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Frequently Asked Questions

We offer the same opportunities to our online students as our campus-based students. As well as making our careers information and support available online, we offer career appointments to suit your schedule.

While there are no mandatory face-to-face sessions on campus, there are opportunities to visit campus if you wish, such as to take part in workshops and industry events. But you can choose to visit campus whenever you like.

Though we don’t offer scholarships for our online degrees, other scholarships and funding opportunities may be available. Alumni discounts are available to previous University of Birmingham students. To find out more, please visit our funding pages.

Though the schedule varies by programme, most online classes, or synchronised tutorials, normally take place once every two weeks. These are often run multiple times during the day, so you can join at a time that suits you. You’ll receive a timetable of your synchronous session after you enroll.

Our programmes are designed so you can study and work at the same time. In fact, around 96% of our online students both work and study. Students find it beneficial to be able to put what they’ve learned into practice in the workplace straight away.

Upon the successful completion of a short course you will be able to use your academic credits to apply for advanced entry to the University of Birmingham’s Online Masters of Public Administration (MPA) qualification. Any credits you have generated will be attributed to the full masters programme. The application process is slightly different for a full masters programme, so please speak to your recruitment coordinator, or a member of the student services team to discuss your interest.

This depends on your current commitments and availability. If you plan on applying to multiple courses, depending on the amount of masters credits you generate, it may be beneficial for you to apply to the full masters programme.

Yes, you can. If you submit your application without meeting the academic entry criteria, you may receive a conditional offer. A conditional offer is a provisional acceptance that you meet the criteria before your start date. You will need to provide evidence of this.

Just like any other student, you’ll be invited to take part in a graduation ceremony on campus. Do not worry if you’re unable to attend – we will post your degree certificate instead.

Our online degrees are designed with today’s mobile students in mind. Still, some programme material can be downloaded for reading offline. In the interests of the environment and copyrighting issues, we don’t endorse the printing of documents.

Since our programmes are designed to enable you to learn and network on your own terms, we don’t provide private tutoring. From student feedback we’ve found that our discussion forums, live lectures and assignments provide more than enough learning and development opportunities.

Our programmes are scheduled so that all students can attend live lectures, wherever they’re studying from. Though not all programmes offer live lectures, for those which offer them, attending the synchronous sessions is either mandatory or highly recommended. If you are unable to attend a session, contact our Student Services team.

We do offer the option to switch; however, it depends on a number of factors, including the similarity of the programmes and the stage you’re at in the current programme setting. If you’d like to discuss switching from a campus-based programme to online, please contact our Admissions Team.

As a student of the University of Birmingham, our campus facilities are open to you. We will give you a student ID, so you can use facilities if you are nearby. If you’re unable to visit campus, do not worry – all the programme materials you need are available online.

The programme provides a foundation in biology and computer science, so it is suitable for biologists or clinicians, as well as professionals from a computer science background. To apply you need a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in life sciences, biomedical sciences, mathematics, computer science or another relevant quantitative subject, or relevant work experience if you achieved less than a 2:1.

You can apply to study the Online Master of Public Administration irrespective of which industry you work in. Whatever your professional ambition, this programme supports a broad range of organisational functions within the public and private sector.

Work experience in life sciences, biomedical sciences, mathematics, computer science or another relevant quantitative subject is preferred. Though, if you have at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in one of those subjects, no work experience is necessary.

No – you don’t necessarily need to have previous work experience specifically in the field of education. We accept applications from a wide range of professional fields including design and computing, as well as education. Work experience is also not a requirement if you possess an upper-second class degree or equivalent. Overall, this is an excellent qualification for people working in any industry or for recent graduates who are interested in entering into the field of instructional design.

There are no exam requirements for most online courses, however the Online MSc Bioinformatics does have a 1.5 hour asynchronous exam. All online degrees are assessed via a combination of coursework, group projects, class participation, presentations and other assignments.

While there are currently no exam requirements for most of our online programmes, there may be some exams on the Online MSc Bioinformatics. These will all be completed online and you will not be required to attend campus. All online degrees are assessed via a combination of coursework, group projects, class participation, presentations and other assignments.

We do offer a Student Disability Service to our online students. Our mission is to provide support and guidance for disabled students, promoting a collaborative, inclusive learning experience. The aim of the service is to enable disabled students to access appropriate support so that they can take full advantage of the university experience. Support offered includes:

  • liaising with academic departments;
  • arranging examination accommodations and other reasonable adjustments;
  • loan of specialist resources.

Currently there are five featured short courses available under the PGCert Design for Learning Environments programme, which you can study online over an 8-week period. At the end of your course, you will receive an official University of Birmingham Postgraduate Micro-credential certificate worth 10 credits, and a transcript highlighting your new credentials to both current and prospective employers.

Currently there are nine featured short courses available under the Master of Public Administration programme, which you can study online over an 8-week period. At the end of your course, you will receive an official University of Birmingham Postgraduate Micro-credential certificate worth 10 credits, and a transcript highlighting your new credentials to both current and prospective employers.

We are able to accept students from nearly every location worldwide, and our current students come from over 50% of the world’s countries. One of the main benefits of online study is that you can learn from anywhere. All you need is a computer and an internet connection.

Prior work experience is not required. You can sign up now to get started.

Online degrees are delivered in a similar way to traditional campus-based degrees. Commonly, you’ll be given a programme structure at the start of the term detailing the year ahead. This breaks the programme down into modules, giving you a clear indication of what’s coming up, so you’re always prepared.

The specific details will depend on your particular programme, but each module is worth a specific number of credits, equating to a total number of credit hours. This generally averages out to approximately 12–15 hours of study per week.

All content is delivered through the University’s own online learning environment (Canvas).

The course is available now. You can sign up today.

This course consists of four weeks, each with its own activities. It’s delivered 100% online and designed to be flexible so you can learn at your own pace and complete the course as quickly or slowly as you like.

Clinical Leadership and Healthcare Management are interchangeable terms, so studying an online MBA degree in either will often provide an equivalent range of business and healthcare management experience. However, not all of these alternative qualifications are AMBA-accredited.

While the course is split into four week-long sections, you can work at your own pace and take as long as you like to finish. All aspects of the course are delivered fully online for maximum flexibility.

All 100% online programmes take 2.5 years to complete. However, you can break up your studies and take time out between modules if you need to. You can take a maximum of 5 years to finish your online programme.

We recommend 12–15 hours of study per week. The time required will depend on your particular way of studying and the amount of free time you have.

Fees vary depending on your programme of study, but are exactly the same for UK and international students. For more specific information about our fees and payment plans, please get in touch with our admissions team.

As well as learning from leading lecturers and industry speakers, you’ll have access to community boards, instant messaging services, live discussions and one-to-one support from a Student Services Coordinator. We also offer 24/7 technical support should you encounter any difficulties accessing the online platform.

Our online learning environment includes videos and interactive activities for you to learn from. You can also access the university’s online library, which includes e-textbooks, journal articles and specialist industry reports.

Find out more about our online learning environment.

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in law, and would like to undertake our Online LLM, you can also apply for Bar Professional Training. However, if your first degree is in an allied subject, you would also need to undertake a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), before taking professional courses which allow you to become a qualified lawyer.

Studying an Online MBA Clinical Leadership is an investment in your future. Not only will it further your understanding of business, it will also equip you with the clinical management skills necessary to lead clinical experts and drive better healthcare outcomes.

Research by GMAC (2018) suggests that 79% of campus-based MBA alumni thought their degree was personally, professionally and financially rewarding.

An Online MBA is both an investment and a challenge. The value of an online MBA vs campus MBA is hard to fully quantify. Research by GMAC (2018) suggests that 79% of MBA alumni thought their degree was personally, professionally and financially rewarding. The findings did not find many differences between the modality of studies.

Studying an Online MSc Bioinformatics opens up a number of exciting new career opportunities. With the global bioinformatics market expected to rise by 13.4% (compound annual growth rate) between 2020 and 2027,4 the demand for expertise in this field is growing rapidly.

As a global university, the University of Birmingham draws on research and ideas from around the world. The faculty teams feature multinational lecturers, with experience of working in a number of industries and worldwide locations.

Because the course is designed for working professionals, it’s delivered in a flexible format. You’ll complete around two hours of study time each week. To see full course details, view our FutureLearn page.

For many students, online study is the only way to enhance skills and further a career, since they’re unable to attend a university campus due to distance or lifestyle commitments. For others, online study is just a more flexible, more cost-effective way to study.

Studying online with the University of Birmingham gives you access to the same acclaimed lecturers, research and content as our campus-based students, so you’re never missing out as an online student.

If you complete a short course online, you will not be eligible for all alumni benefits at this time. For example, you will not be able to apply for the alumni discount unless you have previously studied a full degree qualification.

If you complete a short course online, you will not be eligible for all alumni benefits at this time. For example, you will not be able to apply for the alumni discount unless you have previously studied a full degree qualification.

A good level of understanding of the English language is required for all our programmes. If English is not your first language you will need to provide an up-to-date IELTS certificate which meets the programme entry requirements.

You can join the course at any time – it’s available now. Sign up on our FutureLearn page.

To study online, you need to meet a set of minimum technical requirements.

To study online, you need to meet a set of minimum technical requirements.

This course is open to anyone. It’s ideal for professionals working in the public sector at the local, national, or international level in areas like government, emergency services, or civil service. Sign up to get started today.

Through our online learning environment, Canvas, you can contact your peers and tutors, use discussion forums, connect to live lectures and take part in group work. It’s a highly interactive environment, designed to make you feel part of a community.

Some students also choose to use Skype, WhatsApp or Google Hangout whilst studying, in addition to Canvas.

In short, to log on and complete your assignments you’ll need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and Microsoft Office. We also recommend a notepad, pen, comfortable chair and refreshments to keep you going! For detailed requirements, please see our Technical and Support page.

A Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is a free, online course available to anyone. MOOCs offer an accessible way for professionals and students to learn new skills and explore new subject areas. They are ideal for those looking for professional development opportunities in a specific area or those who want to learn more about a topic before committing to a full degree programme.

Since you will be joining a live course, the student experience is much like any other online masters programme. You will be working collaboratively with other students from your course and wider programme.

Since you will be joining a live course, the student experience is much like any other online programme. You will be working collaboratively with other students from your course and the wider programme.

Cohort sizes vary between programmes and each student intake. The cohorts generally come from different locations and backgrounds, offering you an opportunity to network with and learn from people from around the world.

We have very high student retention rates, which are, on average, consistently above 90%. This reflects the high engagement and thought-provoking module content delivered through each of our online programmes.

We recommend 12-15 hours of study per week for a full eight-week course.

We recommend 12-15 hours of study per week for a full eight-week course.

The Transforming Citizen Participation MOOC is a free online course available to anyone. You can review all course details and costs on our FutureLearn page.

Delivered by experts from the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Computational Biology, you will be exposed to the latest research and case study content. The University of Birmingham is also a leading provider of both subjects, ranking 12th in biology and 16th in computer science in the UK.5

Delivered jointly through the Birmingham Business School and the HSMC, the programme is designed to support your understanding of clinical leadership. The HSMC was established over 50 years ago, and has a strong reputation for research, evaluation, teaching and professional development for health and social care organisations in the UK.

Find out more about our online learning environment.

On completion of the Online PGCert Design for Learning Environments, you will be awarded a 60-credit Postgraduate Certificate. A PGCert is a postgraduate qualification at the same level as a master’s degree. It is the shortest commonly available postgraduate qualification and is therefore sometimes referred to as a ‘mini Masters’. As with all postgraduate qualifications, it will look great on your CV, shows your commitment to continued learning and can open up pathways to further career progression.

The University of Birmingham use Harvard referencing for social science programmes, and OSCOLA referencing for law. For more style guidance, see our university pages.

The programme includes all online resources, including access to the online learning platform, course materials and required digital reading materials, such as online journals. You will also have full access to the library and support from the Academic Skills Centre.

Looking for a 100% online programme? We offer subjects across Business, Biology, Education, Government and Law. There are also a range of distance-learning and blended programmes available in various formats. Browse our distance learning directory to learn more.

This free course covers topics like the rise of social media and its use in public service, improving citizen engagement, social media best practices, and how public servants and leaders are using social media today.

Digital learning is stronger than ever, and the need for high-quality digital learning talent remains firmly in place. New organisations and qualification opportunities are popping up to encourage people into the sector, and completing a programme of study such as the Online PGCert Design for Learning Environments will enable you to fill roles such as Instructional Designer, Learning Architect, Learning Technologist, VLE Administrator, Digital Learning Officer and many more.

We have multiple intakes per year. Contact us to learn more about our upcoming start date.

There is no application deadline for this course, as it’s self-paced and available now. Sign up on our FutureLearn page to begin.

Programme information is available on our main website. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please contact our Admissions Team on +44 (0)800 032 7101 or by email at onlineadmissions@contacts.bham.ac.uk. They’ll be happy to help you with any information you need.

There is no such thing as an ideal student. As long as you meet the programme entry criteria and can commit to regular study time, we’re confident that you will succeed. You will also need plenty of enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and excellent time management. Our previous students come from nearly every continent in the world, from all walks of life.

Our programme fees are benchmarked based on the quality of the content and the academic rigour of the teaching, both equal to the campus-based equivalents. We feel this represents great value, especially without the accommodation, travel and other costs associated with campus study.

The University of Birmingham is committed to providing students with flexible, accessible learning opportunities. FutureLearn allows learners to experience what it’s like to study public administration online in a free, interactive format.

Studying online allows you to learn around your existing commitments from anywhere in the world. This flexible way of learning means you can choose your study space and overcome some of the geographical and financial concerns of campus-based study.

Yes. You will be sent your transcript confirming your new qualification and a University of Birmingham postgraduate micro-credential certificate worth 10 credits.

Yes. You will be sent your transcript confirming your new qualification and a University of Birmingham postgraduate micro-credential certificate worth 10 masters credits.

As a student enrolled onto a short course, you will have the same level of access to materials as a student studying the full masters programme.

As a student enrolled onto a short course, you will have the same level of access to materials as a student studying the full PGCert programme.

You will have access to our dedicated online student services team, who are available to help you with any queries you may have.

You will have access to our dedicated online student services team, who are available to help you with any queries you may have.

Your degree certificate will state the degree that you studied and the qualification level you achieved. It will not mention that it was taken online.

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