If you’re starting a new online learning programme, it can take some time to settle into this new style of learning and to find the right balance between work, life and studying. So how did those who have completed their programmes do it? We asked five graduates to share their tips and advice for successful online postgraduate learning.

1. Remember your ‘why’

Cherisse Ratiram, who graduated in 2023 with a Master of Family Medicine degree, says it’s important to remember your motivation for studying your programme.

“I think that my biggest advice would be to remember your ‘why’. By that, I mean always remember the reason that you did it in the first place. So for me, I studied Family Medicine because I know that what I learn will impact the patients that I see every day. So that is my why. And I will tell anyone when it gets tough, when it gets hard, just remember your why.”

2. Engage proactively with your fellow students

It’s vital to engage with your peers on the programme, and to be proactive about those interactions, says Ciaran Megoran, who graduated from the Clinical Education MSc programme in 2022.

“Any advice I’d have for somebody starting online studying is engage. Don’t try and go into your own shell and do it only in your own time. Go to the online sessions that people set up and really try and be proactive no matter what type of personality you are. That lets you maximise your learning. It also lets you maximise your network of people with a similar interest to you, because inevitably that’s who’s on the course as well. So I would say just try and be as proactive as you can. It won’t come naturally to you – it won’t just come to you, you have to go out there and find it.”

3. Put time aside

Naomi Olagunju graduated from the Surgical Sciences MSc programme and says it’s important to work hard to set time aside for your online learning.

“I would definitely say that it’s important to mark out time and be proactive about making sure that you protect the time for the programme. Because it does require a lot of investment of time. So if you’re going to have a busy week ahead, it might be better to take this weekend to really get on with things. Or just making sure that you try and be active on discussion boards. Just dedicate some time, whether little bits or big chunks. Find what works for you and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

4. Access the online discussions early

An important part of online learning is discussions with your fellow students on the course forums. Phoebe Readford, who graduated with an International Animal Health MSc, recommends taking part in the forums early – before the discussions pass you by.

“If I had any suggestions for people who were doing online degrees – it’s to be organised, and to make sure that you get on to those online forums when they open up quite early. Often, if you don’t, things have already passed you by a little bit. So the earlier that you get on to those forums, the more information that you learn and the more conversations you can have with your fellow students, which really enriches your learning experience.”

5. Have fun learning!

Global Health and Infectious Diseases MSc graduate Lauren Naraine‘s advice is to embrace the learning experience – and when you experience difficulties, to recognise how important it is to challenge yourself.

“If I were to give advice to someone starting this programme, it would just be to have fun learning. And when it’s difficult – because it will be difficult – just remember that it’s because you’re learning and that’s a good thing. So being uncomfortable is probably the greatest gift you could have in your learning journey, because it really helps you grow. And this university has been amazing for my growth – personal and academic.”

More tips for future online students? Let us know by contacting the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine communications and marketing team on cmvm.marketing@ed.ac.uk.