The terms ‘online learning’ and ‘distance learning’ are which are sometimes used interchangeably, basically refer to a way of learning remotely without being in regular face-to-face contact with a teacher in the classroom. However, there are actually some very significant differences that can dramatically change the way that each course is taught and what a student can expect to get out of it.
In distance learning methodology, materials and learning resources are sent to students via post or email and students must complete the set tasks according to the course schedule. On the other hand, online learning is a modern application of the distance learning model whereby virtual learning environment to share recorded lectures and student resources may be utilized. Facilities may be in place to allow students to watch recorded lectures at any time, enabling students to create a study timetable that fits around their work and family commitments. Students may also able to access module notes and textbooks and review assignments at any time.
Here are a few advantages of opting for online learning:
Flexible schedule and environment
Online learning gives you an opportunity to plan your own schedule and environment, according to your other commitments, which may be work, family and community.
You do not have to leave your current job and family
With online learning, you are not compelled to quit your current job and at the same time, you do not need to be far from your family.
Self-discipline and responsibility
As an online student, you take full responsibility of managing your timetable for your studies, a situation that may lead to development of self-discipline.
Studying online may greatly reduce the costs for your studies, but may not eliminate the need of obtaining a scholarship for supporting your studies. We have a compiled a list of 18 scholarships for online studies from universities and colleges in the United Kingdom (UK).
18 Top Online and Distance Learning Scholarships from the UK
The Global Health Academy at the University of Edinburgh has been awarded 5 fully funded studentships across five online Masters programmes within the domain of Global Health.
The scholarship includes full tuition fee and resources to enhance student participation, access and research skills. This includes participation in a summer school; contribution towards student costs of internet access & printing (journal articles, etc); and a contribution to MSc project costs (materials, travel, etc).
The University of Edinburgh will offer 11 Masters scholarships for distance learning Masters programmes offered by the University.
Each scholarship will cover full tuition fees and will be tenable for three years. One scholarship funded by the Sanctuary Walk and Humanitarian Assistance Fund will be awarded to an applicant from the Syrian Arab Republic.
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are for candidates from least developed and lower middle income Commonwealth countries, for part-time Master’s study by distance learning on selected courses offered by UK universities.
Funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development, and are aimed at those unable to study in the UK for financial and other reasons.
The Anne Rowling Clinic will offer three online distance learning Masters scholarships for applicants commencing Stem Cells and Translational Neurology programmes in the academic year 2018-2019.
The Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine at the University of Edinburgh offers up to ten scholarships to students on the Clinical Management of Pain (Online Distance Learning) programme in the 2018-2019 academic session.
Six online distance learning Masters scholarships are available in the field of Ophthalmology for students from Africa, South Asia, Caribbean Islands, Pacific Islands, Central and South America.
Through the generous donations of a benefactor in India who is committed to improving healthcare in rural regions this full scholarship award will allow a student from South Asia to study the online Masters of Family Medicine.
One scholarship is available to applicants enrolled on the ChM Trauma and Orthopaedics (Online Distance Learning) programme, commencing in the 2018-2019 academic session.
NHS Education for Scotland’s (NES) Optometry Directorate will award a limited number of Masters scholarships for the MSc in Primary Care Ophthalmology online learning programme delivered by the University of Edinburgh in the academic session 2018-2019.
The University has been awarded 5 fully funded studentships for applicants studying MSc Carbon Management (Online) in the 2018-2019 academic year.
The University's Global Health Academy has been awarded 5 fully funded studentships across five online Masters programmes within the domain of Global Health.
The University's Global Health Academy has been awarded 5 fully funded studentships for MSc One Health.
The scholarship enables medical scientists at the outset of their careers to undertake a period of further study or research at the University’s Medical School and return to Poland.
Seven Masters Scholarships are available to applicants enrolled on eligible online distance learning programmes offered by the University in the 2018-2019 academic session.
A number of online distance learning Masters scholarships are available for the academic year 2018-2019.
The University of Edinburgh will offer one Masters scholarship for the MSc in Surgical Sciences distance learning Masters programme offered by the University.
The University of Edinburgh will offer one Masters scholarship for the MSc in Surgical Sciences distance learning programme.
The University of Edinburgh will offer a number of scholarships for online learning Masters programmes for the academic year 2018-2019.
