Home study: What you need to know
Want to learn from home?
Gaining a qualification is a great way to expand on your knowledge, not to mention improve your employability. But if you don’t have the time and money needed to travel to and from college or university – learning something new can seem impossible. Luckily, there are many ways to study remotely.
To help you get educated, here’s everything you need to know about home study:
What is home study?
Home study is a type of education that allows you learn from your own home – whether it’s to gain a new qualification, aid personal development, or expand on your professional knowledge.
It could involve taking an online or distance learning course (where materials will be sent to you by a provider), or collecting the materials you need to study independently.
What kind of studying can I do from home?
You can do almost any kind of studying from home – no matter what field you’re interested in.
Because whether you want to learn about construction, train to be a qualified accountant, or become an expert in animal behaviour – you don’t always need to be in a classroom to do it.
All you need is the right course materials, and you’ll be able to carry out the reading, assignments, and activities needed to get certified and increase your understanding.
How to fit work around studying
What home study qualifications are there?
The qualification you get at the end of your home study will depend on the course you choose to take.
Once you’ve picked the one that’s right for you, you could end up with anything from a degree or a diploma, to a certificate or an industry-recognised qualification.
You can also study access courses from home if you’re not yet eligible for a higher level qualification.
What are the different degree levels?
How do I study from home?
Similarly to working from home, studying outside of the classroom takes a good level of dedication and self-discipline to be successful.
Here are some of our top home study tips:
- Create a workspace (and make sure it’s not your bed). Firstly, you need to find somewhere to study. Although many people need complete silence to focus effectively, others might work better with background noise or music – so pick an environment that works for Then, do whatever it takes to reduce distractions and improve your concentration – whether it’s adjusting the temperature and lighting, or simply keeping your workspace clean and tidy.
- Make a routine. Without a set routine, you might find yourself less motivated to get up and study. Breakfast might overlap into lunch, and it’ll be 3pm before you realise you’ve spent the entire day looking at cat pictures. So set a time to get up – and plan when you’ll get started – and finish – your work (which will also avoid last minute all-nighters).
- Prioritise your workload. In order to work effectively, good time management and task prioritisation is key. Figure out which tasks and activities are most pressing, and make a to-do-list in order of importance. If you have other commitments alongside home studying, this will make sure you have enough time to do them.
- Set daily goals. Home study involves a lot of self-motivation. This means that you need to set your own goals to ensure you’re on the right track with your work. To ensure you always have something to work towards (and you’re meeting your deadlines on time), give yourself at least one goal to hit each day you study (e.g. write 500 words).
- Take breaks. Powering through isn’t necessarily the best way to stay focused. In order for your mind to work at its best, it needs regular intervals to rest and recuperate (especially if you notice the words on your computer screen are starting to blur). Whether it’s to have lunch, move around, or get some fresh air, taking breaks will increase your productivity.
- Switch off at the end of the day. The day isn’t over until you’ve got the closure you need to switch off. This means shutting down your computer, closing your books, and organising your notes into a neat pile out of view. And relax…
Will I get help?
The level of help you get for home study is entirely up to you.
Although some courses are solely made up of independent study, many will offer face-to-face interactions with tutors and classmates. Not only will this allow you to compare your work with others, you’ll also get to ask questions about areas you’re struggling with.
Communication is often done electronically; using video chat, telephone, email, and online forums.
What are the benefits of studying from home?
If you’re considering home study but you’re not sure whether it’s right for you, here are some of the key benefits:
- You can study whenever you want
- Work is done at your own pace
- You’ll save money on travel
- You’ll develop self-motivation
- You can spend more time with family
- You can keep other commitments
And remember: home study is a great way to study independently – but it’s not for everyone. Some people work better as part of a group, especially if you’re all working towards a shared goal.
Before you commit to taking a distance learning or online course, make sure you’re really passionate about the subject, and are motivated enough to learn self-sufficiently.
Ready to start learning? View all available online courses now