While there are some drawbacks to completing a graduate diploma in law online, it is an excellent way to get the qualification you need without needing to make too many changes to your current routine.
Are you considering completing a graduate diploma in law and aren’t sure if online study is the right path for you? You aren’t alone! We are often asked about the advantages and disadvantages of studying online, and are here with the answers you need. Studying for a graduate diploma in law online comes with pros and cons that should be considered, including flexibility, lower costs, and limited interaction with other students. We have outlined the pros and cons below to help you determine if studying online is the right choice for you.
What are the pros of studying a graduate diploma in law online?
Studying a graduate diploma in law online has several advantages, including reduced course fees, flexibility, and constant access to resources. The pros you experience will vary depending on the course provider you choose and how you prefer to study, but typically, you can enjoy the following benefits:
You can enjoy flexible studying
Perhaps the biggest advantage is that you can study anywhere and at any time! As online courses don’t have any physical classes or campuses to attend, you can set your own schedule, completing your work at a time that suits you. You can complete your studies anywhere you like, at home or on the go as part of your daily commute! In fact, you can study anywhere where there is a good internet connection, including your favourite cafe, coffee shop, or local library. You can enjoy a change of scenery when studying outside the home, which can help boost your productivity, too.
You can also complete your studies at whatever time suits you best, allowing you to complete your work when you are most productive. You can choose to study in the mornings, evenings, or at any time that suits you. As no classes or timetables lock you into set times, you can study whenever your schedule allows, giving you flexibility to adjust as needed.
You have constant access to resources
As soon as you enroll on your course, you will have access to all of the resources that you need. This access remains available 24/7, enabling you to study and access any resources you need to complete the course. You won’t need to worry about the cost of these resources, too, as they are usually included in the cost of your course. This makes it easier for you to get the information you need without worrying about the cost of physical books.
All resources are available online, but you will also have the option to download them, allowing you to work offline when needed. Downloading your resources is perfect if you are working on the go or are worried about losing your internet connection.
You can save money
Online law courses are often more affordable than in-person courses, making them a great choice for those with a limited budget. The lower cost means you don’t need to put your career goals on hold and can start studying immediately! Many online course providers also offer fee assistance, utilising grants or loans that can reduce or eliminate the fees, making it even easier for you to study.
When studying a graduate diploma in law online, you can choose to pay for the course one unit at a time. This allows you to spread the costs, which can help you budget more effectively as you don’t need to worry about a single large payment leaving your account.
What are the cons of studying a graduate diploma in law online?
Despite the pros of studying a graduate diploma in law online, some cons can impact your learning experience. The cons you experience can vary depending on your studying preferences and the course you choose, but you might feel isolated or struggle to access support. Some of the drawbacks you can experience are detailed below:
You might struggle to stay motivated
Studying online and in isolation, you need to ensure that you can keep yourself motivated throughout your course. You will need excellent time management skills to ensure you are completing all of your assignments on time and fantastic self-discipline to continue studying, even when you don’t have the motivation to do so.
Motivation is essential to a positive online studying experience, and it’s important that you consider how you will keep yourself motivated as you study. You might need to consider your studying technique, schedule, and whether you need to set regular goals to keep yourself motivated and working towards your goals.
You might not get the support you need
Accessing support on some online law courses can be challenging. You might be limited to when you can contact tutors, and these times might not always align with your availability. You might be limited to the contact methods, too, with many preferring email or video calls. These methods aren’t suitable for all students, and you might find this makes it tricky to get the support you need.
Before applying for your online course, consider how support is offered and whether this will be suitable for you and your preferences.
You might feel isolated
Another common drawback is students feeling isolated through their studies, especially if they live alone or work remotely. Without any physical classes and group work, it can be hard to make connections with other students, leaving you feeling isolated. These feelings of isolation and loneliness can impact your mental health, and you need to consider this carefully before moving forward with an online course. You will need to ensure you are interacting with others in other parts of your life to avoid this feeling.
Many course providers will also have online discussion boards and forums for your course, which we recommend taking advantage of. These will allow you to interact with other students, bouncing ideas off one another and getting the support you need.
Start your graduate diploma in law today
While there are some drawbacks to completing a graduate diploma in law online, it is an excellent way to get the qualification you need without needing to make too many changes to your current routine. When choosing your graduate diploma in law, we recommend checking out EDU, who offer a fantastic online program. Their online law diploma allows you to gain the skills and knowledge you need without leaving your home! Check out their graduate diploma in law to see if it’s right for you today.
Join the conversation!