Taylah Lloyd - Open Universities Australia

Open Universities Australia (OUA) offers students the opportunity to a flexible learning schedule where they can now study online, anywhere and anytime. 

Open Universities Australia is the perfect institution for you if you’re not able to physically attend university. With their simple online enrolment, you can now start studying on your own terms. Seek over 290 degrees and 1,570 subjects from different universities all in one place. Whether you’re looking for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, Open Universities is sure to have the course you’re looking for. Although, most enrolled students are based in Australia, their courses are also available to all students around the world. You can select from a range of different courses such as Architecture, Education, information technology, engineering, business and many more.

If you’re not sure what courses you’re after, Open Universities can help you choose the course of your dreams! Simply visit their website and find out which course is the right one for you by answering a series of questions. The University will consider different factors and point out what courses fit you best. Students who study online have more control of their learning path and have no need to follow mandatory timetables set by universities. Online learning at Open Universities is also as effective as studying in a traditional university because all students are well-supported and have access to online resources 24/7 

Meet an Open Universities student

Taylah Lloyd

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice with Griffith University, online through Open Universities Australia

Why did you choose online study?

My decision to study online was driven by a few things, the main one being the flexibility. I was studying on campus, which required four hours of travel a day, five days a week. I desperately wanted to reduce this so I could spend more time at home around friends and family. 

The other reason was the degree itself. The subjects available within Griffith University’s Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice online through Open Universities Australia (OUA) were far superior to those available at other universities. 

What are the benefits of studying online?

Flexibility is the main benefit, being able to study when you have the time and fit it around work, family, friends and hobbies. Through OUA, you also have the flexibility to change your study load to suit you, whether it’s full time, part time or taking extra subjects. 

Comfort is another benefit. Being able to study in the comfort of your own home or at a peaceful place such as a park or library - it’s all up to you. 

Also, through OUA, you don’t need an ATAR to apply for the degree. You can enrol into the first four subjects as a pathway and once you pass them, you can go straight into the degree. 

What did you learn that you didn’t expect?

I learnt more things about myself than anything else. Knowing I’m capable of achieving highly, whether I’m on campus or at home. I’m capable of thriving no matter what the circumstances. I have achieved far more than I thought possible, receiving the Griffith University Award for Academic Excellence in 2017 and 2018. I never thought I could reach such a high academic honour, but I’ve learnt anything is possible if you work hard. 

What advice would you give to students considering online study?

Don’t be overwhelmed about the whole process. Students think studying online is too hard because you aren’t on campus to ask questions. This is far from the truth! There is so much support available when you study online. 

My advice to students considering online study is to do your research and ask as many questions as you can to prepare yourself for what it will be like. Knowing all your options and all the support services available will help you in the long run, more than you realise at the beginning!