There are many benefits associated with online short courses, and their popularity is constantly growing. You can enrol at a growing number of education providers that offer short courses in everything from personal and business development to health and wellbeing, parenting and accounting. These courses may last for just a few days or up to several months, depending on your requirements.
The learning and work institute has been conducting surveys since 2002 measuring how an individual has benefited from learning. In 2019, 94% of learners reported positive outcomes from their learning experience.
The two main advantages found by learners were’
- ● Benefits to job or work
- ● Better personal well-being or improved health
Boost your skills
Skills development is one of the primary reasons people enrol on short courses. To remain competitive and progress in today’s job market, you must regularly update your skills and knowledge. An online course can support you to learn or further develop valuable areas that could benefit you personally and professionally. Short courses help increase your employability in a competitive job market.
Soft Skills
Many hiring managers are impressed by soft skills, which are personal qualities that make you more attractive to employers. That is why there has been a rise in the number of short courses available in areas like communication, team building and time management.
These can be particularly beneficial if your role involves working with people or other departments daily. Soft skills are essential, and they can help boost team performance.
According to a LinkedIn survey, these are the most in-demand soft skills.
● Creativity
● Persuasion
● Collaboration
● Adaptability
● Emotional intelligence
Soft skills are related to character and personality. The learning process offers an opportunity for self-reflection and a new perspective on who we want our future selves to be. This learning process can be freeing and can give you space to develop your creativity and emotional intelligence.
Gain a specific skill
Enrolling on a short course is an excellent way for many people to gain more confidence and skills in their current roles. From more confident communication to mastering advanced excel or Google Sheets formulas, there are many opportunities out there!
If you’re interested in developing specific skills such as website design or financial planning, some courses will help build a portfolio or enhance your CV while validating that expertise too!
Short courses are an excellent way for people who want to change careers and enter new work environments. They can help you learn the knowledge or skills necessary for your desired profession, allowing you to transition smoothly. We have listings here if you are considering taking online short courses from an accredited UK education provider!
Benefits of Online courses
The top benefits of online short courses are that they’re convenient, flexible and affordable. Not only is it quick and easy to enrol for a course, but you can also study the material in your own time at your own pace. This flexibility means you don’t have to disrupt your everyday life.
Online learning is ideal if you’re trying to juggle studying with family, work or other commitments.
A few of the main advantages of online learning-
● You don’t need to stop work to attend short courses
● You can study at a pace that suits you
● There’s no need to commute from place-to-place
● Flexibility to study from anywhere in the world
● You have access to a wide variety of courses and content
Flexibility
Short online courses are flexible and accessible and can be completed at a pace that suits you. Online learning means you don’t have to give up your current commitments to take part. Completing a short online course also does not mean delaying starting a new job or project.
Many companies allow employees a certain amount of time each month for professional development. If you are lucky to have this benefit available to you, a short course is a great way to stay motivated and learn in a structured format, often with like-minded professionals.
Open a doorway to higher education
Short online courses can be a great way to gain new skills and knowledge, especially for those who have been out of formal education. Moreover, many students find that they enjoy the process of learning and want to progress with further study after completing a short course.
One of the best ways to get a taste of what it would be like working in a new field is by doing a short course in that area. Also, taking part in a short course is a great way to build your professional network and boost your existing resume.
If you find that you enjoy the course and it’s a good fit, then a further qualification can provide a more in-depth experience with increased opportunities.
Returning to study after a long break can be daunting. However, adult learners who take short courses find it a great way to increase their expertise, confidence and personal growth.
There are short courses designed to help move into higher education ranging from study skills such as numeracy or essay writing to introduction to a specific field of study.
Career prospects
Learning is a lifelong process, but it’s never too late to get started! Short online courses can help you develop skills that are in high demand. Plus, short training programs offer a quick and easy way to demonstrate that you can complete professional training, which employers find attractive.
Showing self-development and dedication in your chosen subject is an excellent investment. These qualifications also look good on your résumé. Furthermore, it shows commitment to enhancing skills that could potentially help land a new job or the next step on the corporate career ladder!
Meet new people through online learning
Short courses provide fantastic opportunities to network with people from different backgrounds and cultures. It is common for participants to share their knowledge and support each other.
Many digital courses include group activities and tasks. Every course comes with its own set of diverse individuals with the opportunity to share professional or personal experiences in a like-minded community is a great way to learn from others.
Getting to know people with similar interests is an excellent opportunity to create new friends and professional contacts.
Access top-ranked university online courses
Most people believe that getting access to a top-ranked university is only for an elite few. But now, with the introduction of online learning and e-learning courses, this is no longer true.
Some of the world’s leading universities now offer short online courses accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
Short courses from world-leading institutions may require you to attend online classroom-style sessions and complete assignments and tests, which can be challenging and rewarding. The only barrier to accessing these courses is having a good internet connection, a laptop and the time in your schedule.
Quality of instructors
Online courses have completely transformed higher education. Participation is no longer limited by location. Instead, students can learn from a diverse pool of tutors worldwide in whatever time zone they are based.
You can now take short courses written and overseen by leading academics.
Turn a hobby into a career
Short courses are now available in almost every subject, which is excellent news if you have a hobby or interest outside of your chosen career. Taking part in a short course allows individuals to explore their hobbies and expand their special interests. For example, a creative writing course might lead to success as a copywriter. There are even short courses designed to help you set up a business.
After nearly two years of lockdowns, many people have been setting up their own businesses or side hustle. Most are looking for more flexibility and security in having a second income not linked to a full-time job. It might be something you’ve done for fun over the years or a new hobby you have taken up recently.
Keep on top of the latest industry skills
You might already be a skilled professional looking to gain an edge over the competition. Short courses allow individuals to keep their skills fresh and relevant, which is great if you work in a fast-paced and changing industry.
Some professions require continuing professional development to maintain a licence to practice. One way to demonstrate this is through training taken via online short courses. You can find a large number of courses based industry on standards and best practices. You can read more about CPD courses here.
Give your brain a workout, and stay young!
Online short courses are a great way to stay mentally sharp. Brain plasticity is a phenomenon that occurs when you learn something new, allowing the brain to “re-wire” itself.
That means you can develop new neural connections and form more neural links. In addition, engaging in learning activities can increase neurotransmitter levels, which can also contribute to a keep your mind young as you age.
Find online short courses
There are many different types of short courses that you can take to expand your skills, explore a new career path or dip your toes in anything! We have collated accredited programs from UK universities and education providers that you can search here.
