Constant up-skilling is an important way to ensure that you stay relevant and up-to-date with the changes in your industry. Part time courses provide a win-win situation if you hold a full time job and are looking to upgrade your current set of qualifications.
Undertaking a part time course can help to boost your career prospects and salary in your current job, or take you a step closer to landing your dream job.
Part time career courses which equip you with a nationally recognised training certificate in food handling and safety, or the Responsible Service of Alcohol,
can also provide an additional income source if you are a full time student or looking to pick up an employable skill.
Benefits of part-time study
Studying part time allows you to pick up new skills and gain career-enhancing qualifications, while continuing to work.
Where the part-time course is relevant to your job, your employer may pay for your studies. Working while studying part time also means that once you are qualified, you could be in line for a promotion or pay rise.
Part-time courses also have flexible hours and are often taught in the evenings, giving students the opportunity to work, study, volunteer or care for their family during the day.
Choosing a part-time course
With so many education providers to choose from, it is critical to ensure that your choices of part time programme and qualification are recognised by your employers or industry association.
Universities and private colleges offer part time programmes that cover postgraduate, undergraduate, diploma and certificate courses. Private colleges also offer part time correspondence or distance learning courses on top of their face-to-face part time programmes. Search for part-time courses that fit your needs using our search tool.
Professional development bodies also offer accreditation, such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), which offers certification in the professional field of accounting and finance.
Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions offer part time programmes for technical and practical courses.
Individuals who have completed their first degrees and have been working for several years can undertake part-time Masters courses. Popular Masters degrees include a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) or management training courses.
What to expect
Most universities and colleges conduct their part time postgraduate, undergraduate, diploma and certificate courses in the evenings; although there are certain modules or coursework that may be held in the day.
Practical and trades-related part time career courses are usually conducted with a combination of classroom learning and practical sessions at a stimulated workplace environment to provide a hands-on learning experience.