Are you ready for online postgraduate study?
The perks of online postgraduate learning are a-plenty. In a nutshell, working professionals have the opportunity to study at a pace that suits them—anywhere, anytime and on any device. With a postgraduate degree under your belt, your earning potential can increase and your career pathways open up.
If you decide to study online, it’s essential that you understand what the learning experience is like, how study can fit around your existing schedule and whether it suits the way you learn. We’ve highlighted a few of the requirements of online study and what you should expect.
It’s self-directed study
It can be said that online learning requires a more self-disciplined approach compared to traditional on-campus study. Rather than having a class timetable to adhere to, students are expected to login regularly to access their weekly course content. It’s critical that students are independent and proactive in the way they approach their learning, and utilise their down-time to fit in a few extra hours of study, as life can sometimes get crazy. Being on top of your study commitments will help enormously.
Understanding the technical side
It may seem conspicuous, but having a solid understanding of online applications is extremely beneficial for studying online. Interacting with fellow students and content in real-time forms the basis of the learning environment from which you will digest your course content, so understanding how to navigate through it all is important. Ensuring your operating system is up-to-date, along with a high-speed internet connection, will ensure seamless delivery. It pays to have Skype setup on your devices, as well as headset functionality, to fully reap the benefits of our dynamic and intuitive learning platform.
Balancing work, study and family commitments
Finding a balance between your full-time job, social commitments, children and your study can seem like a daunting task, but one that is totally achievable. Take the time to plan out your tasks and establish a schedule—and stick to it. Knowing you have a predetermined time to finish an assignment, for example, may help push you to complete it, giving you more time to spend with your family or friends. Ensure that your loved ones are across this schedule too, so that they understand what you’re committed to and can be flexible when you need them to be.
Finding enough time to study throughout the week
We recommend for most master's degrees that students set aside at least 15 to 20 hours of dedicated study per week, depending on each individual. That may seem like a lot when coupled with your existing schedule, however, quite often all that is required is a little bit of careful preparation. Utilise your commuting time to read your coursework, eliminate distractions at home or wherever you set up your study space and most importantly, be realistic in terms of what you can achieve. Remember, you can always reach out to your personal study advisor who will give you one-on-one guidance, support and motivation throughout your degree.
Study with a friend or family member
Online study is both convenient and flexible, but it doesn’t mean you need to do it alone. A study in classmate peer coaching found 23 per cent more students passed by participating in a ‘study buddy support’ (SBS) scheme. If you encourage a friend or colleague to apply to an online master's program, you’re both more likely to achieve academic success. This can help consolidate your knowledge, while introducing you to different ways of solving problems and analysing information. Importantly, study buddies are great motivators too!
Speak to one of our admissions managers about taking the next step towards reaching your career potential through online study. Call 1300 701 171 to learn more about our online program offering and to determine whether you’re ready for the journey.
