Distance learning and online degree options are primarily differentiated through their blend of teaching. Distance learning PhD options may make extensive use of the latest web-based technologies, or may be administered through a local campus, approved by the degree awarding university. Online PhD and doctoral degrees more strongly rely on web-based communications technologies and Internet research skills in order for the student to be successful.

As is the case with part-time doctoral degrees, the distance learning option requires a considerable amount of discipline, motivation and proactive initiative. If you work well independently and possess a high level of self-motivation a distance learning PhD may be an attractive option. Any degree pathway that depends on independent study requires a high level of commitment. In the distance learning and online study modes, it is more important than ever to be excited by the research topic and have a strong passion to conduct the research. Before you decide on a particular distance learning or online doctoral degree, assess your motivations for the degree – an online or distance learning programme is not for everyone.

Both distance learning and online PhD and doctoral degree options, provided they are offered by a respected institution, have earned a good reputation among academics and students alike. Offering the greatest flexibility for students seeking to balance a career with PhD study, these delivery modes enable students to work with professors and other researchers around the world, without being restricted by location or timing. With downloadable coursework components and widely accessible online material, the distance learning and online degree options give students the opportunity to maintain their own schedules, thus allowing for the best balance of work-study life.

Distance learning and online doctoral degree options are more commonly offered as professional doctoral degrees in fields including Business, Psychology, Education, Public Health and others. The basic structure for distance learning and online PhD or doctoral degrees generally varies only marginally from a part-time or full-time degree. The programmes require some coursework elements, an intensive research phase which culminates in a thesis or dissertation and its defence before a panel of experts. Professionally oriented online and distance learning doctoral degrees are likely to place greater emphasis on coursework components than full-time research PhDs. Your supervisor will play an important role in supporting your research work and while interactions with him or her primarily take place through virtual means, such as video conferencing, voice-over internet, video phone or simply email, most reputable distance learning and some online PhDs will require some level of in-person meetings between the supervisor and the student.

Distance learning or online doctoral degrees are not for everyone. As mentioned above, these delivery modes demand a high level of self-motivation and commitment from the student and the better the topic of the research project is aligned with the student’s life, the higher the chances for a successful completion of the programme. Distance learning and online options may take anywhere from two to six years, and in some institutions, distance learning degrees are only available as a part-time option. The availability of distance learning and online PhD degree options is limited and when deciding on such a programme you must realistically assess the technologies available at the institution to support a remote course of study. Distance learning and online options rely heavily on the uninterrupted functioning of new technologies and institutions with outdated communications technologies, slow networks or insufficient technological support can make the study experience unnecessarily burdensome.

Choosing an online or distance learning doctoral degree programme requires great caution. As a relatively young type of delivery mode, the necessary institutional quality checks have not been fully implemented, not least because of the global reach of such programmes. For every reputable online PhD programme there are probably no less than two programmes of ill-repute and it is crucial that you investigate and consider accreditation not only of the institution but also of the programme when choosing a PhD degree.

Students studying their doctoral degree by distance learning or online mode typically possess strong communication skills and advanced Internet research skills. This is a requirement assessed in the admissions process. Students unable to demonstrate the requisite technological skill and knowledge may not be admitted to a remotely administered programme. Prospective doctoral students must also have the technological means to access the latest web-based technologies in order to be able to engage successfully in all course components. It is important to consider what local resources are available to you. Technological means can only go so far and not all material is readily accessible via the Internet. Local research facilities, extensive libraries and / or laboratory facilities may prove invaluable in progressing with the doctoral research.

Distance learning and online PhDs can become a very lonely endeavour and most reputable institutions provide a schedule of workshops, meetings and seminars in which students on online and distance learning programmes have the opportunity to meet with the supervisor in person and interact among each other to build important student networks. The distance learning or online doctoral degree option is ideal for all those who cannot or are unwilling to suspend their careers, yet wish to benefit from doctoral degree options regardless of location. If you have a high-level of motivation for your studies and a strong passion for your research topic, these highly flexible delivery modes may well be an ideal choice for you.

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