Why Arden
Find out who we are and why Arden is the choice for students worldwide.
Choosing where and how to study is a big decision. If you're considering higher education but aren't sure traditional campus-based learning fits your lifestyle, you're not alone. More students than ever are discovering that online degree programmes offer the flexibility and support they need to achieve their goals.
Whether you're balancing work commitments, caring for family, or simply want to study from the comfort of your own home, an online university can open doors you might have thought were closed. Let's explore the key benefits that make online learning such an attractive option for today's students.
Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of studying with an online university is flexibility. Unlike traditional campus-based courses with fixed timetables, online learning lets you study when and where it suits you best. You can access lectures, course materials, and assignments at times that fit around your existing commitments.
This means you're in control of your schedule. Whether you're an early bird who prefers to study at dawn or a night owl who does your best work after everyone else has gone to bed, you'll find a rhythm that works for you. This flexibility is particularly valuable if you're juggling multiple responsibilities. You don't need to choose between education and the other important parts of your life.
Earn while you learn
Financial concerns can be a major barrier to higher education, but studying with an online university helps address this challenge. Because you can study around your work schedule, you don't need to give up your job to pursue your degree. This means you can continue earning an income whilst developing new skills and qualifications.
Many of our students find that they can apply what they're learning directly to their current roles, making immediate improvements in their careers even before they graduate. This real-world application of knowledge makes your studies more relevant and can even lead to promotions or new opportunities whilst you're still completing your course.
Real student experience:
"This knowledge will enable me to progress to more strategic roles in the future. I've found that studying my MBA online with Arden has given me a much more comprehensive foundation of knowledge around the topics I don't often encounter in my work role, including financial decision-making, ethics and strategy."
Build your global network
When you study online, your classmates aren't limited to people in your local area. You'll connect with students from across the UK and around the world, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to every discussion and group project.
This global network can be incredibly valuable, both during your studies and throughout your career. You'll gain insights into different industries, cultures, and ways of thinking that simply aren't possible in a traditional classroom setting. These connections often last well beyond graduation, creating professional relationships that span continents.
An online community
Studying remotely doesn't mean studying alone. Modern online education is built around interactive communities where students support and learn from each other.
Through discussion forums, virtual study groups, and collaborative projects, you'll build meaningful relationships with your peers. Many students find that the online learning environment actually encourages more participation than traditional lectures. Everyone has time to consider their contributions thoughtfully, and quieter students often feel more comfortable sharing their ideas in writing.
Your tutors are also readily accessible through various digital channels, providing personalised support and feedback that fits your schedule. You're never more than a message away from the help you need.
Increased course variety
Online universities can offer a wider range of courses than traditional institutions because they're not limited by physical classroom space or local expertise. This means you're more likely to find a programme that perfectly matches your career goals and interests.
You'll also have access to industry-leading experts who might not be based near a physical campus. The digital format allows universities to bring together the best lecturers and course content from anywhere, giving you an education that's truly world-class.
Is online university cheaper?
In many cases, yes. Online study can be significantly more cost-effective than traditional campus-based education. Save the Student's research shows that campus-based students spend an average of £1,142 per month on living costs, with the Maintenance Loan falling £502 short of covering these expenses.
When you study online, you'll save on:
- Accommodation costs (average £529 per month for campus students)
- Daily commuting expenses
- Relocation costs to a university town
- The additional living expenses that come with campus life
Course fees for online programmes are often competitive with traditional degrees, and because you can continue working whilst you study, you won't face the income loss that full-time campus students typically experience. When you add it all up, the financial benefits of online learning can be substantial.
It's worth remembering that student finance options are available for online courses too, making higher education accessible regardless of your current financial situation.
Is online university better than in person?
Whether online or in-person study is "better" really depends on your individual circumstances and learning style. Online university excels when it comes to flexibility, accessibility, and fitting education around your existing life. Traditional campus-based learning might suit you better if you thrive on face-to-face interaction and prefer the structure of attending scheduled classes.
The good news is that online learning technology has advanced tremendously, and employers increasingly recognise its value. Research shows that 78% of hiring managers view online degrees from accredited institutions positively, seeing them as equivalent to traditional degrees. Virtual classrooms, video lectures, and interactive learning tools create an engaging educational experience that's surprisingly personal. Many students find they actually prefer the online format once they've experienced it.
If you're still weighing up your options, consider reading is online learning for you to help you make an informed decision that's right for your situation.
Does online university class as full or part time?
Online degrees can be studied either full-time or part-time, the choice is yours. This is another area where online learning offers flexibility that traditional courses often can't match.
Full-time online study typically involves dedicating around 30-40 hours per week to your course, allowing you to complete your degree in the standard timeframe. Part-time study lets you spread your learning over a longer period, making it easier to balance with work and family commitments. You might dedicate just 10-15 hours per week, completing your degree over four or five years instead of three.
The beauty of online learning is that you can often adjust your study intensity as your circumstances change, giving you control over your educational journey.
Start studying online now
The benefits of studying with an online university are clear: flexibility to study around your life, the ability to keep earning whilst you learn, access to a global community, and significant cost savings compared to traditional degrees. You'll have more course options, world-class teaching, and the support you need to succeed, all delivered in a format that fits your lifestyle.
At Arden, we believe you have the potential to succeed, and we've designed our online programmes to help you get there. We understand that balancing study with work and family commitments can be challenging, which is why we're here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to take the next step in your education journey? Explore our range of online courses and discover how online learning can help you achieve your goals and open up new career opportunities.
