Making the Choice Between Part-Time and Full-Time Studies
Perhaps one of the best things about entering tertiary education is the flexibility and autonomy which most institutions offer. This is especially so in terms of how you intend to complete your studies, whether as a part-time or full-time student. Although both methods have convincing pros and cons, it ultimately depends on which method would fit your personality and enhance your career aspirations.
So before diving head first, here is a summary of the pros and cons to consider when deciding between part-time and full-time studies.
Part-Time Studies
Pros
· Allows you to maximise your time - balancing a full-time job and study. Furthermore, having work experience will reflect well on your resume when in search of a job upon graduation.
· Holding down a job and studying at the same time can afford you financial freedom as you would be earning a stable monthly income. School loans can be paid off faster and if you have fixed monthly expenses, this might be a wiser choice.
· Theories learnt in the classroom can help in your daily work - if related to your studies. This in turn will help you perform and understand your job role better.
Cons
· A longer period of study: 4 to 5 years.
· More discipline is needed to cater time for completing assignments in a timely fashion and prepare for examinations – which may clash with work commitments.
· Unless the company you work for is supportive of your educational pursuit, part-time studies will require the use of your annual leave for time to prepare or sit for examinations.
Full-Time Studies
Pros
· A shorter period of study: 1 to 2 years.
· Able to fully focus your attention on studying and experience tertiary student life to the fullest – participate in campus extra co-curricular activities and clubs.
· Allows you to take advantage of school holidays to pursue related internships. This will give you a taste of what your future degree or job entails.
Cons
· Due to being a full-time student, you would not be able to accumulate real work experience.
· Lesser financial freedom as there is no fixed income other than allowance.
· Unless also pursuing other professional certifications related to the degree, time is not maximised to the best of its potential.
Still caught up in a dilemma and cannot quite decide on part-time or full-time studies? Get some inspiration and information on the available courses here.
