The Pros and Cons You Need to Consider When Studying Counselling Online

When choosing to study online, there are many pros and cons that you need to consider to help you decide if it is the right option for you. Online counselling courses have many benefits, including flexibility and constant access to resources, but are they the right study mode for you? Today, we outline the main pros and cons of studying online counselling to help you decide if it is right.

What Are the Pros of Studying Counselling Online?

Studying counselling online has several benefits, including its flexibility and lower prices than in-person courses. These benefits can make it a fantastic choice, especially if you need to work while studying or have other commitments. The pros of studying counselling online may vary depending on your needs, but we have detailed the main benefits below:

You Can Study at the Right Time for You

Studying online comes with flexibility, allowing you to study at any time of the day. This makes it easier for you to find the perfect time to study, especially if you have work or any caring commitments. Not only can you study when you have time, but it also allows you to work at a time you are more productive, helping you to study even quicker!

All of your classes are recorded and uploaded instantly, so you don’t need to worry about missing anything. This also allows you to revisit classes if you need a refresher or to double-check content. As all of your classes and resources are online, you can study anywhere, provided you have an internet connection. This means you can work in bed, from your car, or at your favourite coffee shop- whatever is best for you!

You Can Start the Course at Any Time

Most online counselling courses have an intake every two months, meaning you can start at practically any time. You won’t need to wait until the start of the academic year to start your new course, and with many intakes throughout the year, you can apply and start your course virtually instantly.

You Can Work at Your Own Pace

For online counselling courses, you will usually work on one unit at a time, making the workload more manageable. You can work through the unit at your own pace and will not progress to another unit until you have completed the current unit. This method allows you to work through the course without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. If you need to take a break between the units, you can do so, with many course providers offering flexibility here, allowing you to focus on other commitments if needed without your studies suffering.

You Can Save Money

Online counselling courses are usually cheaper than in-person courses, allowing you to save money while getting the education that you want. These cheaper prices make them a great option for anyone on a tight budget! Plus, when studying online, you will pay for your course one unit at a time, which helps you to spread the cost of your studies too.

You can also access funding if needed that can help to cover part or all of your course fees, so you won’t have to worry about the costs. The funding you can access will depend on your financial situation, but you can speak to your course provider to learn more about the options available to you.

You Can Access Your Resources 24/7

Another fantastic benefit is that you can access your course resources at any time. Once you enroll for the course, all of your materials for the course will be available and accessed 24/7. You will need internet access, but you can often download the content, making it easy for you to study on the go.

What Are the Cons of Studying Counselling Online?

Despite the many benefits of studying counselling online, there are some cons that you should consider before applying, including its isolating nature. We have detailed the main drawbacks you should be aware of below:

It Can Be Isolating

Studying online can be isolating for some students, especially if you prefer to bounce ideas off other students. Studying alone at home can be isolating and it is important that you interact with people in other areas of your life to reduce this feeling. Many online courses do offer forums where you can speak to other students on your course too, which can help with the isolation and potential loneliness.

It Can Be Hard to Motivate Yourself

Another con is that it can be hard to motivate yourself. You will need to continuously motivate yourself to set time aside to study and complete assessments, which some students can find difficult to do. Some students struggle to motivate themselves when they have other commitments, especially as there are no in-person classes to attend. You will need to think carefully about your ability to motivate yourself before signing up for an online counselling course.

Start Your Counselling Course Today

Online counselling courses can be an excellent option, especially if you are looking to study around work or other commitments. The University of Canberra offers several online counselling courses that you can access, providing you with valuable information and skills to help you succeed as a counsellor. Why not apply for one of their courses to start studying counselling today?