Choosing between the two paths of study can sometimes be a challenge. It can either shape your career or destroy it. It doesn’t matter if you are juggling with your commitments, or a busy job or studies making the correct choice can be a game changer for your career. Indeed, a part time study course gives you a flexible approach. It also allows you to earn while learning and also balance other responsibilities.
On the other hand, a full-time study course is more focused on studies and is a path to getting your degree quickly. But the main question is, "Which route is the best for you?" There is no universal answer to this question. Many factors such as your career goals, financial conditions, and lifestyle play an important role in deciding whether a part time or a full-time course is the best and suits you well.
By the end of this article, you will be in a better position to make a choice. Also, you will then understand some of the key differences between the two paths and their pros and cons. Hence, you'll be ready to make an informed decision on what is the best fit for your career.
What is Part time Study?
A part time study is an educational route where the students give in fewer hours per week as compared to a full-time study route. This route allows students to maintain other commitments such as personal activities, jobs, and family without affecting their studies. However, this also means that with fewer hours students take longer time to complete their courses. But they have the flexibility to learn at their speed during the course.
These study programmes are made to keep the flexibility for students. They have the freedom to choose how many subjects they want to choose in a semester. Unlike a full-time study programme, it allows students to decide the number of hours they want to commit. Also, they can schedule their classes and make a schedule that is best for them. This is extremely useful for people with a busy life or those who need to balance other commitments.
There are different forms of part time study courses. Online courses are one of the chosen options. It allows students to complete their studies remotely. Evening classes are another widely chosen option. This allows people who work in the day to study after work hours. Also, weekend programmes provide flexibility to students for attending classes on the weekend. These options make it a flexible study and a perfect choice for those looking to study and balance their lifestyle.
Overview of a full-time study route
A full-time study route is a path where students have to dedicate the majority of their time to academic activities. Ideally, they are expected to give 12 to 15 hours of classroom or lecture time every week. This can sometimes be more when they are expected to do assignments, projects, and study. This is done to make sure they are fully engaged with their course and finish their programme within a decided time. A full-time study programme has a fixed timetable and is more structured as compared to a part time study course.
Students have to attend lectures, and seminars and follow a rigid timeline for their assignments and exams. This requires prioritising their education and leaving very little room for other commitments. A full-time study programme is the most common format for traditional university courses. For example: you need to take a full course and attend campus lectures during an undergraduate programme. Similarly, vocational training programmes and postgraduate programmes are structured in a way to make sure that the students finish their programme in one or two years.
Key differences between part time and full-time studies
Choosing between a part time and a full-time study course is an important decision. It does not only affect their career path but also their lifestyle and academic journey. Both of them come with their added advantages and disadvantages. This makes it more important to make an informed decision. Also, it is very important to understand the differences between both routes where they differ. We will now look at some of the differences and how they have an impact on the student's learning journey.
- Time Commitment: A full-time study programme requires students to commit around 13 to 16 hours per week, along with extra hours to finish their assignments and prepare for examinations. Studying a course part time has fewer hours, from 5 to 8 every week.
- Flexibility: A part-time study route is more flexible and allows students to select their own time of study. As for a full-time study route, it's more rigid and requires students to fully commit to learning and academics.
- Time for completion: A part-time student often takes five to six years to complete a programme. Meanwhile, a full-time student can finish the same programme in two to three years. This allows them to move further in their journey quicker.
- Financial Conditions: Part time courses are more affordable as students don’t have to pay heavy upfront amounts. Full-time courses, however, require students to pay a higher immediate amount for enrolment.
Advantages of a Part time Study Course
In today’s world education is flexible for everyone. Studying part-time is the go-to solution if you are someone who is balancing other commitments. They also offer you the flexibility you need and give you an option to choose your schedule. It opens doors to adaptive learning. Here are some of its benefits that set this type of study course apart from a traditional full-time college course.
- Flexible Approach: It is perfect for students who are looking to manage other commitments while studying. It is perfect for someone with a busy schedule.
- Earning opportunity: It is the perfect example of "Earn while you learn". They allow students to do their job and gain practical experience while getting an education.
- Provides Financial Relief: It gives them the option to pay in instalments. Also, students pay based on the number of subjects every semester. This gives them a huge financial relief.
- Better Work-Life Balance: Students can learn at a slower academic pace. This reduces stress among students and allows them to focus on other responsibilities.
Disadvantages of Part time Study Course
While part time courses have their benefits they also come with some challenges. Challenges such as the slow pace and balancing multiple responsibilities can be huge roadblocks for students. Understanding them is extremely important to make an informed decision. Let us see some of its disadvantages and how they affect a student’s academic journey and learning experience.
- Long time for Completion: Part time studies take much longer to complete than full-time courses. A student can take up to 5 to 6 years while a full-time student can finish it in 3 years.
- Chance to burnout: Managing work, study, and personal commitments can sometimes be a huge challenge. This can often lead students to burnout if they can manage all of it effectively.
- High overall cost: Even though they are quite affordable they can be more expensive sometimes. The increase in duration can result in a higher cost.
Advantages of a full-time study course
A full-time study programme has many benefits for students who want to fully engage in the academic journey. For quick completion to a memorable campus experience, it offers them benefits that are not present in a part time study course. This can open opportunities that shape their personalities and also open up career opportunities.
- Quick Completion: Students in a full-time programme have the advantage of completing their degree quicker than part time students. This also allows them for quick entry into the corporate world.
- Better campus life and resources: Full-time students have better access to campus resources such as the library, labs and support resources. They can also participate in extracurricular activities and build valuable connections.
- Strong learning focus: Full-time students can fully dedicate their time and focus to academics. They do not have to worry about other commitments such as work or family activities.
Disadvantages of a full-time study course
Full-time study courses are indeed the traditional route to getting a qualification. However, it has its challenges and setbacks. The rough time commitment and a fast-paced learning environment might not suit everyone. Especially those who prefer to learn at their own pace and have a flexible schedule. Let us explore some of the disadvantages of a full-time study course and how it can impact a student’s academic and personal journey.
- Rough Time Commitment: Unlike part time study, a full-time study needs a huge amount of time and effort. Students need to dedicate 12 to 16 hours every week. They also need to put in extra hours for exams, project work, and independent study.
- Less Flexibility: These programmes have strict timetables. This makes it difficult for students to manage any external responsibilities. This can be a challenge for those who have other commitments such as work or family obligations.
- Financial Pressure: Full-time courses do not allow students to work. This can leave financial tension for students who manage their expenses. Tuition fees, accommodation charges, and living expenses can come up quickly. And without an income, it might be a huge challenge for students.
How can you choose the right study course that suits your needs?
The choice between part time and full-time courses is not always easy. Both have their benefits and challenges. Choosing between them is completely based on the student’s goals and aspirations. Picking the right course is not always about convenience. But about selecting what will help you in the long run. This section will take you through some of the key considerations that you need to keep in mind before making an informed decision.
- Evaluate your time correctly.
- Evaluate your financial conditions.
- Be sure about your career goals.
- Identify your learning strengths and abilities.
These factors will help you decide by looking at your present and future ambitions. Any course that you choose should help you select a roadmap that aligns with your requirements. It should also support your personal and professional growth.
Conclusion
Choosing between the two study routes entirely depends on your personal needs and conditions. However, each route offers a great number of benefits along with its challenges. The part time route gives more flexibility to manage other responsibilities. On the other hand, full-time courses give you a more immersive experience. By considering these factors you will be able to make the right and informed decision and build a path to succeed in your goals.
Deciding to continue your education is a powerful step to begin with. However, many universities in today’s times are offering these courses which cater to student needs. The College of Contract Management is one of the online learning platforms that prioritises student convenience. It doesn’t matter if you choose a full-time or a part time course, the college offers you a variety of courses that will equip and make you ready with the necessary skills and knowledge. Take charge of your future today and explore the different courses. Find the right programme that fits your needs at the College of Contract Management.
