Pursuing the career of your dreams starts with knowing what you want to study and which method of study will work best for you. Whether it’s time, money, personal choice, or physical obstacles that prevent you from enrolling full-time at a traditional campus-based university or college, you have the option of obtaining a qualification through part-time studies or distance learning.
One thing that stands out about both part-time study and distance learning is that there is flexibility in these options. You don’t have to leave your job to study, and you often have the advantage of paying less to complete your qualification.
Studying part-time:
The option of part-time studies can either take the form of distance learning, or it can be classroom-based.
Classroom-based part-time courses require you to attend some classes, which are usually held during the evenings and/or over weekends.
Part-time courses done through distance learning give you the option of studying in your own time completely and do not require you to physically attend classes. This allows you to study around your other commitments.
Studying via distance learning:
Distance learning, which is also known as correspondence learning, can be done on either a full-time or a part-time basis. It is done in your own time completely, and there are no classes that you need to attend. This means that you have a large degree of control over how long it takes to complete your course.
Your study material is physically sent to you or made available to you via the internet, and you submit your assignments online or via post. While you don’t have a teacher or lecturer, you usually have access to academic support from a tutor, who may be available to assist you via telephone or e-mail.
Consider the following before studying part-time or via distance learning:
While both these study options allow you flexibility and have the potential to be an economical way to study, they require a certain level of commitment from you as the student.
Your study environment is entirely up to you. You decide when to sit down to work and how long you will work. Both of these require self-discipline.
When studying in your own time, it is easy to fall into the procrastination trap. Here are a few tips to help you manage studying part-time and/or via distance learning:
Stick to a timetable
Set time aside for completing assignments and for studying
Avoid procrastination
Make use of the student support options available to you
Take advantage of the face-to-face time you do have when attending part-time classes
Distance learning and part-time study are an ideal option if you want to keep your day job while you study, and they often present a more economical way to get the qualification you want. Distance learning, in particular, is also a good option if you don’t have ready access to transport, or if you have an irregular schedule that prevents you from committing to attending regular classes. But distance learning and part-time study are not the easy way out. They demand a lot of self-discipline. Remember, when studying via distance learning or on a part-time basis, your time is an important asset. It will determine your outcome. Use it wisely.
Would you like to start studying through distance learning? Click here to view the distance learning courses at Oxbridge Academy.
