Well, in short, that depends on the student. Students can accomplish just as much through online learning as they could through physical colleges. In fact, the accessibility and flexibility online learning provides means that even more people can achieve their academic ambitions.
Students can gain the qualifications needed to go to university, advance their career or even start an entirely new one. All through online learning.
You’re able to work towards your goals from the comfort of your own home. Without needing to rearrange shifts, find childcare or miss special events. Which is ideal for those of us who are time-poor or have particularly rigid schedules.
Once you’ve determined what course aligns with your learning objective best then you can enrol and start learning immediately. Allowing you to expand your knowledge and enhance your skill set in a way that works for you.
Get into University with Online Learning
Getting into university is quite the academic feat and requires a range of qualifications to support your application. Online learning allows people to get back into education and gain any necessary qualifications. All without impacting on their current schedule.
Entry requirements for universities vary depending on the institution and course subject but mostly they’ll ask for the following:
- 5 GCSEs including maths and English
- 2/3 A Levels in a relevant subject or an Access to Higher Education Diploma
If for whatever reason, you didn’t receive these qualifications from your time at school, online learning gives you another chance. Especially for those who are unable to attend college due to time constraints, work, family or care commitments.
GCSEs & A Levels
GCSEs and A Levels are common choices for students looking for entry into higher education. They explore a range of topics within the subject to give you a well-rounded understanding of the key principles.
The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) maintain the quality of learning of both GCSEs and A Levels. This ensures that whoever provides the qualification is held to the same standard.
So, students studying online receive the exact same qualification as they would in a physical college. The difference being the more independent learning style and the flexibility online learning offers.
If you were to study online you’d also have to keep in mind any exam dates. A Level and GCSE exams are usually held in May/June.
Access to Higher Education Diplomas
The Access to Higher Education Diploma is another popular choice for online students who wish to gain entry to university. They’re equivalent to A Level study however tend to be more focused on a specific career path.
For example, if you wanted to study engineering at university then you’d enrol on the Access to HE Diploma (Engineering). Unlike studying A Level Maths or Physics this course will solely cover areas that are highly relevant to engineering.
What’s more, you only need one Access to HE Diploma whereas you’d need multiple A Levels. So it’s a more time-efficient option.
Although most universities accept this qualification, some do not. Always double-check with your desired institute before enrolling.
Advance Your Career with Online Learning
There is a broad range of online courses available to help people achieve their professional ambitions. No matter what stage you’re at in your career you’ll likely be able to find a course that will benefit you.
Learn New Skills
Online learning can help students learn skills to perform better in their current job role. As well as secure promotions through courses such as leadership and management.
Continued professional development helps people feel more fulfilled in the workplace as they’re bettering themselves. This not only benefits the individual but the company as a whole.
Online learning is ideal if you’re working as you’re able to find the ideal balance between work and study. You won’t need to worry about having to catch up on work to attend classes as there aren’t any. Simply log in and begin learning.
Start Your Own Business with Online Learning
Perhaps you wish to start working for yourself and be your own boss. Whatever your business venture may be there’s a lot at play when it comes to successfully running your own business.
You’ll need strong leadership and management skills and an understanding of finance and bookkeeping. Not to mention the marketing know-how and customer service required to get your product/service out there.
Online learning allows you to learn the skills needed to make this your reality without sacrificing your income. So that when you decide to leave your current employer you can hit the ground running.
Change Careers
Sometimes we’ve fallen out of love with our careers or want a change to freshen things up. Online learning providers offer a range of courses that will develop your knowledge in whatever area you choose.
Whether you’d like a fulfilling career as a teaching assistant or a tech-savvy skill like web design. Online learning can offer these courses for you to complete from the comfort of your own home. Giving you the knowledge and qualification needed to confidently apply for these job roles.
Explore Your Interests
Learning just because you want to is as good a reason as any to enrol. You can explore your interests in further depth at a pace and place that works for you.
Physical colleges must consider the amount of interest for a course to be viable. It’s expensive to run a course, hire teachers, find an available space and print textbooks. These are all costs that online learning providers don’t have to worry about.
Which means they can offer a range of courses no matter how niche. Giving you a better chance of finding the exact course needed to expand your knowledge in what you’re passionate about.
Whatever reason you have for getting back into education online learning could be a solid choice. Stonebridge Associated Colleges has a range of online courses to suit almost all needs. From GCSEs and A Levels to Business and lifestyle courses.
Stonebridge Associated Colleges is one of the UK’s leading online learning providers. All our courses have flexible payment options and expert tutors to support your learning. They’ll provide constructive feedback and any extra assistance where needed.
To learn more on how to prepare for your online learning journey read our blog here.
Get in touch with one of our advisors to learn more or browse our full range of courses below.
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