours do I need to study a week?

How much you study per week will be up to you but, on average, you should be looking to study around 15 hours a week. Whether that’s in two big chunks or spread out across the days is up to you, depending on your other commitments.

You may choose to study for longer than 15 hours, especially if you get really into the subject, but it’s not necessary. What you do need to do though is make sure that you have a clear plan of everything you need to get done and then structure your time so you’re able to achieve it within a 15 hour (or so) period.

#3 Are there live sessions?

This will depend on the Masters course you’re studying but you can expect one or two live sessions each week or fortnight. These are often referred to as ‘synchronous sessions’. Sometimes these will be mandatory, especially if you’re doing a course like an MBA where it’s accredited. Other times they may be optional and recordings might be made available afterwards so it’s important to check!

#4 What types of assessments are there?

The assessments for your online Masters will be the same (or very similar) to an on-campus degree, it’s just the delivery that will be different. You’ll have to submit written essays, group work and presentations through a dedicated virtual learning environment (VLE), as well as potentially some exams. The amount of coursework versus exam assessment will depend on your chosen subject so it’s best checking this directly with the Admissions Team.

#5 Will there be group work and if so, how do I interact with students and the teacher in the classroom?

On a standard online Masters, you’d be expected to take part in online discussions and quizzes, submit assignments in written and video format, and engage with video and audio content. During live sessions you’ll be able to message (and speak directly) with the teacher and your fellow course mates. Outside of sessions, it’s not unusual for groups to set up channels to chat about assignments using social media.

#6 What kind of career outcomes/benefits can be expected?

Doing a Masters online not only shows that you’re ambitious and self-motivated, it also shows your dedication to something you believe in and your organisational skills. Successfully completing an online Masters is a good indication to employers that you’ve not only developed your sector knowledge but also honed important soft skills such as time management, communication and teamwork. You may also have experience in using software that the company uses to communicate or complete tasks as your online course may offer a virtual environment that is similar to theirs.

#7 How much contact/support do I get?

You’ll have the same access to university support services, whether you study online or on campus. You’ll still be able to take advantage of IT, Careers, the Library and Counselling. IT will be the most important for you as an online student and some services will be 24/7 for technical, pastoral and academic issues.

#8 Is the online degree the same as on campus?

There is very little difference between a Masters that is studied online and a Masters that is studied on campus when looking at course content and workload. You’ll be taught by the same academic staff and be expected to chat with classmates, do reading and submit assignments. Just make sure you go with an accredited provider to ensure you graduate with a full-accredited Masters degree.

#9 Is the course hybrid/blended?

If a Masters is advertised as online, that usually means it can be fully completed on your computer. If you see a Masters that is advertised as blended, then this will be made up of both online and face-to-face activities such as in-person training and presentations. It will be clearly stated in the course details so make sure you take note if this is something you’re interested in!

#10 Does it mention online on the certificate?

Most of the time it won’t say ‘online’ on your degree certificate, it will simply say the name of the Masters you took, where and your grade. And if it does, it’s something to shout about and be proud of when discussing it with future employers.

Ready to explore an online Masters?

Find out what online opportunities the University of Birmingham, University of Bath and University of Glasgow. You can also search our FindAMasters online course listings.