Studying part-time presents a particular challenge: balancing work, study and personal life. Consequently, there is a significant need for advice among those interested. In this interview, Katharina Rund from Ostfalia’s Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) explains which questions come up most frequently and what is important to consider when deciding to study part-time.
Ostfalia Editorial Team, Britta Radkowsky: What are the most common questions prospective students ask the Central Student Advisory Service when they’re looking to undertake further study whilst working?
Student Adviser Katharina Rund: Prospective studentsoften have questions about the costs of a degree programme or a further education course. For many further education programmes, additional tuition fees apply on top of the semester fee. These are usually listed on the website for the relevant programme. The current semester fee can be viewed here.
Then, of course, there are questions about entry requirements, the course structure and the delivery method. Depending on the programme, this may be, for example, a face-to-face, online or blended-learning format. Blended learning means there is a mix of face-to-face and distance learning. So, online phases alternate with teaching on campus.
People also often ask whether, at a certain age, they are ‘too old’ to study. But we can reassure you: particularly in programmes that can be completed alongside work, you’ll often find participants of various ages. Furthermore, in online formats, a great deal of the work is done through self-study, so that contact with others goes beyond the bare minimum only to the extent that you yourself wish it to. You are therefore never too old for further education.
How can working professionals find out which further education programme suits their personal goals?
Katharina Rund: We recommend taking a look at the Ostfalia website for details of the courses on offer. There you’ll find information on the course content and structure, as well as the career opportunities that open up upon completion. If you have any questions, we at the Central Student Advisory Service can help, as can the relevant subject-specific advisory teams for the degree programme or continuing education course in question. We at the Central Student Advisory Service can provide the relevant contact details if required.
What entry requirements should prospective students check at an early stage?
Katharina Rund: That depends on the type of continuing education programme. For a part-time Bachelor’s degree, you’ll need what’s known as a university entrance qualification. For continuing education Master’s programmes, a Bachelor’s degree is required, and in some cases one year’s professional experience is also needed. For individual certificates or guest student status, there are often no admission requirements to consider. The exact requirements can be found on the programme or course websites. The continuing education search lists not only degree programmes but also individual certificates. Information on auditing courses can be found here.
What advice does the Central Student Advisory Service give to working professionals who are unsure whether they can balance their studies, career and personal life?
Katharina Rund: You should definitely seek advice. The subject-specific advisory services in particular are well placed to assess the scope of the respective programmes on offer. We also advise people on part-time Bachelor’s or continuing education Master’s programmes to simply get started. The programmes are flexible and designed to allow you to balance work and personal life. If you’re very concerned, you can, for example, start with just a few modules and work out the right workload for you as your studies progress.
What options are there for funding a part-time degree? What role do employers or funding schemes play in this?
Katharina Rund: When it comes to funding, the student finance advisory service at the Studierendenwerk OstNiedersachsen (external link, opens in a new window) is best placed to help.
Is there any advice you’d give to anyone interested in taking this route?
Katharina Rund: If you’re keen to continue your education, be sure to seek advice from the Central Student Advisory Service or the relevant departmental advisory service. And if in doubt, just get started and give it a go. As the first point of contact, we’re happy to help with any questions you may have.