Could an online degree help your career goals?

The Secretary-General of the Association for African Universities (AAU), Professor Ehile, recently spoke of Africa’s increasing enthusiasm for higher education qualifications. He referred to the next generation of African leaders and how an eagerness to progress commercially has been fuelling a surge of interest amongst professionals looking to return to study.

However, the reality of a university education – and all it entails – (taking time away from work and potentially relocating to campus) means that for the most part, it’s not a viable option for working professionals who have other life commitments. The cost of pausing your career to head to campus is a sacrifice you probably wouldn’t be willing to take unless you were really in a position to do so.

Delivering an alternative to campus-based programmes, the University of Birmingham (United Kingdom) offers three career-focused 100% online postgraduate degrees. This means that you can continue your career and study from the comfort of your own home – all whilst applying your learning in real-time.

Discover flexibility in education

You wouldn’t need to justify the cost of a visit to the UK as attending campus isn’t a requirement of the Online MBA, Online MSc International Business and Online Masters of Public Administration.

With a wealth of learning at your fingertips, you can strengthen your knowledge and use it to make a difference to your employer, your colleagues and your local community:

“I am passionate about learning Nigerian policy to help fight for helpless people. With the flexible online offering, I can keep my job and continue to earn as I study.” Tosan Ozoro, current Online Masters of Public Administration student, Nigeria.

Learn from industry experts from around the world

You would have the opportunity to network with – and learn from – the same pool of international industry-leading lecturers as on campus. In addition, the University of Birmingham is a globally recognised institution and the content of each programme is brought to life through interactive thought-provoking videos, discussion forums and live seminar sessions:

“A student once told me that at the end of one of the video inserts he jumped to his feet and clapped, and I couldn’t think of a better compliment! He said it felt like he 

was actually in the lecture theatre.” Helen Hurford-Dawson, Senior Teaching Fellow, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Demonstrate your dedication to career progression

Gaining this type of qualification whilst working marks students as dedicated and resourceful:  “It shows employers that you have qualities like resilience, ambition, and an ability to multitask. Some students currently undertaking their final projects are doing them for the company they are working for. It’s certainly going to bring immediate value to any employer.” Gloria Barber, Postgraduate Employment Liason Manager, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Network with a global community

All programmes are designed for easy, efficient collaboration with peers from around the world. You’ll be part of a supportive online learning community that’s full of international commercial and public sector experience.

“So far, I have experienced a similar level of interactivity and networking opportunities as those of a classroom-based course. I certainly get the opportunity to interact with my colleagues on a daily or weekly basis.” Henry Ude, current Online MBA student, Nigeria.

Could an online degree help develop your career further? Applications for our next intake are open. For more information on how to apply, please visit our webpages and fill out the ‘request information’ form.

This post is a sponsored content brought to you by the University of Birmingham.