Online learning is growing fast. Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, the number of options and providers available for students have increased exponentially since 2020. Across the world, both the market for and the number of students enrolling in online courses is on the rise:
- In China, the online education market size was valued at 490.5 billion yuan in 2024.
- In the USA, 4.9 million students take college classes exclusively online.
- In the United Kingdom, 21% of people participate in some form of online education.
- A 2023 survey found that 30% of internet users in Europe aged 16 to 74 had done an online learning course or used online learning material within the last three months.
However, many people remain sceptical about online learning. Some question the credibility of online education providers in comparison to those based in-person, while others have doubts about their ability to connect with others or learn effectively via a computer.
If studying digitally is something you’re considering, here are 7 of the most common questions about learning online, answered.
1. Is online learning just watching a PowerPoint presentation alone on a computer?
Powerpoints are indeed a part of digital study, but at UCEM, they’re just one of the many formats students can use in their learning experience.
Students at UCEM will be able to attend live seminars with lecturers, during which they’ll have the opportunity to interact and ask questions. This provides them with a more dynamic and engaging experience, and effectively mimics an in-person studying environment.
There’s also the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) – UCEM’s specialised platform that grants students access to everything they need for their studies. Explore how UCEM’s students learn.
Some courses, such as the BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology, offer the chance for students to work in virtual design studios and gain hands-on experience with technologies like 3D modelling tools and energy simulation software.
It’s also important to note that studying online isn’t studying alone. Students will have access to support from tutors and academics, and be given the opportunity to engage with the rest of their cohort throughout their studies.
2. Can you actually complete a degree through online learning?
Yes, you can – and many people have done so already. Thousands of students from across the world have graduated through UCEM since the institution went fully-online in 2015, and today, many more are studying to do exactly that.
As Ben McManus, UCEM Student Trustee, BSc Quantity Surveying Student and Consultant at WSP, notes:
“The key thing for me is the flexibility of the distance learning model, which I think is really fitting in today’s world. Finding the balance between work, study and personal commitments is tough, so the ‘on-demand’ aspect of UCEM and the VLE has been a key positive for me.”
“If I miss something, I know I can go back and watch it via the VLE, which also has a whole host of other information on it as well.”
3. Is online learning as high quality as in-person study?
Many of UCEM’s programmes are professionally accredited by globally-recognised institutions, such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and the Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers (HKICM).
To achieve this recognition, UCEM’s programmes are held to the same quality standards as those from face-to-face institutions. What’s more, graduates of our Surveying and Real Estate programmes, with related work experience, can apply for the Probationer Memberships of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) and begin their pathway to become surveying professionals.
Additionally, many of the lecturers at UCEM are seasoned academics, with experience teaching in other Higher Education institutions, meaning they already have experience delivering high-quality education.
So yes, students can expect the same level of quality studying online with UCEM than in an in-person institution. And, furthermore, these accreditations mean UCEM’s programmes are equally reputable to employers, too.
4. What are the benefits of online learning?
There are a wide range of advantages to studying online, including:
- Greater flexibility: Without the need to physically attend a campus and the freedom to watch lectures on demand, students can effectively base their studies around their life and work.
- Save money on travelling: Studying in-person often requires physically attending lectures, which means spending money on travelling to a campus. With online study, students can attend lectures from the comfort of their own home.
- Avoid student accommodation/relocation: Similarly to the point above, learning online means there’s also no need to pay for student accommodation, or relocate to a new city (or even country).
- No need to buy expensive textbooks: Studying at UCEM gives you access to a comprehensive e-library full of all the relevant journals, textbooks and study materials you’ll need, so you don’t have to spend money on books for your course.
As Virginia Ng, Asset Manager at Vervain Resources Limited and MSc Real Estate alumni at UCEM, told us:
“I would like to emphasize how adaptable the UCEM programme is. I could study whenever I wanted and manage my time according to my schedule. This was extremely beneficial to me because I have a hectic work schedule and other obligations. The online learning platform at UCEM was simple to use, and I had access to all of the resources I needed to finish the programme.”
5. How can I expand my network without meeting my coursemates in person?
The VLE is also host to an active student community, where people can ask questions, start conversations and interact with one another, as well as their lecturers and tutors.
UCEM’s Hong Kong office runs face-to-face events for Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and also hosts talks. One example is the Hong Kong Orientation Evening, which is held every semester and gives students a chance to meet their coursemates in person and network. Another recent example is the 105th Anniversary Reception Dinner, where more than 100 guests attended.
There’s also the Global Community – a network run by UCEM that gives both students and alumni the chance to connect, expand their network and even find opportunities for employment.
6. Is it more difficult to find support and ask questions through online learning?
It’s easy to think that online learning puts you at a disadvantage when it comes to studying – especially if you’re based in a different time zone to the institution – but this isn’t the case.
Students have access to support throughout their studies, both from academics and tutors who engage in forums to areas like language translation, mental health support and student services. What’s more, Yan Yeung, UCEM’s Academic Programme Support Tutor, and her team are based in Hong Kong, mean students studying here don’t have to worry differences in time zones.
As Oiman Yu, MEP Quantity Surveyor with Gleeds and graduate of UCEM’s BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying programme, commented:
“UCEM offered a translator if you weren’t confident in the language, which was fantastic. Although I didn’t make use of it, it was very supportive and generous.”
7. I tried online learning during COVID-19 and didn’t have a great experience. How would UCEM be different?
Online learning isn’t a new concept, but as discussed, it’s become increasingly common thanks to the pandemic. While many education providers and institutions were forced to make the switch in 2020, in 2024 the market has significantly matured.
Unlike most other institutions, UCEM have been solely providing online education for almost 10 years, meaning it has significant experience and infrastructure to support students and facilitate digital learning. This, combined with the points above around the level of support, the flexibility of on-demand study and opportunities to network and connect with coursemates, mean people who are interested can expect a rewarding, engaging experience studying online at UCEM.
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