Many people dream about going back to college or university, but can’t quite give up their full time jobs and family responsibilities to go the distance. That doesn’t mean that life must go on, however – with the growing popularity of part time courses, there is now more choice than ever for students looking to get a higher education without having to quit their jobs.
Courses are academic classes that cover a broad range of subjects, and can either lead to a certificate, diploma or degree. They can also count towards your professional development, allowing you to move up the career ladder or change careers. Many universities now offer a wide selection of part time courses, including master’s and doctorate degrees.
There are a number of benefits to pursuing a part time course, including being able to combine your studies with working in your chosen field of study and earning while you learn. This can also allow you to save up for your studies and avoid having to rely on student loans, which could be a huge benefit to your long term finances.
As a part time student, you will still have access to all of the same facilities and services that are available to full time students, so you’ll never feel cut off from your peers. You’ll be able to network with students and professors alike, which can help you build the connections that will see you through your career.
Part time students are often super-motivated to succeed, as they’ve made a major commitment and know that their efforts can have serious consequences for their future. The knowledge that they’re investing their own money, along with the fact that their work is a vital source of income for the rest of their lives, can really make them determined to focus on their studies and achieve success. In fact, recent research commissioned by HECSU found that over 70 per cent of students have improved their job performance and confidence after studying part-time.
Some part-time courses may be specifically designed to add value to your current job, enabling you to gain new skills or progress in your current career, or even boost your salary. Others, such as first aid training or first responder certifications, can be taken for personal interest and can help to improve your personal wellbeing.
Another advantage of studying part-time is that you’ll be able to access funding opportunities that might not be available to you if you’re a full-time student, such as apprenticeships, Skillnet grants and local enterprise office funding for specific courses. This is particularly important for adult learners who are balancing a busy lifestyle and have other responsibilities such as caring for a child or parent, juggling work or a mortgage and taking care of family members.