Online distance learning Masters?

Taking on part-time degree study while working full time is a major undertaking, whether it's distance learning (which actually is harder in that you don't have continuing contact to help motivation) or physical attendance.

It's therefore really important to have a look at the course structure, and any facts and figures you can find. Some questions you can ask are:

what is the time frame for completing the degree? If work is demanding you might need to take a break.
what percentage of people complete the degree (I was horrified when I discovered the dropout rate for my Masters)
are there exit points where you can leave with a postgrad certificate or diploma, if this should become necessary?
when are dates of submission? (so you can plan to take leave then if necessary)
what support is in place for students who are struggling? (I know that sounds pessimistic!)

I know this is pre-empting problems that you may never encounter, but if you're taking on part-time study while working, you need to be confident that you have every chance of completing the course.

Taking on part-time degree study while working full time is a major undertaking, whether it's distance learning (which actually is harder in that you don't have continuing contact to help motivation) or physical attendance.

It's therefore really important to have a look at the course structure, and any facts and figures you can find. Some questions you can ask are:

what is the time frame for completing the degree? If work is demanding you might need to take a break.
what percentage of people complete the degree (I was horrified when I discovered the dropout rate for my Masters)
are there exit points where you can leave with a postgrad certificate or diploma, if this should become necessary?
when are dates of submission? (so you can plan to take leave then if necessary)
what support is in place for students who are struggling? (I know that sounds pessimistic!)

I know this is pre-empting problems that you may never encounter, but if you're taking on part-time study while working, you need to be confident that you have every chance of completing the course.

I currently work full- time in law enforcement and I'm looking into opportunities for postgraduate study, mostly to further my knowledge in an area I'm really interested in, but also for something that could help my career progression .

I've come across a master's degree in Terrorism and Security from the University of Salford, which can be done part-time via online distance learning. This would be ideal for me so I wouldn't have to leave my job to study post grad and it directly relates to an area I can progress into .

What would you think about someone doing an online distance masters degree from a university like Salford? I don't know much about the uni but from what I can gather it's not exactly the most prestigious uni in the UK. :P I already have a first from a Russell Group uni if that makes a difference.

What about the online distance learning itself? Do you not regard it as highly as actually attending the uni and a bit of a waste of time?

The cost of doing the whole course part time for me would be about £4500. There's a similar course at St Andrews, distance learning as well, but it would cost £9000 to complete.