As a university student navigating your academic pathway, finding additional ways to enhance your learning and better prepare you for your future career is a smart move. 

Online courses are a practical solution offering you flexibility, up-to-date knowledge, and access to industry experts in real time. These courses are a valuable complement to a traditional university degree, providing you with the essential skills needed to thrive in your field. 

On this page, we’ve rounded up a list of online courses that will expand your skill set, keep you current with industry trends, and prepare you more comprehensively for the professional world.

Recommended Online Courses for University Students 

DisciplineDegreeRecommended Online Courses
Arts and Humanities StudentsBachelor of ArtsSocial Media & Marketing Online, Photography
Science StudentsBachelor of ScienceAI, Cyber & Software, Zoology
Business StudentsBachelor of Business, Bachelor of CommerceBusiness, Retail & Entrepreneurship, HR, Management & Communication
Engineering StudentsBachelor of EngineeringAI, Cyber & Software, Xero, MYOB and Bookkeeping
Education StudentsBachelor of EducationEducation & Childcare, Counselling & Community
Health ProfessionalsBachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of MedicineAllied Health & Wellbeing, Fitness, Health & Nutrition
Legal Studies StudentsBachelor of LawsCriminology, Social Media & Marketing Online
Creative and Design StudentsBachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of DesignPhotography, Beauty, Lifestyle & Leisure
Technology StudentsBachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Computer ScienceAI, Cyber & Software, Social Media & Marketing Online
Environmental and Agricultural StudiesBachelor of Environmental Science, Bachelor of AgricultureAnimal Health and Veterinary Care, Zoology

Below, we’ve broken down how each of these online courses can be useful to study alongside your chosen university degree. 

For Arts and Humanities Students 

E.g. Bachelor of Arts

  • Social Media & Marketing Online: Helps BA students understand digital branding and marketing, useful for those interested in media, communications, or public relations.
  • Photography: Complements creative disciplines within the arts, enhancing skills in visual storytelling.

For Science Students

E.g. Bachelor of Science

  • AI, Cyber & Software: Provides a solid foundation in emerging tech fields, beneficial for students in scientific disciplines looking to expand into tech roles.
  • Zoology: An excellent choice for students focused on biological sciences, offering deeper insights into animal biology and conservation.

For Business Students 

E.g. Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Commerce

  • Business, Retail & Entrepreneurship: Broadens understanding of business management and entrepreneurial strategies.
  • HR, Management & Communication: Develops crucial skills in human resources and effective business communication.

For Engineering Students

E.g. Bachelor of Engineering

  • AI, Cyber & Software: Engineers can enhance their technical toolkit by understanding software development and cybersecurity.
  • Xero, MYOB and Bookkeeping: Useful for managing project finances and understanding the financial aspects of engineering projects.

For Education Students

E.g. Bachelor of Education

  • Education & Childcare: Expands on current teaching methodologies and child development theories.
  • Counselling & Community: Provides additional skills in guidance and counselling, valuable for teachers in all educational settings.

For Health Professionals

E.g. Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Medicine

  • Allied Health & Wellbeing: Offers additional insights into holistic care approaches and wellness strategies.
  • Fitness, Health & Nutrition: Beneficial for incorporating nutritional advice and fitness planning into patient care.

For Legal Studies Students

E.g. Bachelor of Laws

  • Criminology: Deepens understanding of criminal behaviour, complementing studies in law with insights into the criminal justice system.
  • Social Media & Marketing Online: Useful for lawyers interested in reputation management or expanding their practice online.

For Creative and Design Students

E.g. Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Design

  • Photography: Enhances skills in visual communication, beneficial for designers and artists alike.
  • Beauty, Lifestyle & Leisure: Offers knowledge in aesthetics and lifestyle trends, supporting careers in creative industries.

For Technology Students

E.g. Bachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Computer Science

  • AI, Cyber & Software: Essential for staying current in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
  • Social Media & Marketing Online: Provides tech students with the tools to promote and manage digital projects or startups.

For Environmental and Agricultural Studies

E.g. Bachelor of Environmental Science, Bachelor of Agriculture

  • Animal Health and Veterinary Care: Useful for students interested in wildlife conservation and sustainable farming practices.
  • Zoology: Complements environmental courses by providing deeper knowledge of wildlife and ecological conservation.

Benefits of Blending University Studies with Online Courses 

Online courses offer several key benefits to university students, enhancing their traditional university education with practical skills and up-to-date knowledge. Here are some reasons why university students should consider taking online courses alongside their degrees:

  • Development of Practical Skills: Online courses are focused on delivering practical skills that students can immediately apply in the workplace. They teach specific tools, techniques, and software that are currently in demand across various industries. This helps bridge the gap between academic theories learned in university and the practical applications needed in real-world jobs.
  • Access to the Latest Information: University courses can sometimes use textbooks and materials that are not completely up-to-date due to the slow pace of academic updates. In contrast, online courses are often refreshed more frequently to include the latest trends and developments. This ensures that students are learning the most current material, giving them an advantage in quickly changing fields like technology and digital marketing.
  • Learning from Industry Experts: Many online courses provide access to professionals and experts currently working in the field. This gives students the chance to learn from experienced individuals, understand industry insights, and even network for future job opportunities. This real-world exposure is invaluable and enhances a student’s understanding and preparation for the workforce.
  • Flexible Learning Options: Online courses allow students to learn at their own pace and according to their own schedule. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for university students who often need to balance their studies with part-time work, internships, or other personal commitments. It allows them to tailor their learning to fit their specific career goals and time constraints without affecting their university studies.
  • Exploring Different Disciplines: Online courses make it possible for students to study topics outside their main area of study, promoting an interdisciplinary approach to learning. This is especially useful in today’s job market where a combination of skills from different fields can be advantageous. For example, a science student might take online courses in data analysis to enhance their research capabilities, or a law student might explore courses in digital media to better understand the legal aspects of the digital world.

By taking online courses alongside their university programs, students not only enhance their academic credentials but also improve their job prospects and readiness for professional challenges. This combination of traditional and online education equips them with a broader skill set and a more comprehensive learning experience.

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