What is Part-Time Learning?

You’re a working professional, a parent or just a busy individual (aren’t we all?) and you’re considering levelling up your knowledge and your career. Maybe you’ve wondered how to fit part-time learning into your life and whether it’s worth it. Let’s talk about what studying part-time looks like so you can decide if it will fit your lifestyle and meet your learning needs.

What does it mean to study part-time?

Part-time learning just means taking a course or program without a full course load. At Fanshawe, you can take 1 to three courses per term to earn an Ontario College Credential part-time. Micro-credentials are also a part-time learning option and continuing education courses and programs are offered on a course-by-course basis so you can take these part-time as well.

The benefits of part-time learning

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Flexible

The key benefit of studying part-time is flexibility. Less time in class means more time for the other important things in your life, like your family, your working schedule, self-care or anything else you might need to fit into your schedule. Part-time courses are also offered in a variety of formats, including online or in-person, at pre-scheduled times or asynchronous meaning you will complete the work each week on your schedule.

Adult Education

Many adults returning to school choose to do so on a part-time basis because of the flexibility of this format. With fewer hours in class and flexibility in delivery options, busy parents, those working full-time or those with other prior commitments can still devote enough time each week to complete their studies in a part-time format.

Part-Time Online Programs

There is often additional flexibility for distance and online learning options in part-time programs, making part-time learning ideal for those with busy schedules who might not be able to make their way to a college campus regularly.

Cost-Effective

When you study part-time, you’ll have lower upfront costs, even if you earn the same credential as you would full-time. This is because you will pay for courses as you take them. If you only take two courses per term, you will only pay for those two courses, instead of a full course load. Additionally, micro-credentials, being smaller, more bite-sized learning opportunities, may have lower costs than taking a traditional course.

Accessible

Take it slow with one course per term if that’s what you have time for, or change it up as your lifestyle changes. If you don’t have as much time in the summers, for example, because the kids play summer sports, take the spring term off and start up again in the fall.

What kind of part-time learning options are available to me?

Fanshawe offers many part-time study options and is a leader in part-time learning in Ontario. Many of our Ontario College credentials, including diplomas, advanced diplomas,  degrees and certificates, are offered on a part-time basis, with plenty of resources available to help guide you through completing the program on your timeline.

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Continuing Education Courses and Programs

Our continuing education options allow you the flexibility of taking single courses of interest or working toward completing a continuing education credential as time allows. These programs are focused on career-enhancing knowledge and skills which you can take for professional development or personal interest.

Part-Time Ontario College Credentials

Earn an Ontario College credential through part-time study. Fanshawe College offers Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Degrees and Graduate Certificates with part-time completion options. You’ll earn the same credential as you would if you were studying full-time, but with the flexibility and benefit of part-time studies.

Micro-credentials

Micro-credentials can be earned in focused individual badges or in a series badge exploring a larger topic. These part-time, bite-sized learning opportunities are flexible, fast, and cost-effective, allowing you to target the skill you want to improve while maintaining the flexibility of a part-time class schedule and taking only a few hours to a few weeks to complete.

OntarioLearn

Fanshawe College offers a large selection of flexible, online courses through OntarioLearn. You'll register with Fanshawe but your course might be delivered by another college, ensuring flexibility and catering to various learning styles and busy schedules.

Who benefits from part-time learning?

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Part-time learning can be helpful and more accessible to people in all different stages of their lives! Things like flexibility, lower costs and accessibility, can be helpful to adult learners who are already established in their careers and young learners looking to start their careers.

Learn more about if part-time learning is right for you

Apply for part-time learning opportunities

You can apply for continuing education courses, micro-credentials and OntarioLearn courses through our website. 

• View a list of continuing education programs and courses
• View a list of micro-credentials
• Apply for OntarioLearn courses

For any Ontario College credentials, including certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas and degrees, apply for your program through OCAS