Blended Learning

Combine online and on-campus learning

The world is fast becoming a digital-focused society with blended (or hybrid) working now a permanent feature for many businesses globally. The ability to effectively study in a blended learning environment will help you succeed in the workforce and enhance your career prospects.

For those who are looking to combine studying a degree with work or caring responsibilities, blended learning also offers a solution combining both online and in-person learning.

Our approach to blended learning combines timetabled live online learning with timetabled face-to-face on-campus sessions. We have designed this approach following student feedback to offer the best of both live online and on-campus learning opportunities.

What are the benefits of blended learning?

Blended learning offers students greater opportunities to interact with tutors and classmates, build friendships and a sense of community, as well as the flexibility to balance study alongside other commitments.

  • Save on time and travel: Cost and time in travelling to campus is reduced
  • Flexible learning: Study full-time whilst balancing work and family commitments
  • Revisit and prepare: Watch recordings of live online sessions back when preparing for assessments
  • Access campus support: Experience a vibrant campus community, access study facilities and support services whilst making friends and connections
  • Boost employability: Enhance your employability by demonstrating your successfully studied in a blending learning environment as part of your degree.
  • Engage in real-time: Live online sessions allow for real-time interaction and engagement during your class

What should I expect from the online teaching for my degree?

Working virtually is an important aspect of professional life and active participation and engagement in online lectures provides excellent opportunities to practice your digital soft skills in areas including collaboration, teamwork and communication. These are all important skills for many career areas and highly valued by employers.

In the same way as in many workplaces, it’s important that you give your full attention during the online sessions so you can get the maximum benefit for your learning and development

You’ll be expected to actively participate and engage in online classes, this involves:

  • Having your camera on* for the session
  • Responding to questions and instructions from your lecturers
  • Using the online chat function, reaction buttons and microphone as necessary
  • Actively contributing to breakout session, including having our camera on*

If there are any occasions where you are unable to fully engage with the online class due to unforeseen circumstances, it’s important to inform your lecturer.

*The software we use has a background feature you can use if you wish to hide the environment you’re in from view. Self-view can also be turned off if you find your own webcam footage distracting. For students who may have neurodiversity or disability considerations that affect their ability to have their camera on – our Welfare Team are available to support and make any necessary provisions.

What IT hardware/software will I need?

You will need:

  • A reliable internet connection to access your live online sessions and learning resources.
  • Access to a computer (desktop/laptop) that is less than 5 years old
  • Speakers/headphones/earbuds for listening to audio or video presentations
  • A webcam – lots of laptops will have these inbuilt

The live online sessions can be accessed via smartphone, but we recommended that you have access to a laptop or a PC for ease of use, joining class discussions and completing assessments. If you have any queries or concerns around the equipment you plan to use, please contact us.

You will be given access to Microsoft Office 365 once you are registered on your programme, free of charge.

What does a typical blended timetable look like?

Receiving the same number of live contact hours as face-to-face programmes, a typical timetable may include: 

  • Daytime Study: 1 Weekday On Campus + 1 Weekday Online 
  • Daytime and Weekend Study: 1 Weekday On Campus + 1 Saturday Online 
  • Evening and Weekend Study: 2 Weekday Evenings on Campus + 1 Saturday Online 
  • Evening and Blended Weekend Study: 1 Weekday Evening On Campus + Half-day Saturday On Campus + Sunday Online 

Please note: Study modes are subject to availability and may vary depending on the course and intake. Please check with us for the study options available for your chosen course. 

Daytime Study Timetable Example 

If you are a daytime student, you will typically have 2 days of tuition per week, with classes running from 9:30am-4:30pm both days. For one of these days, your sessions will be face-to-face on-campus, and the other day will take place live online. 

Example9:30-11:30am11:30am-12:30pm13:30-14:30pm14:30-16:30pm
WeekdayModule A 
Lecture – online
Module B 
Lecture – online 
 Module C 
Lecture – online 
WeekendModule A 
Seminar – campus
Module B 
Seminar – campus
 Module C 
Seminar – campus

Daytime/Weekend Study Timetable Example 

If you are a daytime/weekend student, you will typically have 2 days of tuition per week, with classes running from 9:30am-4:30pm both days. For one of these days during the week, your sessions will be face-to-face on-campus, and the other day will take place at the weekend and will be delivered live online. 

Example9:30-11:30am11:30am-12:30pm13:30-14:30pm14:30-16:30pm
WeekdayModule A 
Seminar – campus
Module B 
Seminar – campus
 Module C 
Seminar – campus
WeekendModule A 
Lecture – online
Module B 
Lecture – online
 Module C 
Lecture – online

Evening and Weekend Study Timetable Example 

If you are an evening/weekend student, each week you’ll have classes on 2 evenings face-to-face on-campus, and 1 weekend day live online. The evening sessions are scheduled from 5:45-8:45pm, while weekend classes run from 9:30am-4:30pm. 

Evening and weekend timetables will follow the below pattern each week with the pattern staying the same for the whole semester: 

Example 9:30-11:30am11:30am-13:30pm13:30-14:30pm14:30-16:30pm16:30-17:45pm17:45-18:45pm18:45-20:45pm
Weekday 1     Module A
Lecture – campus 
Module B Lecture – oncampus
Weekday 2     Module C Lecture – campusModule B Lecture –
campus
Weekend dayModule C
Seminar – online
Module A Seminar -online Module B Seminar – online   

Evening and Blended Weekend Study Timetable Example 

If you are an evening/blended weekend student, each week you’ll have classes on 1 evening face-to-face on-campus, and 2 weekend days with a mix of on campus and live online. The evening sessions are scheduled from 5:45 – 8:45pm, while weekend classes run from between 9:30am – 4:30pm. 

Please note there are 2 example Evening and Blended Weekend timetables below as your Saturday classes will either be scheduled in the morning (9:30am – 12:30pm) or afternoon (1.30pm – 4:30pm).  

Example A9:30-11:30am11:30am-13:30pm13:30-14:30pm14:30-16:30pm16:30-17:45pm17:45-18:45pm18:45-20:45pm
Weekday 1     Module A
Seminar – campus 
Module B Seminar – campus 
SaturdayModule C Seminar – campus Module A Seminar – campus     

SundayModule A Lecture – online Module B Lecture – online  Module C Lecture – online    

 

Example B9:30-11:30am11:30am-13:30pm13:30-14:30pm14:30-16:30pm16:30-17:45pm17:45-18:45pm18:45-20:45pm
Weekday 1     Module A
Seminar – campus 
Module B Seminar – campus 
Saturday  Module C Seminar – campus Module A Seminar – campus   

SundayModule A Lecture – online Module B Lecture – online  Module C Lecture – online