How to Choose The Right Online Undergraduate Course For You?

Higher education is a fundamental component for anyone of any age wishing to improve their prospects. An undergraduate degree provides the specialised knowledge, critical thinking and independent learning skills that can significantly elevate your career options and personal growth. Traditionally, undergraduate degrees have taken place on campus; students would relocate lock, stock and barrel to the university for a set number of years – it was an all-consuming occupation. However, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, online degrees have become increasingly popular.

This blog will examine the practicalities of the online degree, why more and more people are electing to study from home to achieve the same university accreditation that in-person university attendance provides. We will discuss the range of considerations to make when choosing your online degree, such as flexibility, accreditation, quality, cost, and reputation, and reveal why it is becoming an increasingly popular option.

What is an Undergraduate Degree?

An undergraduate degree is the first level of higher, or tertiary education qualification awarded by a university or college, typically following the completion of secondary school. Undergraduate degrees typically last three to four years and provide a thorough understanding of a specific subject, culminating in the achievement of qualifications such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng). If you study one subject, you receive a single honours degree, if you study two or more subjects, a joint honours will be your goal.

Why Online Learning Is a Smart Choice for an Undergraduate Course

Crudely put, not everyone can do the whole ‘on-campus’ thing! If you’re already working, and juggling professional and personal commitments, or if you can’t afford to pay ‘in-person’ tuition and living expenses, then the remote, online mode of delivery might be a more realistic and convenient way of achieving the same goal. Once you realise that the content is the same, that reputable institutions all over the world provide online degrees that are valued by prospective employers, the sky’s the limit as to ‘where’ you study.

Advantages of an Online Undergraduate Degree

They say, ‘necessity is the mother of invention’. While COVID was so disruptive in so many ways, it did result in a massive upsurge in technical advancements in connectivity and communication, and made us realise that so much can be achieved in a more speedy and efficient way remotely, thanks to the likes of Teams, Zoom and other online and technological resources. All spheres embraced these new media, the education sector being no exception. The university market is increasingly competitive, so these institutions have had to increase and improve their online offering in order to thrive. This is great news if you’re a mature student, if you’re working, or you have caring responsibilities. Carrying the same weight as ‘in-person’ degrees, their online equivalents provide a broader range of subject choices, more flexibility and accessibility, and can be achieved at a lower cost.

Top Factors to Consider when Choosing an Online Undergraduate Course

Here is a helpful checklist of elements to evaluate and consider when devising your shortlist of online undergraduate degree courses:

1. Content and methods of assessment: Will the content of the course help you achieve your goals? Is the course taught in modules? Will you have coursework? What practical work or projects will you have to complete? Or will you be assessed solely via exams? How many exams will you have to sit?

2. Access to resources - What learning tools and assets does the prospective university offer?

   • Media quality: Find out what the presentations and video lectures look like. Are lectures ‘talking heads’ or a PDF or PowerPoint? Look for searchable transcripts.

   • Digital library access: How do you access the university library? You should have remote access to major academic databases (like PubMed, JSTOR, or ScienceDirect) and a comprehensive e-book collection. Will you have hardcopy textbooks at your disposal?

   • Tutor interaction: Is there a blended learning toolkit of static and interactive lectures and tutorials? Do you get to speak to your tutor one-to-one? Will you be assigned a specific person you can contact for academic guidance?

   • Feedback mechanisms: How quickly do tutors mark your work? A 48-hour response rate is excellent, two weeks is sub-optimal – you’ll lose momentum.

   • Peer-to-peer interaction: Are there moderated discussion forums or "Virtual Common Rooms" where you can meet and collaborate with other students?

   • Exam practice: How does the university offer access to past papers and mock exams?   

   • Wellbeing: Many universities provide 24/7 access to mental health apps specifically designed and delivered to support collaboration, tutor and peer-to-peer engagement and meaningful relationship-building.

   • Career support: Does the institution help with employment and career advice? Do they provide work experience and networking opportunities? Some universities provide CV clinics and career workshops, which are a definite plus.

3. Online student facilities – the physical environment and infrastructure.

   • Virtual Learning Environment (VLE): Look for intuitive, modern platforms like Canvas or Moodle. Is there a mobile study app you can use when you’re on the go?

   • Computer software: Does the school require dedicated software for live webinars where you can ask questions in real-time, or is everything pre-recorded?

   • Student portal: There should be a one-stop-shop for enrolment, your grades, financial statements etc.

   • Technical support: Check their Service Level Agreement? If your exam portal crashes, is there a 24/7 helpdesk to get you back online?

   • Online vs. in person? Can you come to the campus if you want to? Will you have to sit some of your exams in person at the university?

4. Flexibility and length of study: Can you decide how long to take to complete the course, to fit round work and life commitments? Are full-time or part-time options available? How long will the online course take?

5. Credibility: How reputable, industry-connected and student rated is your shortlist?

   • Official recognition: If looking to study in the UK, does the provider feature on the UK Government’s “Check a University” list?

   • Employer Reputation: Do major companies in your field hire from this institution?

   • What do the students say? Check third-party sites like Whatuni or Trustpilot to learn what students studying at your prospective universities actually think about them. Do they think the university is delivering?

   • Transparency: Are the total costs, faculty credentials, and module details clearly listed on their website without "hidden" fees?

6. Minimum entry requirements:

   • These vary from university to university and depend on the course you want to follow, but are a combination of your existing qualifications, subjects and exam grades. You may find that they can be slightly lower than on-campus degrees.
     
     

7. Tuition fees:

   • The good news that it is invariably cheaper to complete your degree online than in person, and you don’t have to factor in housing, transportation and other campus-based costs. The ballpark for tuition can range from £15,000 to £18,000 for the full three-year time period. Compare that to approximately £27,000+ for in-person study. Student loans are available for remote learners, so do check your options.

What Types of Undergraduate Courses are Available Online at LSBF?

Considering a degree in Business or Finance? The London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) undergraduate options provide excellent specialised options for those interested in pursuing business and finance leadership careers. And yes, the undergraduate courses are available 100% online, falling into two categories: Full Degree Programmes and Top-Up Degrees:

1. Full Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degrees:

These are comprehensive three to four-year programmes (depending on whether you study full or part time, and are designed for those starting their higher education journey.

• BSc (Hons) Business Administration: Covering foundational and advanced topics such as organisational behaviour, marketing, human resource management, and strategic management.

• BSc (Hons) Financial Management: Focusing on financial accounting, corporate finance, financial markets, and global economic policy issues

2. Undergraduate "Top-Up" Degrees

These are specifically designed for students who already hold a Level 4 or Level 5 qualification (like an HND or Foundation Degree) and want to "top up" their existing credits to a full Honours degree in 12–18 months.

1. BSc (Hons) Business Administration (Top-Up)
2. BSc (Hons) Financial Management (Top-Up)
3. Key Academic Details

• Awarding Body: These degrees are currently awarded by LSBF Malta, which is licensed by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). This allows the degree to be recognised globally under the European Qualifications Framework.

• Delivery Style: The courses are delivered 100% online via a platform that includes HD video lectures, digital libraries, and live interaction with tutors.

• Intakes: LSBF typically offers multiple start dates throughout the year, usually in January, May, and September.

Other Undergraduate-Level Options

While not traditional degrees, LSBF is also well-known for "Undergraduate-level" professional qualifications that can be studied online:

• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants): While technically a professional qualification, the early stages are equivalent to undergraduate study.

• Short Certificate Courses: LSBF offers undergraduate-level certificates in specific niches like Introduction to Finance, Business Law, and Operations Management, for those who want the knowledge without committing to a full three-year degree.

To find out more about LSBF’s many undergraduate degree types, click here.

FAQs

Are online undergraduate degrees recognised internationally?

As long as your degree is awarded by an accredited university, and meet the same quality standards as traditional on-campus programmes, absolutely! Online undergraduate degrees are generally recognised internationally by employers and institutions. Most degree certificates don’t actually state whether the course was completed online or in person – their value remains the same.

What are the benefits of earning an undergraduate degree online?

The key words here are flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Earning an online undergraduate degree offers the flexibility to balance your education with professional and personal commitments, allowing you to study from any location at your own pace. Additionally, it provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional campus-based learning by reducing expenses for commuting and housing while still delivering a high-quality, internationally recognised qualification.

How much does an online undergraduate degree cost?

A typical on-campus undergraduate degree in the UK costs £9,250 each year (approximately £27,750 total), without considering any of the additional living costs. The average cost for undergraduate degree is approximately £15,000 to £18,000. So that’s a saving of roughly £10,000 to £12,000 in tuition alone. Top-up degrees cost between £5,000 and £7,500 approximately.

What accreditation should I look for when choosing an online undergraduate course?

Here’s a quick checklist for credibility:

• Legal status: is the institution on the Official GOV.UK list of recognised bodies?
• Awarding body: If you are studying at a private college, is the degree awarded by a reputable university?
• Professional alignment: Does the course provide certifications from bodies such as ACCA or CIM?
• Transparency: Are the resources and facilities clearly explained?
• Student reviews: Check the likes of Whatuni and Trustpilot to find out what students say about the institution you’re looking at.

Is an online undergraduate degree recognised by employers?

Online undergraduate degrees are widely recognised internationally by employers, provided they are issued by an accredited institution that maintains the same rigorous academic standards as traditional on-campus programmes. Consider also that many employers value the self-discipline and time-management skills required to complete an online course. And remember, most degree certificates do not distinguish between online or in-person study.

Are online degrees harder than traditional degrees?

Academically, the workload for an accredited online degree is exactly the same as an online one. However, some students may find online study more challenging because it requires more self-motivation and organisation to study without the rigid structure of a physical classroom. But if you’re motivated to succeed and to reap the career benefits that your desired degree has to offer, this won’t be a problem for you!

Image Credit: Freepik