Online Degrees at ARU Distance Learning

Absolutely. All of our distance learning degrees are as academically robust and relevant as their physical campus equivalents – essentially the only difference is the learning delivery method. And you’ve got further confidence because, wherever possible, ARU online degrees are accredited by the relevant industry bodies and in many cases designed and developed by respected industry insiders. Your ARU distance learning degree fits the bill academically and vocationally, helping you take your career in the right direction. But you don’t need to take our word for it – ARU student stories are packed with happy endings and new beginnings.

In essence, distance learning applies the same principles as traditional higher education – you’ll systematically study the various modules of your course and progress your learning under the instruction and guidance of expert tutors, working alongside your class peers and graduating when you’re finished. The difference is that you’ll study exclusively or mostly online, completing your course from your home or anywhere else that suits, using the internet and a device such as your phone, tablet or laptop to access course materials and communicate with tutors and fellow students. You’ll still have deadlines and it’s still hard work. But you can fit your learning flexibly around your work and family commitments, studying when it’s most convenient. You’ll meet some interesting classmates too – because of its flexibility, online learning is accessible to students from an even wider range of backgrounds and geographical locations than traditional learning. Many of your classmates will also be working in related roles, so you’ll instantly benefit from shared insights and different perspectives. By the time you graduate, you might have a network of global contacts and possibly even holiday accommodation in lots of exciting places!

This depends, but there’s every chance it is. Distance learning can benefit all sorts of students, but there are a few groups of learners that find it particularly beneficial. For instance, if you’re a parent and want to fit a degree around a hectic home life, you can dip into your ARU online degree modules during those rare moments of downtime – perhaps when you’re curled up on the settee with a cuppa once the kids are in bed. Alternatively, if you’re already working but want to change to another career sector, distance learning allows you to migrate smoothly without having to give up your job and income. Besides, staying in a job you’re bored with is more bearable when you’re working towards an exit plan. You might also be happy in your current career area but stuck below a level where you would feel more fulfilled – if you want to grab that promotion you deserve, having a formal qualification that demonstrates your suitability stands you in good stead. Some ARU distance learners may have also been out of the job market for one reason or another for an extended period – if this sounds like you, having a recent and relevant qualification can make re-entering a competitive job market much less scary, and prove to prospective employers that you’ve got the skills and attitude they’re looking for. Last but not least, online learning often suits mature learners – whether you’re retired and yearning for pure and simple intellectual stimulation and a sense of achievement, or are starting a second career in your middle age, you’re never too old to embrace the opportunities an ARU distance learning degree offers.

ARU offers a wide range of online degrees and other qualifications and we offer specialised courses for serving Armed Forces members as well as regular civilian students. Our course choices cover areas like psychology, digital marketing, healthcare, business management and much more. If you’re already working in a career area you’re happy with but you’re not progressing as fast as you’d like, you might choose a course that lets you apply for jobs at management level, or in a different team or section in your organisation. Alternatively, you might have been thinking of changing careers for years but making a major alteration to your life feels intimidating – if this is the case, online learning can ease you into a new area gradually as you build your confidence. Furthermore, all of our courses are vocational but if you want to study for a degree purely for the pleasure of learning, there are several fascinating subjects to stimulate those little grey cells. Also, if you’ve no firm idea yet of why you want to study online or what direction you want to take you in, that’s no problem – all you need is the desire to make a change and our skilled advisers can help you define what you want and recommend the right course to take you there.