Factors to consider when selecting an online master’s degree

Online learning has grown in popularity in recent years, and now it’s easier than ever to access high-quality postgraduate degrees from the comfort of your own home.

When choosing the course that’s right for you, there are various aspects of the educational and student experience to consider. Here, we’ll explore the benefits of studying online, how on-campus and online programmes vary, what to consider when choosing your programme, and markers to look for when assessing the quality of distance learning courses.

What are the benefits of studying online?

Learners who opt for online education experience many benefits. Studying online allows you to work through your degree at your own pace, particularly if you enrol in a flexible degree or choose to study part-time over two years.

Studying part-time also allows you to continue working full-time, fitting your coursework around your other commitments. This enables you to keep earning whilst also building on your work experience, putting you in a good position for progression when you graduate.

Many online degrees offered by universities teach the same content as their on-campus counterparts, meaning you get access to quality education without needing to spend money on commuting or relocating.

When studying online, you will also have access to forums, webinars, and seminars where you can connect with your fellow students. This encourages you to work and collaborate with your peers, whilst also opening up networking opportunities as you meet other professionals based across the world.

How do online and on-campus programmes vary?

In person and online higher education varies in a number of ways. For online students, you’ll likely have a tailored virtual learning environment where you can access your course materials, forums, and submit coursework. All of your learning experience will be based within this digital world, unlike on-campus degrees which have some face-to-face time.

This makes studying online easy and flexible, enabling you to access your studies at any place and at any time which suits you.

Online learning is often more cost-effective than on-campus programmes. As well as saving money on commuting or relocating, tuition fees for your chosen programme may be lower. Some online programmes also allow you to take it module by module, so you can spread the cost to make it more affordable.

What do I need to consider when choosing the right online course for me?

There are many important factors to consider when choosing your online postgraduate degree. Are you looking to build on knowledge you gained during your bachelor’s degree, or are you looking to move into a new field? Perhaps you want to specialise in your current field, for example you may have studied computer science and now want an MSc that’ll deepen your knowledge of a sought-after specialism such as data science or cybersecurity. A master’s degree is beneficial to your career, so it’s good to know what career path you want to follow when you look for your course.

You may also want to look into what universities or online education providers offer in terms of student support services. Will you have a dedicated tutor or point of contact throughout the course of your studies?

In some cases, financial aid may be on offer. This may be something you want to look for when choosing your course.

For international students, many online education providers will require a certain level of competency in English language. See if you meet these, or if they offer assistance with this pre-enrolment if you don’t.

How do I assess the value and quality of an online programme?

Prospective students have many opportunities to assess the value and quality of an online programme before enrolling. If your programme lends itself to a certain accreditation, check to see which providers have an accredited course. You can also check university rankings tables to see what accolades certain institutions have received.

You can take to social media to find existing distance learners and read their testimonials to see what they say about the course content, faculty members, and the day-to-day of online study.