When considering online study, there’ll be a lot of factors that go into your decision: whether you’re looking to start your career, upskill, how much time you have and your budget. Perhaps you’re thinking of refreshing your knowledge in your current field or pivoting into a whole new area. Wondering whether you should commit to a full degree, or start with a shorter course? Find out more about the courses we have available below to see which is best for you.
Your course options
We have various courses on offer across a variety of subject areas. These include business, computing, education and health – as well as criminology, law and psychology.
Undergraduate
About our Bachelors degrees
Whether you’re looking to progress straight into higher education after finishing school and want the flexibility to study around other commitments, or you’re already established in your career and ready to pursue a new direction, our online Bachelors degrees can help you achieve your goals.
- Our undergraduate degrees typically take around four years to complete, allowing you to study at your own pace alongside work, family, or other responsibilities. Assessment methods vary by course but are designed to support online learning and may include written assignments, discussion forum participation, case studies, and project work, rather than traditional exams.
- Looking for a flexible route into higher education? Our CertHE courses are the ideal starting point. With an open entry route, they’re designed to make university-level study accessible, help you develop key academic skills and can be completed in as little as 16 months. What’s more, upon successful completion, you can progress directly onto the relevant full Bachelors degree.
Postgraduate
If you already have a degree or relevant experience, or you want to specialise to progress your career, our online postgraduate courses could be the perfect next step. We offer a range of qualifications to suit different goals, study commitments and levels of experience.
- If your focus is on shorter postgraduate options, check out our online professional courses. With a study duration of just 13 weeks, these are ideal if you’re looking to upskill, reskill or simply explore a subject.
- A PGCert is a shorter qualification worth 60 credits and typically takes around eight months to complete, allowing you to develop specialist knowledge and gain a recognised postgraduate qualification without committing to a full Masters degree.
- For those looking to study in greater depth, a PPG Dip provides a more comprehensive programme worth 120 credits and can usually be completed in 16 months, helping you build advanced subject knowledge and practical skills relevant to your chosen field.
- If you’re aiming for the highest level of postgraduate study, you can progress to a full Masters degree, worth 180 credits and typically completed in two years.
Match your goals to the right course
Choose an online professional course if you:
- want to gain skills quickly
- are exploring a new career path
- are seeking continuous professional development
Choose a CertHE if you:
- want a pathway into a full undergraduate degree
- wish to build key academic skills
- are looking for a recognised qualification
Choose a Bachelors degree if you:
- are looking to begin your undergraduate journey
- want a career change in a new field
- need a full recognised qualification for your industry
Choose a Masters, PG Dip or PG Cert if you:
- already hold an undergraduate degree
- are aiming for specialised or leadership roles
- want long-term career progression
You don’t have to decide everything now
Remember, choosing your course isn’t about locking into one path; it’s about taking the next step that’s right for you. The right choice is about what fits your goals, your lifestyle and your future. With flexible online options at every level, at the University of Essex Online you can learn in a way that works for you.
Want to learn more about the course we offer? Download our prospectus today!