How online postgraduate degrees compare to on-campus degrees
Sean Pryor
Head of Distance Learning
Hi, my name’s Sean Pryor, and I’m the Head of Distance Learning at the University of Huddersfield.
Distance learning, which now incorporates fully online and blended delivery, is increasingly seen as a credible study mode, where students can achieve quality education outcomes commensurate with traditional, on-campus delivery. As the Higher Education (HE) landscape continues to experience significant transformation, driven by external events and policy change, demand for more flexible, accessible, and professionally focussed courses is increasing. Reflecting on personal experience, pursuing my Master's degree on-campus in central London demanded in-person attendance at lectures twice a week. This requirement was not just time-consuming due to the extensive commute, but, in hindsight, also unnecessary. Much of the lecture material could have been delivered online or asynchronously.
The ability to offer more flexible learning options acknowledges that learners come from various backgrounds, each with unique schedules, responsibilities, and requirements. By embracing online and asynchronous learning methods, HE institutions can allow learners to engage with course materials at their own pace and from any location. This not only enhances the learning experience but also makes education more inclusive and accessible to a broader audience.
At Huddersfield, we have developed a range of highly sought-after on-campus and online postgraduate qualifications. We expect all our students, on-campus or online, to have an exceptional learning experience and achieve the best possible outcomes. In this blog, I aim to outline some key facts about Distance Learning courses and how we ensure that our online degrees meet the same high standards as our on-campus qualifications.
1) Our online degrees are developed and taught by the same academics as our on-campus degrees
All our online courses are developed by highly qualified academics; with support from an expert, internal, Distance Learning team. Our online students benefit from the same teaching excellence as our on-campus students - we don’t outsource any of our course delivery to third parties or partners. Key to this approach is putting all learners at the heart of everything we do.
Emma Lees
Career Development and Guidance PG Dip (Distance Learning)
“I was very impressed with the teaching of my course. The academics’ depth of experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm was excellent, and the support they offered was fantastic.”
2) Online degrees require the same amount of academic rigour and can be accredited
Our courses are designed, and crucially, validated, to maintain high academic standards – which is reflected in our entry requirements, course specifications, learning objectives, and links to career outputs. Our Distance Learning courses require students to complete a variety of authentic assessments, both formative and summative, including assignments, work-based projects, peer-assessed work, and exams to demonstrate their understanding of the materials.
In addition, many of our Distance Learning degrees are accredited by professional bodies, such as the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the British Computer Society (BCS), and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Accreditation means that a course has been evaluated by a recognised accrediting body to ensure it meets specific quality standards and provides an indicator of quality to both students and potential employers.
3) Online students frequently interact with academics and receive regular feedback on assignments
While our online courses utilise predominantly asynchronous content to allow for greater flexibility, modules do include some synchronous sessions. Activities such as virtual seminars and interactive discussion boards promote active engagement and participation. This real-time exchange of ideas can enhance the learning experience as it can ensure a better understanding of complex topics.
Fuzhan Rahmanian
Artificial Intelligence MSc (Distance Learning)
“I was drawn to the University of Huddersfield because of its excellent balance of academic rigour and practical application, which is especially important in a field as dynamic as Artificial Intelligence.”
4) Distance learners can still meet other students
Online students still benefit from peer-to-peer interaction. Synchronous sessions allow students to meet others on their course, share ideas, collaborate, and support one another. Group discussions, collaborative projects, and peer-to-peer interactions are conducive to a rich learning experience, where learners can exchange a diverse range of perspectives with other students. Some of our past online learning students have set up class WhatsApp groups, so they can collaborate, and support one another, which is particularly helpful when nearing an assignment deadline.
5) Online students still get access to student support services
From library and computing services to wellbeing support and career guidance, distance learners can access a wide range of student services. Student wellbeing is incredibly important to us. Both on-campus and online students can access a full range of support services for managing their wellbeing and mental health. Togetherall is an online service where all students can access support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s completely confidential and can be accessed simply by using their university email address. Online learners can access the University’s Careers Service, which supports all our current undergraduate and postgraduate students and graduates for life. Students and graduates can seek career advice, support with CVs and cover letter writing, and interview guidance.
6) Distance Learning students can still attend graduation
Finally, all our Distance Learning students have the chance to attend graduation after finishing their degree, whatever the qualification. Graduation allows students to come together to celebrate their success and receive recognition for all their hard work! It’s also a good chance to get to meet peers and tutors in person (often for the first time).
Fuzhan Rahmanian and Dr George Bargiannis. To conclude
In summary, the University of Huddersfield ensures that our online degrees are equivalent to on-campus provision in terms of academic quality, learning outcomes, and student support; while also offering opportunities for in-person experiences, such as graduation. The key difference between the two modes of study is the delivery, with students able to choose their course based on preferences and specific needs.
To find out more about Distance Learning courses at the University of Huddersfield, visit our website.