Part-time students
In order to succeed at their studies, part-time students need all of the study skills that full-time students do with the added skill of juggling their studies with other work, life or family commitments. If you are a part-time student, there are a range of resources are available on the Student Support and Resources website to help you to maximise your time studying at the University of Bath, but this page provides some guidance specifically for part-time students.
Making sure you don’t feel isolated
If you have relatively little contact with the University, you may not feel like part of the University community, which can feel demotivating. It’s therefore important to know that with careful thought and planning, you can stay on track and feel supported by the University.
At or before the start of your programme, you should find out from your Department/School/Division or Personal Tutor about the support that is on offer to you. Your Director of Studies or Programme Leader will also be able to advise you on this matter.
Once you start your programme, try to ensure that you interact with your peers - perhaps through online discussion on Moodle forums, or through face-to-face contact. Doing this and keeping in touch with your Course Tutors will help to reduce any feelings of isolation from student life. Similarly, don’t be tempted to miss seminars or other events related to your studies; these will be less frequent for part-time students, which makes it all the more important to make sure you attend.
Balancing study with other commitments
Doing well as a part-time student involves prioritising yourself and your studies. This may not be easy, particularly if you have to balance a busy job or a family who are accustomed to having you full-time.
Completing a Time Audit will help you identify how you spend your time now, and how many hours a week you have available for study.
Asking yourself the following questions can help you plan your study in the way that will work best for you:
- How many units/courses do you plan to do?
- How many hours does each unit of study involve?
- How long do you have to complete this?
- How much time can you allocate to study per week/month?
- When are you able to study - Evenings? Weekends? Scheduled leave from work?
- At what time of day do you study best?
- How do you prefer to study - short intensive bursts? prolonged period of time?
- Where do you prefer to study?
- How organised is your place of study?
Juggling part-time study with other commitments can be difficult. It is important to plan ahead both in the short and long term, setting interim goals to help you remain focussed and on track with your assignments. Some helpful guidance and templates for planning your time are available on the Time Management pages.
If the going gets tough, keep yourself on track by thinking of:
- your reasons for studying in the first place;
- how self-management skills can help all areas of your life; and
- the sense of achievement you will achieve from completing your studies.
