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Are you considering gaining your master's in counselling online and want to know what the benefits are? Maybe you are torn between an in-person course and an online one and want to see which would be better for you. Regardless of the question that brought you here, we have the answers for you!

Today, our guide outlines the benefits and drawbacks of studying for a master's in counselling online to help you see which is the right choice for you.

What are the benefits of studying for a master's in counselling online?

Studying a master's in counselling online comes with plenty of benefits we think you will love, like its flexibility and how you can gain a qualification without spending as much money as in-person courses. We have details on our favourite benefits below:

1. You get to study when it is best for you.

When you choose a master's of counselling online in Melbourne, you get complete flexibility, allowing you to study whenever you want! There are live lectures you can attend if the times work for you, but there is no obligation as they are all recorded and uploaded instantly, so you never miss a thing! We loved how we could study whenever it suited us, whether that was early in the morning or just before bed.

2. You get 24/7 access to the resources.

The resources you need for the course are available 24/7 from the moment you start the course, making it easy to keep up to date with your reading and refresh your mind whenever you want.

The resources are all stored online in the course provider's digital learning platform and are available for access 24/7, so you can watch lectures or brush up on your reading whenever you want. Most of the content will be downloadable, too, so you can read texts offline or study on your commute without worrying about poor internet connections.

3. You can save money.

Depending on the course provider you choose, you can find that online courses are cheaper, too, helping you to save money as you become a counsellor. Part-time online courses spread their payments, so you pay for one unit at a time. Not only does this allow you to spread the cost, but it makes it a good choice if you have a tight budget.

You can often access funding, which will help cover part or all of the course fees, allowing you to study without worrying about any costs. You can also take a break between each unit if needed, giving you time to save for the next one or providing a comfort break if you need to pause your studies for any reason.

4. You can qualify at your own pace.

Part-time online counselling courses allow you to learn and qualify at your own pace. You work one unit at a time, completing your assessment and passing the unit before progressing to another. This allows you to work through the content methodically without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. You can also pause the course when needed, should you have other commitments or need a break. The flexibility makes it a fantastic choice, especially if you can't commit to an intense, full-time course.

5. You can start at any time.

Most online master of counselling courses can be started whenever you are ready! Many will have an intake every two months, so you will never need to wait long to start your course and begin your journey towards becoming a counsellor.

Unlike in-person courses, you won't need to wait for the start of the academic year; whenever you are ready, you can apply for the course and start quickly.

What are the drawbacks of studying for a master's in counselling online?

Alongside all the positives, there are some drawbacks we should consider. Firstly, the course can be very isolating, as you do not need to leave the house and won't engage with other students on the course. Many courses do offer forums where you can chat with other students on your course, but as this is not mandatory, it is not often used by everyone.

Another drawback is that it can be tricky to keep yourself motivated, especially when you have other commitments. As there are no physical classes to attend, it can be hard to motivate yourself to log on and do your reading or watch lectures.

Final Thoughts

Studying for a master's in counselling online can be an excellent choice, especially if you are good at keeping yourself motivated and like to work at your own pace. It is worth considering the drawbacks before deciding if online learning is the right choice for you.