The Benefits of Learning Online
Online has been a popular form of learning for many years, especially for working professionals around the world. Following the global Covid-19 pandemic, even people are looking to online education to develop the knowledge and skills needed to navigate today’s constantly evolving world of work.
Here are five of the key benefits studying online can provide:
Flexibility: Study at Your Own Pace
One of the main benefits of studying online is the unmatched flexibility that it offers. With the ability to access course materials and lectures from anywhere with an internet connection, learners can personalise their educational experience to fit around their lifestyles. Whether it's from the comfort of their own homes, a local café, or a cosy library corner, the world has the potential to become a classroom.
With Heriot-Watt Online, you can choose when to study, and for how long, whether you have two hours or 20 hours a week to spare. Regardless of whether you work full-time, have a family to take care of, or have a busy schedule, an online degree empowers individuals to take full control, setting their own schedule and creating a study space that suits their own needs.
Accessibility: Education for All
Breaking down geographical barriers to education, online education makes it possible for students to access quality education from institutions that are located far away. This unlocks education for those who live in areas where there is no access to traditional universities.
At Heriot-Watt University, we are firm believers in advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion in higher education. Therefore, we offer the option to download course materials for offline access, which provides individuals with intermittent connectivity with access to the same opportunities as everyone else, making education truly accessible to a global audience.
Heriot-Watt Online also recognises that successful students come from a range of backgrounds, which is why we offer an inclusive, performance-based admissions process for our online programmes from Edinburgh Business School, which covers our globally recognised MBA, MSc Business Analytics, MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics, and MSc Financial Management.
Global Network: Find Your Online Community
Studying online doesn’t necessarily mean studying alone. Online programmes have students from diverse areas of the world, creating a truly global learning environment. Our Virtual learning platforms feature chatrooms and discussion boards, which provide opportunities for interaction, idea exchange, and collaborative learning. This not only enhances the educational experience but also paves the way for valuable global networking opportunities.
Advance Your Career: Learn While You Earn
Through online education, students can pursue specialised knowledge that can be applied directly to their career goals without disrupting their current employment. Beyond developing subject-specific knowledge and skills, online education also encourages students to enhance skills like self-motivation, self-discipline, and time management—qualities highly sought after by employers. This makes online degrees invaluable for career starters, those seeking advancement, and even those contemplating a career switch.
Traditional Certification: Receive the Same certification as On-Campus Students
Those seeking to study online often worry that an online degree is worth less than a traditional degree, however, this is not the case. That is why at Heriot-Watt Online, we ensure that when you complete your online studies, the certificate you receive will be identical to the one you would receive when studying on campus. As well as receiving the same certification, you will receive the same level of education – you will have access to all the necessary resources, including core textbooks, and the ability to seek advice from lecturers.
Taking the leap into studying a postgraduate online may seem daunting, but the benefits are clear. With unrestricted access to course materials, opportunities for building global networks, and the opportunity to enhance sought-after skills, online education is a flexible and effective modern way of learning. As the world continues to evolve, embracing the flexibility, accessibility, and opportunities offered by online education can prove to be a transformative step toward personal and professional growth.
A pioneer of online learning to professionals for over 20 years, Heriot-Watt Online offer a wide range of specialist programmes designed to enhance your career. Browse our full list of flexible programmes and apply today to start your online education journey.