How to choose the right online course?
Many schools and universities across the world are moving face-to-face teaching online due to the coronavirus outbreak. The popularity and availability of online courses have grown dramatically in the past couple of months, and the structure of these courses continue to grow and evolve as technology evolves. This new landscape might be difficult to navigate, that is why we have made a list with some of the most important things to consider before choosing a course.
What's your goal?
1. LEARN LANGUAGES ONLINE
Look for established schools and course providers who have already delivered face-to-face courses successfully and have positive reviews or testimonials to prove it. There has been a surge in scammers selling fake online courses recently, make sure you do your research and verify if the school / course exists and if it is good value for your money.
Choosing an accredited course provides students with quality assurance and additional security. Being accredited by a professional body such as the British Council means that a school is inspected regularly and maintains high standards quality of their training and learning provision.
2. PREPARING FOR UNIVERSITY AND DIRECT ACCESS TO DEGREE COURSES
Foundation & university pathway programmes are a popular option for international students who would like to improve their English, academic skills, subject knowledge and gain direct entry to undergraduate degrees. Universities often run their own foundation courses, but there are also of independent institutions that offer pathway programmes with progression opportunities to a wide range of universities via partnerships - such our International Foundation Diploma - if you would like to keep your options option and you haven't decided on your chosen university yet.
3. COMPLETING A DEGREE ONLINE
When it comes to university programmes, it is worth checking the national and international rankings of the institution and subject league tables that are based on a variety of measures – for example teaching quality, research quality or the ratio of staff to students and student satisfaction.