How to maximise your time when studying a graduate diploma in project management online

Are you about to start studying online and want to know how to make the most of your time? Studying for a graduate diploma in project management online will require lots of discipline, routine, and time set aside, but there are a few additional tips that will allow you to maximise your time, including creating the perfect study space and taking advantage of online resources. We have detailed our top tips below to help you get the most out of your course and maximise your time! Let’s dive in to see how you can transform your time on your graduate diploma in project management online. 

Create the perfect study space 

First, you want the perfect space where you can study. Your study space will vary depending on where you prefer to work, but a dedicated study space is best. This allows you to store all your books, laptops, and other materials in one place, giving you room to spread out and work without interruptions. For some, this will be a dedicated office space, while others might commandeer part of their dining room table. It is important to find what works for you and your studying. 

Your study space also does not need to be in your house. You might choose to work in a local cafe or library, where you can enjoy a change of scenery and a break from the distractions at home! 

Build a realistic schedule 

One of the best ways to maximise your time is to create a study schedule. The schedule needs to be realistic, taking into account any commitments you have, like work or childcare. When building your schedule, use the estimated time frame provided by the course provider to see how many hours you should set aside to complete the unit. 

When you create your schedule, consider when you are most productive and the time you can commit each day or week to study. You should also consider how you will study if emergencies crop up during your allotted study time. Your schedule should be realistic, considering your attention span and allow for regular breaks to prevent burnout. 

Utilise digital tools 

Online courses rely on digital tools and resources for your studies, and all of these can be accessed from the day you enrol. We recommend utilising these as soon as you can to improve your studies. These digital tools and resources will help you prepare for classes, complete assignments, and deepen your knowledge. 

There are also digital tools that will help you stay on track and remain organised through your studies. Anything from productivity apps to a simple spreadsheet can be beneficial to see your due dates and create a study schedule. When your course begins, we recommend taking some time to organise your coursework and resources and any note-taking apps that can help you take notes during lectures without falling behind! 

Use online discussions 

Most online project management courses will have discussion pages or forums that allow you to discuss the topics in your classes and share resources. These can be vital, especially if you are returning to education after a break or are looking for some guidance. The discussion boards will usually be managed by your course provider, too, and there might be professors there to answer questions and provide guidance. 

Connect with others

Through these discussion boards and other course provisions, you can connect with other students in your course. Connecting with other students in your project management course is the perfect way to avoid feeling isolated during your studies. These other students can offer support and guidance, helping to motivate you through your online course. While every student's experience will be different, from these interactions, you might set up virtual study sessions with one another. 

Develop your time management skills 

To excel in an online course and maximise your time, you will need excellent time management skills. Time management can be a tricky skill to master, especially if you have several commitments to juggle outside of your course, but we do have some tips that can help with your time management skills:

• Create a timetable for your study schedule, including due dates and important tasks 
• Prioritise your tasks based on their importance and due dates 
• Break larger tasks into smaller chunks that are more manageable 
• Focus on one task at a time to increase productivity 
• Set realistic goals with time slots for each task 

Set clear goals 

Having clear goals set can help keep you focused while studying and ensures that you are using your time wisely. These goals can be related to completing assignments or small tasks that you need to complete during the day, but having a goal in mind can help you remain focused and motivated while studying. When setting goals, we recommend having a reward too. The reward would be as simple as your favourite meal or an evening off from studying, but it can provide valuable motivation and allow you to enjoy some downtime after studying. 

Take regular breaks 

Regular breaks can sound counter productive, but it is one of the best ways to stay focused. How you choose to take these breaks is up to you, but you could try techniques like the Pomodoro Technique. This involves you working for 25 minutes and taking a 5-minute break, designed to help you improve your studying by breaking it into smaller, more manageable chunks. You might find you can work for longer without a break, but we still recommend taking several breaks throughout the day. 

During these breaks, you might want to move away from your desk, exercise or complete other tasks, or enjoy a quick social media scroll. Regular breaks allow your brain to rest, meaning you can return to studying without feeling overwhelmed or burning out. These breaks are essential for your physical and mental health and you should listen to your body while studying. If you need to take a longer break, then take it! It is better to be well rested and return to studying than to power through without a break and make yourself unwell. 

Set aside time to speak to instructors 

Every online project management course will have instructors or professors that you can speak to throughout the course. Many will inform you at the start of the course about their contactable hours and how you can speak to them. We recommend taking advantage of this to ask any questions you have and get the support that you need to complete your course. Remember, these instructors are here to help you! 

Start your online project management course today

A graduate diploma in project management online course can seem daunting, but with our guidance, you can maximise your time when studying and ace the course! When choosing your online course, we recommend checking out ECU. ECU offers an excellent graduate diploma in project management, with plenty of resources to choose from and flexibility to enjoy. Check out their graduate diploma in project management online today!