Choosing between in-person and online studying can be challenging, especially if you have not used both methods before. When you don’t have the experience of both, it can be hard to decide which will be right for you, leaving you frustrated and unsure where to turn. Luckily for you, that is where we come in! Our guide today walks you through the pros and cons of studying counselling courses online and in person to help you see which is best for you.
Studying counselling online: pros and cons
Studying counselling online is an excellent choice for anyone who wants flexibility and has a tighter budget for their course. The course is usually offered part-time, and you can work through the content at your own pace, fitting it in around your commitments. Online counselling courses aren’t for everyone, though, especially if you rely on interacting with other students to learn. The pros and cons of studying counselling online are detailed below to help you see if it’s right for you. It’s worth noting that the pros and cons will vary depending on your course provider and studying preferences:
What are the pros of studying counselling online?
The pros of studying counselling online include the following:
- It can be cheaper – lower fees on online courses allow you to save money while getting the qualification that you need. Many online counselling courses can be paid for one unit at a time, too, helping you to spread the cost. You can also access fee assistance depending on your financial situation and the options your course provider has
- You will get the same qualification – as if you were studying in person, so you don’t need to worry about missing out on key information or not progressing with your career goals. You should still check the course brochure before applying to ensure it’s suitable
- You can enjoy flexibility – with the ability to study at any time that suits you, making it perfect for anyone working or with caring commitments. You can study anywhere you choose to, allowing you to study on your commute or in your favourite space
- You have access to resources 24/7 – from the moment you enrol, allowing you to study and research at any time that suits you. The online resources reduce the need for any physical books and their costs, too, making it a more cost-effective option than in-person courses
- You can take breaks – in between units if needed, allowing you to study at your own pace or take a break when you have other commitments
- You can start at any time – with many online course providers taking in new students every two months, so you don’t need to wait for the new academic year to work towards your goals
- You can study at your own pace – with pre-recorded materials and online resources that allow you to work at your own pace without feeling like you are falling behind or missing information in fast-paced classes
What are the cons of studying counselling online?
There are some cons to studying counselling online, including a lack of face-to-face support and interaction. The following cons are commonly experienced by online counselling students:
- There is a lack of face-to-face time – which can make it challenging to get support from professors. While there will be support, most of it is provided online at specific times which might not align with your own schedule
- Motivation can be challenging – especially if you have never studied online or independently before. You are in charge of your schedule and ensuring your work is completed on time, which requires self-discipline, even when you aren’t feeling motivated, which can be difficult for some students
- It can feel isolating – as there isn’t much interaction with other students or professors. The lack of isolation can leave you feeling isolated, especially if they are not interacting with people in different aspects of their lives. Many online courses offer discussion boards and forums where students can interact to help combat this
Studying counselling in-person: pros and cons
Studying counselling in person can be a good choice for students who like to interact with other students and enjoy collaborative work. In-person counselling courses are usually quicker to complete, too, and you will have access to more frequent support. However, they can be expensive and depending on your location, you might experience long commutes that impact your studying time. The pros and cons you experience will vary depending on your preferences and course provider, but you can expect some of the following:
What are the pros of studying counselling in person?
Studying a counselling course in person can be faster and provide valuable social interactions, with its main pros listed below:
- You can complete the course quicker – as most in-person counselling courses are delivered full-time, where you will complete multiple units at once, speeding the process up. The condensed timeline is perfect for students who can commit full-time and are eager to progress with their career goals
- You can gain essential skills – like self-motivation, time management, and self-discipline as you commute to classes and fit your studies in around other commitments
- There can be less distractions – as you will be working in classrooms or libraries instead of at home. The lack of distraction can help you focus and complete your work faster, an essential benefit when you have assessments looming
- You will engage with other students – whether this is speaking to students in between classes, working on projects together, or studying together, you can bounce ideas off each other and get the support you need to complete the course
- You can speak to tutors face-to-face – which can make it easier for you to get the support you need with any assessments or to discuss the content of the course.
What are the cons of studying counselling in person?
Studying a counselling course in person has a few drawbacks, like its higher course fees and potentially lengthy commute times. The main cons are outlined below:
- You might spend hours commuting – depending on where your classes are, which can impact your studying time, reducing how much time you have. It can also impact your lifestyle, leaving you with less free time
- You might spend more – in-person counselling courses come with more overheads, which increases the course fee for students. You will likely spend more than you would for online courses, and there might be less flexibility with your payments, too. You also need to consider the other costs associated with in-person studying, like commuting costs, the cost of resources, and food and drink while you are on campus
- You might get distracted – by other students in your class when you are trying to study, which means it might take longer to complete your assignments, or you might miss vital information from tutors in your class
Should you study counselling online or in person?
When deciding between online and in-person counselling courses, you need to consider your learning preferences carefully. In-person courses are great if you like the social aspect of education and enjoy getting face-to-face support, but they can cost you more and impact your lifestyle. Online counselling courses offer more flexibility and can be perfect for those with a tight budget. When choosing an online counselling course, we recommend considering EDU, who provide an impressive range of online courses with round-the-clock support. Check out their postgraduate certificate in counselling to see if it’s the course for you.
