How to determine the quality of an online master's degree

Online study is an increasingly popular way to earn a master’s degree, but with so many programmes available, it can be difficult to decide which one is best – will it offer everything you need? What is online study really like? And will the degree be respected by employers?

Having the answers to these questions can make all the difference. It ensures that prospective students can find high-quality degree programmes and make informed decisions about their education – and their future.

What is an online master’s degree?

An online master's degree is a postgraduate-level programme that is delivered primarily or entirely through online platforms. These degree programmes span various fields, including business administration (MBAs), healthcare, computer science, human resources, and more, mirroring their on-campus counterparts in curriculum but offering a more flexible learning environment.

How do online master’s programmes work?

Online master's programmes are designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience, one that’s similar to on-campus programmes but that offers greater flexibility. For example, most online degrees are studied part-time and remote, allowing learners to work at their own pace – and from anywhere – while managing their other priorities, such as full-time jobs or family commitments. This kind of distance learning can also help reduce the costs associated with postgraduate degrees, such as commuting or relocation expenses.

Online courses are typically delivered through a combination of asynchronous lectures, forums, and digital resources. Some programmes may also offer synchronous sessions, enabling real-time or even in-person interaction with academic staff and fellow students. The majority of coursework, assignments and assessments, however, will usually be completed or submitted using online learning management systems, such as Blackboard.

Are online education degrees respected?

The reputation of online degrees has grown substantially, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic's push towards digital learning. Today, employers recognise the value and competency that graduates of online programmes bring – especially those from accredited institutions known for their quality education – and understand that regardless of how the programme was delivered, the resulting degree is the same.

“An online master’s will open the same possibilities as a traditional on-campus degree. This is true for progressing your career, taking a PhD, gaining chartered membership of a professional body or meeting visa requirements,” says UK Study Online. “All UK master’s degrees are validated and benchmarked for teaching and learning outcomes. The certificate issued has the same weight as the on-campus equivalent.”

What to look for in an online degree:

Accreditation

One of the most common indicators of a high-quality online degree programme is relevant accreditation. For example, if studying an online MBA, check whether the university or business school has accreditation from an organisation like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This kind of recognition indicates that the institution’s programmes and curricula are of the highest quality.

Teaching quality

It’s an understatement to say that the calibre of academic staff or faculty members plays a pivotal role in the student learning experience. With this in mind, it’s important to look for programmes where instructors have excellent academic credentials but also real-world experience in their fields so that they can enhance the learning experience with practical insights. Also look at teaching quality rankings and league tables, such as the Sunday Times Good University Guide.

Learning experiences

A quality online master's degree should offer a student experience that is engaging, interactive, and supportive. This includes access to digital libraries, active forums for discussion with peers and instructors, and hands-on projects that simulate real-world challenges. As with teaching quality, it can be helpful to review league tables that rate the student experience to see how a potential institution stacks up against competitors.

Career outcomes

For the majority of master’s students, the ultimate goal of pursuing a graduate degree is to advance one's career. Quality programmes will have a track record of graduates who achieve their career goals, whether it's ascending to higher positions, transitioning to new fields, or enhancing their expertise within their current roles. Look at data from organisations such as HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency), which provides reports and statistics about graduates in employment, median salary levels, and so on.

Next steps: how to prepare for an online master’s degree

1. Assess your readiness for online learning

Before applying for (or enrolling in) an online programme, evaluate how well you’re ready for the unique challenges and opportunities of online learning. Consider your time management skills, self-discipline, and comfort with technology. 

Online learning often also requires a higher degree of self-motivation and independence compared to traditional degree programmes, so make sure you’re ready to commit.

2. Research potential programmes 

What, exactly, do you want to study? Are there niche areas within that topic that you want to explore in greater detail? Look at programmes that specialise in your preferred subject and will allow you to dig deeper into the things that interest you most – or best align with your career goals. Also consider any entry requirements, such as a bachelor’s degree in a related field, English language requirements, or professional work experience.

3. Explore the university or business school

Once you’ve made a shortlist of potential programmes, look at where you’d be studying those programmes. Is the university, business school, graduate school, or academic department noted for its research, or its connections to industry? Does it have a solid reputation?

4. Consider the learning environment and resources

Find out which online learning platform the programme uses, and what resources are made available to online students. Will you have access to digital libraries and learning materials as well as on-campus opportunities for hands-on or experiential learning? Does the programme structure and resource offerings support your preferred learning style and delivery method?

5. Assess the programme’s flexibility and format

Some programmes offer synchronous online classes that require attendance at set times, while others are asynchronous, allowing you to attend lessons or complete coursework at your own pace. Consider what format best suits your lifestyle, especially if you are balancing studies with work or other commitments. 

6. Review career services and support

Look into the career support services provided by the institution you’re interested in. These might include career counselling, CV or interview workshops, networking opportunities, and job placement assistance.

7. Plan your finances

Determine the cost of the programme and what financial aid options are available to you. This might include scholarships, grants, loans, or employer reimbursement programmes. Some online programmes offer per-module fee payment, which can also help spread the cost of the degree and make it a more manageable expense.

8. Connect with current students and alumni

Get insider perspectives about everything from the programme and its academic staff to the student experience itself by reaching out to current students and alumni. This is valuable insight that can help you make a more informed decision about which programme is right for you.

9. Make sure you have what you need for your studies

Do you have the equipment you need for your online degree, such as a decent computer and good internet connection? These are obviously essential for online learning, but also make sure you have a dedicated study space where you can focus on your coursework without distractions.

10. Embrace the learning journey

Finally, remember to approach your online master's degree with an open and positive mindset. Be prepared to adapt to new ways of learning, connect with your peers and instructors digitally, and embrace the opportunities that come with online education.

Earn your MBA online with St Mary’s University

Reach your full potential with a high-quality, 100% online Master of Business Administration (MBA) from St Mary’s University. Our flexible MBA programmes are tailored to busy working professionals and people with family commitments, so you can achieve your career goals with minimum disruption to your everyday life.

We’re in the top 5 in the UK for teaching quality and the top 10 in the UK for student experience according to the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, and 98% of our graduates are in employment, vocation or further study within 15 months of graduation according to HESA 2023. You’ll also have a variety of study options, with 10 industry-focused MBA specialisations, and you can pay your fees per module as you go