What are the benefits of online learning?

Explore the 5 key benefits of studying online.

The 5 benefits of online learning

Online learning is the perfect way to develop your skills alongside your career or personal commitments from anywhere in the world, at a time that suits you. At The University of Manchester all online students are granted the same access to facilities as on-campus students including resources, facilities and support. Find out more about the benefits of studying online below.

1. Teaching excellence

Access the teaching and research excellence of The University of Manchester from anywhere in the world. Our online courses are created and taught by the same established scholars as our on-campus options meaning you can gain the same high-quality education without attending our Manchester campus.

Our courses have been specifically developed with online learning in mind to make your studying experience as enriching as possible. Our virtual learning environment is home to all of the online resources you will require and our online library is just as extensive as our physical library here in Manchester. We also foster a collaborative environment between peers even if you live on opposite sides of the world with our discussion boards interactive opportunities.

Your academics are available for you to contact via email or video call including regular online tutorials as part of your timetable to address any queries you may have.

2. Flexibility

Online learning offers much more flexibility than traditional on-campus study, which makes it the perfect fit for working professionals. All of the resources you need to complete your online course are available to you online 24/7 which means you can study around your professional and personal commitments at a time that works for you.

There are live interactive sessions included in the delivery of our online courses however, these sessions are always recorded so that they can be accessed at a later time if attendance is not possible. Although the courses are flexible students are expected to dedicate an average of 15-20 hours a week to their studying dependent on their course.

3. High quality resources

As an online student at The University of Manchester, you will have access to the same range of excellent facilities as on-campus students. These facilities include:

Full access to The University of Manchester library. You can either access the resources remotely or go into any library building on campus in Manchester using your student card. The direct access link to the library is here: http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/
All essential reading for each unit will be available digitally via the Virtual Learning Environment. If there is a core text for a unit, this will be made available to you via Kortext throughout your course and after.
Access to download the full Microsoft Office productivity suite free of charge. This includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and more (available for offline and online use).
A University of Manchester student email which will provide you access to online and on-campus facilities, services and student discounts.
An invitation to attend your graduation ceremony at The University of Manchester campus.

4. An online community

Online learning can still be collaborative even if you are studying from different sides of the world to your peers. Our virtual learning environment provides an opportunity to discuss and collaborate with your peers and academics with interactive features including:

Discussion boards to discuss and work together with your peers and academics
Regular live tutorials with academics to discuss your work or ask any questions you may have
Some courses offer opportunities for peer feedback so you can interact with your peers across the globe both directly and indirectly

5. A global approach

Online learning at The University of Manchester is designed to be accessed by students from around the globe.The benefits of a global approach are:

An opportunity to build a global network of peers you wouldn’t normally be able to meet.
The ability to gain insight into global trends and patterns within your sector and apply your findings to your own work or research.
Flexible timetabling that allows you to connect with your academics even if you are in a different time zone.