Do you want to study but do not have the required financial means or time to attend full-time courses or regular college? Do not worry if you don’t have the required time or finances to complete your education, pursuing a part-time course or distance learning courses can be the ideal option for you. Part-time and distance learning courses will offer you more time and flexibility but still let you complete your studies and earn a degree.
If you wish to pursue a career of your dreams it is important to choose the right field of education and the right mode of learning. There are many reasons why someone may choose to study part-time, including time constraints or financial reasons. If you can’t find a program that fits your needs at a traditional university or college, there are many options for obtaining a qualification through distance learning courses.
Both part-time study and distance learning offer a great deal of flexibility, making it easy to fit studying around other commitments. There are many ways to study, and you don’t have to leave your job to do so. In fact, many people earn their qualifications by studying from home while managing their working hours.
Part-time and distance education are not the same. Though they both offer flexibility in studies and are cost-effective, they are different and each has its own purpose.
- Part-time courses are preferred by people who have a full-time job and cannot attend regular courses in college or institutes. To study part-time means one can attend classes after their working hours or on weekends. Full-time studies in colleges generally are from 8am o 5pm. Part-time classes are scheduled in evenings, enabling people with full-time jobs to attend class after their working hours.
- Part-time studies are either classroom based or through distance learning. Classroom-based part-time courses typically require you to attend classes, which are usually held during the evenings or over weekends.
- Part-time courses through distance learning allows the student to study in their free time, their other commitments.
- Part-time study allows students to devote more time to their studies, without feeling rushed or having to commit to a full-time course. This type of study is often more flexible with regard to the amount of time that can be spent studying, and fees may also be lower.
Similar to full-time courses, part-time students also need to attend lectures, submit assignments, and write exams. The only difference is that their course is spread out over a longer duration with a more flexible schedule.
For example, instead of enrolling for a 3-year full-time Bachelor degree, part-time courses allow the students to complete the same degree over a period of 4 to 5 years. This gives them more time to focus on their daily commitments and priorities. It also provides them more time to finance your studies.
What do you mean by Distance-learning?
Distance learning is a method of studying that allows students to learn in their own time, without having to attend lectures and classes. This option offers more flexibility than with part-time studies.
In distance learning, students receive their study materials online or through post. They need to submit their assignments online. They have to visit the institute only while appearing for their exams.
Unlike part-time studies, students don’t have to attend classes in evenings or weekends. They can study from the comfort of their homes whenever they have time.
Distance learning does not mean Part-time but Part-time learning can be Distance learning
The biggest misconception about distance learning is that it is studying on a part-time basis. Part-time studying means one needs to attend classes as per the schedule either in the evenings or at weekends. However, with distance learning one is not required to classes. The study hours are flexible and one can study from anywhere, anytime. There are some part-times courses which are offered through distance learning.
FAQs
Part-time and distance education are not the same. Though they both offer flexibility in studies and are cost-effective, they are different and each has its own purpose.
What is the difference between distance and part-time? ›
Studying part time means that you need to still be able to attend classes. Whether it is after hours or on weekends. With distance learning you are not required to attend classes EVER. There are none scheduled.
Are part time degrees worth it? ›
While you will still end up paying for the entire degree over time, you will have lower costs by taking fewer courses every semester. The financial burden of college is spread out throughout a longer time frame. Full time students, on the other hand, have to lay out thousands or tens of thousands of dollars each year.
What is considered distance education? ›
What is distance education? Distance education (DE) is education that uses one or more types of technology to deliver instruction to students who are separated from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the instructor synchronously or asynchronously.
What is the easiest online college to get into? ›
The Easiest Online College Degree Programs
- Brigham Young University-Idaho.
- Academy of Art University.
- Baker College.
- University of Maryland University College.
Distance learning refers to the way of learning that does not require you to be present physically at the university or institution. Learning materials and lectures are available online. Learners can stay at their homes while taking the course from an online university or other institution.
What are the disadvantages of being a part-time student? ›
4 cons of being a part-time student
- Financial aid eligibility. It's common for colleges and universities to restrict part-time students' access to financial aid resources like scholarships, grants and loans. ...
- Fewer social opportunities. ...
- Program availability. ...
- Length of studies.
In the short term, a part-time student may pay less each semester. In the long run, however, it will normally cost them more to earn their degree. Some schools may also charge additional fees for each semester a student is enrolled, which can add extra expenses for part-time learners.
Is it better to be full time or part-time student? ›
If you want to start working as quickly as possible in your desired career, you may want to go to school full time. Part time might be a good choice if you want more time to consider your career choices and decide what you want to do long term.
Does distance education mean online? ›
With online learning (sometimes called eLearning), students can be together in the classroom with an instructor while working through their digital lessons and assessments. When using distance learning, students work online at home while the teacher assigns work and checks in digitally.
Distance Education is defined as instruction between a teacher and students when they are separated by physical distance and communication is accomplished by one or more technological media (American Association of University Professors, 2007; Oregon Network for Education, 2000).
When did distance learning start? ›
The first traces of distance learning date back as far as the 1700s. In fact, it was in Boston, Massachusetts in 1728 when a teacher by the name of Caleb Phillips advertised the first shorthand correspondence lessons ever to be offered by mail.
What is the shortest degree to get? ›
College Degree Levels: Undergraduate Degrees
- Associate's Degrees. Associate's degree programs typically require about 2 years to complete. ...
- Bachelor's Degrees. Bachelor's degrees typically take 4 years to complete. ...
- Master's Degrees. ...
- Doctorate Degrees. ...
- Professional Degrees.
Top Online Degrees and Programs You Can Get Quickly
- Art and Design.
- Business and Management.
- Computer Science and IT.
- Counseling and Human Services.
- Criminal Justice and Legal Studies.
- Education and Teaching.
- Healthcare and Health Sciences.
- Nursing.
Check out the easiest college majors below:
- Humanities.
- Liberal Arts.
- Linguistics.
- Music.
- Psychology.
- Religious Studies.
- Social Work.
- Sociology.
There's a reason you're required to put the name of the college you attended on your resume and job application. Despite what you may read to the contrary, most employers do care about where you went to school for your degree. Fortunately for many, that's not all they're concerned with, though.
Do employers care about degrees? ›
Earning a college degree show your ability to complete academic work. Some employers consider this a demonstration of your mental capacity and work ethic. Employers may view your degree as verification of your skills, intelligence and ability to dedicate yourself to difficult tasks.
Why do you want to study part-time? ›
Being a part-time student means you have more control over your schedule. Many part-time courses allow you to choose how many modules you want to take up in one semester. For instance, you can choose to take fewer modules if there is a big project at work that you need to focus on during the semester.
Do you make more money with or without a degree? ›
The earnings gap between college graduates and those with less education continues to widen. In 2023, median income for recent graduates reached $60,000 a year for bachelor's degree holders aged 22–27. For high school graduates the same age, median earnings are $36,000 a year.
