Dads Fit Study Into Hectic Lives

If you're interested in undertaking studies, but not sure about the commitment required or if the course is suited to your goals, Distance Education/Single Subject Study can offer you the flexibility to sample some of the aspects of a university degree.

You may be interested in returning to the workforce, taking up further studies gradually, seeing if you like a particular degree or you may just want to learn more about a subject that fascinates you.

Supported online, Single Subject Study via Distance Education offers the flexibility, access and global resources that in some cases eclipse study in more traditional classroom settings.

At your own pace, you can undertake Single Subject Study supported by online forums, wikis, blogs, podcasts, access to library resources and assignment submission. Tutors are available for consultation and if your course is offered on campus, you can pop in for face-to-face tutorials and lectures.

David James, a single dad, undertook a Bachelor of Business Management via Distance Education. He enjoyed the flexibility and freedom to study at a time to suit him. "The flexibility of a Distance Education course has given my family many options. I now work two days a week part-time and am a stay-at-home dad to my daughter for the other three days. Studying via Distance Education allows me to vary my workload, depending on my situation at the time."

Some people have never studied before and want to "dip a toe in", as in the case of Paul Robinson who undertook Arts units. He says: "I'm 32 years old and have never studied in my life, so needless to say it was a little daunting at first but turns out to be the best choice I ever made."

With two young children, Paul studied around his commitments as a dad. "Studying full time at university was not an option for me with my two young sons. But via Distance Education I can fit in my study around my life. I managed to find a balance between being a dad and being a student - as soon as the boys are in bed for the night, out come the books. Sometimes if I'm lucky enough to have the day to myself I pack my notes into a backpack, and ride my motorbike out to the beach and study there."

Others want options that fit in with their interests and manage to keep up their studies, even while seeing the world, like Siobhan Munro, who undertook Policing (Investigations). "I submitted an assignment from an internet café in Cusco, Peru on an overseas holiday. I also had my wedding and honeymoon to organise, which meant juggling my time to get my assignments in on time."

Errol Chopping, Lecturer in Computer Science at a leading university, says Distance Education/Single Subject Study suits people who are keen learners, either for their careers or personal development.

"For example, IT is a generalist course that suits many workplaces and gives people a basis in IT, whereas Computer Science (Games Technology) tends to be more rigorous and the subjects more technical. It covers software development for interactive entertainment and would suit somebody with advanced ability, either to further their job prospects or for interest."