Read about our global community of students and how our online courses support and engage them.
Most University of Sussex Online Distance Learning (ODL) students are employed full-time as working professionals (their average age is 37), with many also balancing caring responsibilities. The flexible structure of our courses enables students to integrate their studies into their lives.
ODL courses also enable our diverse global community of students to interact and learn from each other.
“Our MSc Energy Policy (ODL) brings together students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds - from highly talented and driven graduate students to high-level executives and leaders in the global energy sectors - with a common purpose to bring about the sustainable transformation of the energy system. Seeing our graduates making meaningful contributions to energy policy in their respective governments, international organisations, NGOs, and private sectors is a tremendous privilege.” Sung Kyu Kim
Energy Policy MSc Course Convenor
Around 40% of ODL students are based in the UK, while the remaining 60% are distributed across 148 countries worldwide.
Support available for Online Distance Learning students
Support available for ODL students includes:
- access to dedicated Student Success Advisors available to support students weekdays 8.30am-5.00pm UK time
- access to online library resources and learning materials, including eBooks, journals, newspapers, and databases
- a dedicated ODL Librarian who can provide specialist academic skills support to students, including a programme of brief courses that students can participate in online or engage with as a self-study resource; supported by optional live sessions throughout the module
- support and guidance through a Canvas student support module which includes both generic and course-specific information.
Typical class sizes
Class sizes will vary. We aim to maintain a tutor-student ratio of approximately 1:50 students. However, for some activities, the group sizes could be larger or smaller.
How ODL courses are funded
ODL courses are open to both self-funded and employer-sponsored students. Students who are self-funded can choose between two payment plans. They can either:
- pay the fees in one payment at the start of their course, or
- pay for each module as they study.
Funding options are also available, including Student Finance England postgraduate loans.
Employees at the University of Sussex or are eligible for a 20% discount off the standard tuition fees for online Masters-level courses, subject to meeting requirements. Find out more.