Whether you are about to embark on further education for the first time or an adult hoping to gain some extra qualifications, it is not always easy to decide between a part-time or full-time course. If you make the wrong choice, you could end up unable to finish your course. It is sensible to consider which option is going to best fit in with your lifestyle and bank account.

What Are the Advantages of Full-Time Study?

Enrolling on a full-time course is a serious commitment in more ways than one, but there are some advantages. These include:

• You can work towards a higher qualification in a shorter period of time.
• Full-time study means you will be able to become a full-time student with all the lifestyle benefits that entails.
• Some courses are only available on a full-time basis.
• Full-time courses are often more expensive and you will have to fund your living expenses as well as the tuition fees.
• Full-time study is a serious financial commitment and will probably entail giving up your regular job. This means you will need some kind of alternative income while you study, so unless you have a supportive partner, it might be an impossible proposition.
• Part-time study is a lot more flexible. Most colleges offer courses in the mornings, afternoons or evenings. Depending on the qualification you are hoping to gain, you should be able to find a course that fits in around your other commitments.
• Part-time courses tend to be cheaper.
• You can spread the cost of a part-time course over a longer period of time, which is ideal when money is tight.
• Part-time courses are less intense and involve less home studying, which is easier if you have a busy family life.
• It can be tough to combine part-time study with a full-time job and a family life unless you are extremely focused and skilled at micro-managing your time.
• If you choose to study for a higher qualification on a part-time basis, it could take you twice as long to complete your course, which requires a great deal of motivation and a strong desire to succeed.
• Some courses are unavailable on a part-time basis, so you may find your options limited.

What Are the Disadvantages of Full-Time Study?

• Full-time courses are often more expensive and you will have to fund your living expenses as well as the tuition fees.
• Full-time study is a serious financial commitment and will probably entail giving up your regular job. This means you will need some kind of alternative income while you study, so unless you have a supportive partner, it might be an impossible proposition.

What Are the Advantages of Part-Time Study?

• Part-time study is a lot more flexible. Most colleges offer courses in the mornings, afternoons or evenings. Depending on the qualification you are hoping to gain, you should be able to find a course that fits in around your other commitments.
• Part-time courses tend to be cheaper.
• You can spread the cost of a part-time course over a longer period of time, which is ideal when money is tight.
• Part-time courses are less intense and involve less home studying, which is easier if you have a busy family life.

What Are the Disadvantages of Part-Time Study?

• It can be tough to combine part-time study with a full-time job and a family life unless you are extremely focused and skilled at micro-managing your time.
• If you choose to study for a higher qualification on a part-time basis, it could take you twice as long to complete your course, which requires a great deal of motivation and a strong desire to succeed.
• Some courses are unavailable on a part-time basis, so you may find your options limited.

How Do I Choose the Right Course?

You need to find out what the options are for the course you are interested in. If it is only available on a full-time basis, you have no room for choice whatsoever. If you have the option to study full or part-time, give it some careful consideration before signing up. Make a list of the pros and cons and see whether you can afford to study full-time.

Josephine Ross embarked on a PHD in Nursing course at the Catholic online University of America two years ago.