Pros and Cons of Online Learning
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Posted on 8 Nov '22

Pros and Cons of Online Learning


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


Deciding to study a Masters online is a big step so it’s worth considering all the good, the bad and the surprising before committing to it. We’ve looked at some of the main pros and potential cons of learning online, and got some students’ input too!

Pros

#1 Flexibility

While you will have a set timetable and deadlines for submitting work / assignments, it’s up to you how you fit in your studies with your life.

“An online degree was the perfect way to make the most of my time, because it allowed me to work when I wanted to work, a distinct advantage over weekend/after-work university courses” - Roberto Lionti, MSc International Management, University of Birmingham

#2 Work while you earn

A major benefit of online learning is that you can fit it in around your job. Whether you work part-time or full-time, as long as you can balance studying with work and life, you’re winning.

“I don’t have to sacrifice my current job to improve my future prospects and I find that my colleagues are often interested in what I’m learning too.” - Jess Crees, MSc Computer Science, University of Bath

#3 Lower cost

Sometimes the tuition fees for an online Masters are cheaper than on-campus so it’s worth checking! This isn’t the case everywhere, but you save money in other ways such as travel, accommodation, being able to have a full-time job etc. And if you’re an international student then you will pay the same fee as a home student so technically you save money that way.

#4 You can stay put

As you can study an online Masters from anywhere, you don’t have to move cities or even countries to get the benefit of an international university education. And if you travel a lot, then you can take your course with you!

“The online programme has given me the freedom to live and work in multiple different countries whilst engaging in postgraduate study. I was working in the United States when I first began the course and was able to move to Scotland without having any part of my study disrupted.” - Sorcha Rea, Masters in One Health, University of Glasgow

#5 Become tech savvy

The nature of online learning means that you will have to learn to use different platforms and software. While most online programmes offer a virtual learning environment that is similar to a website for ease of use, there will be some courses that provide training on additional software.

“The best part of the programme is that it does not feel like a virtual programme. I enjoy the discussion forum where I can learn and share knowledge about any subject matter with brilliant minds from all over the world.” - Emmanuel Nkrumah, MSc Applied Economics, University of Bath

#6 Availability of resources

Everything you need to do your course is accessible via your computer/laptop. You can even access the library online so no more traipsing to campus in the rain or hunting someone down who hasn’t returned a book!

“It is accessible for me, that I may undertake a study programme in Singapore without the need to move to an overseas campus.” - Tan Si Hui Evangeline, MSc Health Professions Education, University of Glasgow

#7 Global student body

The diversity of students on online programmes is huge. You could be sharing your Masters experience with students studying from the west coast of the US to the east coast of Australia. The network you can build is unique – and it’s those connections that will help you become a more global citizen.

“Every week there are a whole host of different activities, discussions and new ideas within a user-friendly, highly interactive learning environment. I'm also studying alongside business professionals from all over the world, which brings an exciting global perspective.” - Harriet Jeckells, MBA, University of Birmingham

Cons

Naturally, online learning isn’t for everyone! Here are a couple of things to weigh up in your decision.

  • The procrastination trap: Online learning isn’t for the faint-hearted. You will have to be self-motivated and battle the urge to watch the latest Netflix drama or decide that it’s finally the right time to defrost the freezer when your assignments are due. Part-time courses can range from 12-15 hours of weekly study (University of Birmingham, University of Bath) to approximately 20 hours (University of Glasgow). Of course, this is also true for on-campus students – but you’ll have the added pressure of fitting online learning around your existing life, rather than starting a new student life on campus.
  • Miss out on campus life: If you’re considering doing an online Masters, you’re probably not looking for an on-campus experience. If this is something you’re looking for, however, you will have to go out of your way to engage with on-campus life. Remember, you’re still allowed on campus to work and attend events etc.
  • Lack of in person-communication: It’s important to recognise that you will be talking mainly through a screen if you’re learning online. This isn’t just on your laptop though, lots of students connect through social media and messaging apps which is a really easy way to establish your network. There’s also nothing stopping you from organising meet ups with students who live close to you.
  • Course selection: Online learning isn’t available for all course types or subjects. For some sciences subjects for example, you will need to be on-campus for experiments so it’s more likely that these will be offered as blended learning courses.
  • Not everything is available 24/7: While you’ll have access to your course materials and resources 24/7, Your lecturers and university support teams will have office hours so if you’re someone who works best in the middle of the night, or you’re in a different time zone, you’ll have to wait for your questions to be answered (this would be the case for an on-campus degree too). But, tech support is usually available 24/7 so if your software is kicking you out in the middle of the night, someone should be able to help!
  • Tied to a computer: It’s great to have the whole course at your fingertips, but it does mean that everything is delivered virtually. There’s no moving around from lecture halls and seminar rooms. If you’re considering online learning it probably means that you’re not interested in doing that anyway, but it’s worth remembering. You will need to plan breaks from the screen!

So now you know what’s in store, you can start looking for your perfect online Masters!

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.




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Last updated: 08 November 2022