Top tips for writing your personal statement
As part of applying to study one of our courses, you’ll have the opportunity to write a personal statement. This short piece of writing is your opportunity to showcase your passion for the subject you are applying for and to demonstrate your existing knowledge of the field. But a lot of people feel daunted when approaching this task. This blog....
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Becky Ladley 16th May 2019
How to make a personal study space
Although study online means you can study from anywhere in the world, the best place to get some serious work done is in a dedicated study space. What that space looks like is up to you, but here’s something of a wish list to create a space that’s optimised for concentration, creativity and results. Find a room with a door....
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Becky Ladley 25th Apr 2019
Plagiarism and essay mills
For many students new to Higher Education or returning after a long absence, ‘plagiarism’ may not be a familiar term. However, not knowing what plagiarism is isn't a valid excuse, and in the worst-case scenario, it can lead to withdrawal from your course. It is vital that as a new student you familiarise yourself with the University of Essex Online’s....
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Becky Ladley 11th Apr 2019
9 self-care tips for online students
When you are studying it can be all too easy to get consumed by everything you have to juggle, especially if you are also working as many of our students are. So, it’s important to listen to your body and make sure you practice good self-care. Here are our top tips for looking after yourself while studying: Sleep Getting the....
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Annika McDonald 25th Jan 2019
Our best blogs of 2018!
It’s been a busy 12 months here at University of Essex Online and our bloggers have been hard at work capturing every moment of it. So, grab a drink, sit back and join us as we take a look at some of our favourite blogs from 2018….… Our students shared their stories Let’s start with our amazing students. From refugee....
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Annika McDonald 21st Dec 2018
7 tips to keep you focused while studying online
Students completing an online degree need to be highly motivated. You don’t have a physical class to go to, which means you need to be doubly dedicated compared to campus-based students. Luckily, with these tips, it will be easy to find the enthusiasm you need while completing one of our degrees. 1. Make a study plan Whether you’re digital or....
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Becky Ladley 30th Nov 2018
A day in the life of a University of Essex Online tutor
Would you get up at 4am for a job you love? Because that is exactly what guest blogger and business tutor David James does! In this vlog he shares what a day in the life of a University of Essex Online tutor is like: David will be returning with another vlog in December! Want to know more....
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Annika McDonald 02nd Nov 2018
The role of a University of Essex Online tutor
Have you ever wondered what the role of an online tutor is? Our academic team here at University of Essex Online works hard to deliver the best quality teaching, but they also offer a wealth of support to our students. In his first blog for us, our Business tutor David James shares his experience as an online tutor: Hi Everyone.....
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Annika McDonald 03rd Aug 2018
Shall I take my course online or shall I study on campus?
Have you always wondered about studying online but you had a few worries? Are you interested in flexible learning but not sure if it will work for you? Well fear not, our guest blogger Emma from our Admissions Team is here to give you a helping hand. We know if you are used to studying within a classroom-based setting than....
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Annika McDonald 06th Jul 2018
Seven Snacks to Supercharge your Study
Fitting studying into your life isn’t just about finding time to do the work. When we’re busy, we often slip into bad eating habits – but this can have a detrimental effect on your focus, meaning you have to work even harder to catch up. So it’s essential that you make sure to eat well while you’re studying (and the....
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Becky Ladley 29th Jun 2018
Undergraduate vs Postgraduate – what is the difference?
So you’ve decided that higher education is for you – great decision! You’ve spent some time thinking about what course you’d like to study, and selected one that you’re interested in that factors into your future career goals. Awesome! But there’s one more big decision to make – do you study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level? What’s the difference,....
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Becky Ladley 01st Jun 2018
Our criminology students share why they love studying online
Does the study of criminal behaviour captivate your curiosity? Do the individual and societal impacts of crime sound like something you want to know more about? In short, are you fascinated by the field of criminology, but yet to take the plunge into enrolling onto a course? Well you are in luck, because our current criminology students are here to.... Read moreAnnika McDonald 25th May 2018
How to Involve Your Family in Your Studies
Many of our students choose to study with us because of the flexibility and convenience offered by online study. Studying remotely means you can easily fit your education around your existing family and work commitments. Here are some of our top tips for making sure you involve your family while you study with us: 1. Put it on the family.... Read moreAnnika McDonald 04th May 2018
International Women's Day - Meet our inspirational students!
"You are smart, capable, and strong. Repeat that to yourself as many times as you need to per day until you believe it." Erin, 28, from Bermuda is studying for an MBA. She and her business partner have opened their own sports centre in Bermuda hosting the first full-sized boxing ring in the country! Tell us a bit about.... Read moreAnnika McDonald 08th Mar 2018
Your application questions answered!
We know how daunting it can be trying to find the right course and filling out an application form. There’s lots of information to take onboard and sometimes it can feel confusing. We want to make your experience with us as easy and stress-free as possible, so we’ve asked our fantastic Admissions team to give you a helping hand by.... Read moreAnnika McDonald 02nd Mar 2018
Our top tips for keeping fit while studying!
Struggling to solve an assignment question? Feel like you have writer's block? Well, whilst we aren't going to do your work for you, we may have a solution. According to research by Harvard Medical School exercise can help improve your memory and your thinking, which is perfect for those moments when you're feeling stuck. So why not take a break,.... Read moreAnnika McDonald 23rd Feb 2018
Studying while pregnant – our top tips
Have you just found out that you’re pregnant? Or are you a student who is considering starting a family in the future? Pregnancy is an exciting and life-changing time. However, it doesn’t mean that your studies must come to an end. Over the years, our Student Support team have helped dozens of students to achieve their qualifications while pregnant. Want.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 15th Dec 2017
8 reasons why our short courses could be the answer to your study worries
With working hours getting longer and personal time getting shorter, committing to studying for a four-year degree can seem like a tough choice. But did you know that we have qualifications you can gain in less than a year? If you want to try online learning but don’t have the time to commit to years of studying, then our short.... Read moreAnnika McDonald 08th Dec 2017
13 Proofreading Tips
As an online student you’ll be writing a lot of assignments, discussion posts and projects. And while spelling and grammar might feel like a tiny part of an essay that’s thousands of words long, there’s really no excuse for losing marks due to something you can easily fix. Read on to discover our 13 proofreading tips… 1. Check.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 10th Nov 2017
7 ways to boost your studying productivity
Sometimes you have too many things to do, and not enough hours in the day to do them. Sound familiar? Instead of trying to create time where there just isn’t any, we’ve found that the key to success is to be more productive with the time that you do have. With that in mind, here are our top 7 ways.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 06th Oct 2017
How to choose your dissertation topic
Choosing a topic for your dissertation (or final year research project) can be difficult; your dissertation is an important piece of work that accounts for a large number of credits on an undergraduate or postgraduate degree course so it’s important to choose wisely. Are you a student trying to narrow down your ideas to form a single subject? Or are.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 08th Sep 2017
A short guide to moot presentations
At University of Essex Online, we assess students using a variety of methods including written assignments, discussion forums, reflective journal entries and oral presentations. While many students are familiar with written assessments, oral presentations are often new, especially when the presentation is conducted as moot. In reality, there is nothing to worry about oral presentation and/or moot. This week’s blog.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 25th Aug 2017
What level of commitment is required to study online?
What do you want from me? When you join a course with University of Essex Online you are asked to commit 10-15 hours per week of “study time”. Firstly, we should qualify what “study time” consists of. It may include: Reading relevant course materials Research Contributing to online discussions Writing assignments Communicating with your tutor Watching lecturecasts (online lecture videos).... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 11th Aug 2017
What’s the difference between law and criminology?
Law and criminology are both fascinating subjects that cover a wide range of topics. However, many students are unaware of the differences between these two very distinct programmes so we’ve put together a short guide to help you out... What is criminology? Criminology explores both the social and personal aspects of crime. It examines some of the most serious.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 23rd Jun 2017
How to ‘network’ as an online student
Making friends and contacts is an important aspect of advancing your career. However, it’s a common misconception that building these bonds has to be done face-to-face. Modern technology allows you to grow relationships around the whole world, without even leaving your house. Not sure where to start? Here’s our guide to the most common tools you can use to build.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 21st Apr 2017
What technology do I need to be an online student?
Studying online spares students from many of the associated costs of campus study. But while you’re saving on travel expenses, student accommodation rent and textbook costs, there are still a few essential (and nice-to-have) tools you’ll need as an online student. Learn more… The essentials A laptop or computer Not surprisingly, a laptop or computer is at the top.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 07th Apr 2017
Health tips for online students
Managing a career and caring for a family is hard work; add on the extra pressure of learning online and students often find that their own welfare is forced to take a back seat. Sound familiar? Here are some great tips for taking care of your mind, body and soul… Watch your diet When your time and energy is.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 24th Feb 2017
5 TED Talks every online student should watch
Studying online is exciting and rewarding but there’s no denying it requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Are you an online student who’s feeling a little overwhelmed or demotivated? Then let these inspiring TED Talks remind you why you should never, ever give up… 1. 8 secrets of success By Richard St. John (3:30) Analyst Richard St. John condenses.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 10th Feb 2017
How to create your perfect study space
Studying online gives you a huge amount of freedom; you can learn on your morning commute, in your lunch hour or even on a sun lounger by the pool (if you’re lucky!). However, when deadlines are looming it’s a great idea to create a dedicated study space where you can really knuckle down to your work. Not sure where to.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 03rd Feb 2017
7 mistakes that online students make – and how to avoid them
Online study is exciting, challenging and extremely rewarding. However, before you consider starting a life-changing degree programme it’s a great idea to educate yourself about some of the common mistakes that online students make – and how to avoid them! 1. Problems with time management Managing your time is a vital skill for online and part-time students, especially if.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 27th Jan 2017
Getting to grips with journal entries and reports
At University of Essex Online, we assess our students’ understanding of a topic through a combination of assignments, online forum discussion posts and journal reports. And although most people have experience with keeping a journal or diary, our tutors definitely aren’t looking for a Bridget Jones-style confessional piece of text. Not sure what an academic journal is? Read on… .... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 20th Jan 2017
What is a Top-up degree?
What is a Top-up degree? What do you top up? And what are you topping it up to? This week’s blog answers some of the most common questions we receive about our undergraduate Top-up degree courses… What is a Top-up degree? A Top-up degree is equivalent to the final year of an undergraduate degree. These courses are aimed at.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 13th Jan 2017
20 perfect Christmas gifts for online and part-time students…
In case you hadn’t noticed, there’s a rather large festive event coming up in a month. If you’re finding it difficult to pick out the right gift for the online and part-time student in your life, don’t panic! We’re here to help. Here are our 20 perfect Christmas gifts… 1. Pens and notepads Everyone needs pens, but students need.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 25th Nov 2016
What is expected at Masters level study
If you’ve been away from higher education for a long time, or you don’t have an undergraduate degree, it can be difficult to estimate the level of commitment required at Masters level. Many people may decide not to pursue a postgraduate qualification because they believe the course will be too intense for them. However, this week’s blog is here to.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 18th Nov 2016
Seven sources for student assignments - that aren’t textbooks!
The best assignments always cite strong and varied sources. But when you’re feeling the pressure of a looming deadline, it can sometimes be easier to just reach for your course textbook. However, finding fresh and unique material to support your textbook research doesn’t have to be difficult! To inspire you to go that extra mile on your next assignment, here are seven.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 28th Oct 2016
12 apps every online student should have
With literally millions of apps available for your smartphone, it can be an overwhelming task trying to find the right tools to suit your needs as an online student. So this week we’ve decided to save you hours of time searching in your app store by dedicating this blog post to telling you about our 12 personal favourites! Apps.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 21st Oct 2016
Why start on a CertCE rather than a BA (Hons) degree?
At University of Essex Online we offer undergraduate qualifications including a Certificate of Continuing Education (CertCE), Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), Bachelor of Arts (BA (Hons)) and Bachelor of Laws (LLB). Deciding which one is right for each student is a big part of our application process. Not sure which level is right for you? This week’s blog gives you answers.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 07th Oct 2016
Will my work experience help my degree course application?
In a word: yes! Here at University of Essex Online, we recognise that you can gain skills in a wide variety of ways and that prior academic performance is not the only indicator of a student’s ability. That’s why we created our Open Entry and Work Experience Entry Routes, where our dedicated Admissions team review every applicant’s work experience to.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 01st Sep 2016
Tips for balancing work and online study
Juggling work and study can be a difficult balancing act. In this week’s blog we give you some practical tips to help you make the most of your time. 1. Make a schedule Time management is essential for all students, but particularly for online learning students who are managing study alongside work commitments. Setting up a weekly/monthly.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 26th Aug 2016
Higher education qualifications explained
There’s a lot to think about when you decide to enter (or re-enter) higher education. And when you encounter words like “levels, “diplomas” and “certifications” it can sometimes feel like you also have to learn to speak another language! We understand that the terminology of the UK education system can be extremely confusing, especially if you’ve been out of the.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 28th Jul 2016
Advice on personal statements
Emma Kirby is a member of the University of Essex Online Admissions team, and a large part of her role involves helping people to apply for our courses. A key part of the application process is writing a personal statement, and over the years Emma has developed some tips and tricks that are guaranteed to help students submit their.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 09th Jun 2016
What does it take to be an online student?
There isn’t a typical student profile for online and part-time learners; people of all ages from around the world and with different backgrounds are realising the benefits of distance learning. However there are some qualities that will help you to succeed when studying online… Self-motivation Online learning relies on you being self-motivated. Whilst you’ll be supported and encouraged by.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 13th May 2016
What are IELTS and TOEFL?
Choosing which English test to take can be confusing. In this week’s blog we explore the two most popular tests, IELTS and TOEFL, and explain the differences between them. IELTS IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study, work or migrate to English speaking countries. It is the.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 29th Apr 2016
How to take notes like a pro
A good set of notes will always make it easier to write your assignments and prepare discussions. But in order for notes to be considered 'good', they need to be organised and well-written. Our handy infographic gives you some great tips and techniques for taking notes like a pro. Read moreCaroline Bluemel 15th Apr 2016
The importance of critical thinking
Critical thinking is a core academic skill that teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students to question or reflect on their own knowledge and information presented to them. This skill is essential for students working on assignments and performing research. It’s also an invaluable skill in many workplace scenarios. In this week’s blog we discuss what critical thinking is, how it applies.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 19th Feb 2016
Do you know your PG Cert from your PG Dip? Understanding 20 of the most common higher education abbreviations.
Higher education can sometimes be a daunting prospect, and that isn’t made any easier when you suddenly encounter a bunch of new and confusing acronyms. But don’t panic! We’re here to help you understand the qualifications represented by an MBA, an MPH and an MSc with our handy guide to 20 of the most common higher education abbreviations… .... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 05th Feb 2016
10 tips for sticking to your New Year's resolution
Have you decided to make online learning your New Year’s resolution? Congratulations! There’s never been a better time to start improving your career and adding some qualifications to your CV as employers are increasingly seeing the benefits of online learning1. However, the latest research shows that an incredible 63% of UK adults actually fail to keep their resolution each year..... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 08th Jan 2016
Mastering online discussion forums
At University of Essex Online, we assess our students’ understanding of a topic through a combination of assignments and online forum discussion posts. Many people have encountered essays and reports earlier in their education journey, or in the workplace, but online discussions are often a new experience. A face-to-face, personal discussion between friends and colleagues is something that we all.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 04th Dec 2015
20 websites to make you a better online student
With literally billions of sites online to search through, it can be difficult to find useful and reputable information. So here are our hand-picked 20 best websites to help make you a better student! We’re sure you don’t need us to tell you that the internet is pretty big. And with literally billions of sites out there to search through,.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 09th Oct 2015
Is it plagiarism?
40,000 - That’s the number of university undergraduates disciplined for plagiarism over the past four years in the UK 1. It’s clear that plagiarism is a significant issue, with severe consequences for students that get caught. Universities take fraud very seriously, and are constantly improving their detection techniques and developing even more sophisticated technology to catch non-genuine submissions. But even.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 02nd Oct 2015
10 quick fixes for 10 common study problems
The rewards for studying are well-documented: improved career prospects, a boost to your self-esteem and the potential to earn a higher salary. But all of this is easy to forget when you hit an unexpected obstacle and that finish line can suddenly seem like it’s a long way away. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important not to.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 25th Sep 2015
Managing your time
Making the most of your time is a part of life; almost everyone at some stage needs to juggle family, work and a social life. But what happens when you throw part-time study into the mix? We’ve got some handy tips for finding more time in your week… Tips and tricks Make use of your commute: Whether you’re on the.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 05th Sep 2015
15 foolproof tips for writing a great assignment
If you’re the kind of person that only has to hear the word “assignment” and immediately has flashbacks to stuffy classrooms, ticking clocks and staring a blank page for hours….DON’T PANIC. Our 15 foolproof tips for writing a great assignment will guide you to success. Before you start... 1. Do your reading Your course or module will have a.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 15th Aug 2015
eBooks and education
eBooks are the subject of much misinformation, seen by some as an attempt to replace centuries of simplicity and tradition with a new and overly-complicated electronic device. However, with their multiple features designed specifically for research and study, eBooks are actually one of the most undervalued pieces of technology available to students today. Our handy infographic shows just some of.... Read moreCaroline Bluemel 10th Jul 2015