Online Study
Online Study at ECU
Choose the flexibility of studying online for many of our courses. This includes online degrees in areas like nursing, psychology, law, nutrition and masters courses.
At ECU we understand that everyone has different work arrangements, different family responsibilities, different locations or even different learning styles.
So why not balance your study with family and/or work commitments?
Not being on campus doesn't mean we'll forget you either. Over 5,000 of our students are studying online courses, and they're well supported too.
Why ECU?
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THE Impact Rankings ECU has been ranked number 6 in the world for Gender Equality and number 11 for Quality Education in the 2019 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.
The rankings show how the global higher education sector is working towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
ECU is ranked in the top 50 overall, and also features at #22 for Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and #28 for Good Health and Well-being.
Read more about the THE Impact Rankings
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Good Universities Guide In the 2019 Good Universities Guide, ECU graduates have given us a 5-star rating for:
- Teaching quality
- Skills development
- Student support
- Learning resources
- Median salary (based on the starting salary for new domestic graduates under age 25, and in their first full-time job.)
The 5-star rating for teaching quality has now been achieved for 12 years in a row. We're one of only two public universities in Australia to have achieved such a consistently high endorsement.
Read more about the Good Universities Guide.
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THE Young University Rankings ECU has been ranked in the world's top 150 universities under 50 years old in the 2019 Times Higher Education (THE) Young Universities Rankings.
Young universities are measured on their teaching, research, citations, international outlook and industry income.
These are the same performance indicators as measured in the overall THE World University Rankings.
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QILT rankings ECU received the top undergraduate teaching quality ranking of all public universities in the Australian Governments 2019 QILT (Quality Indicators for Learning & Teaching) survey.
We're also the top-ranked Australian public university for skills development and overall educational experience (based on two-year aggregated results).
ECU also ranked best in Australia across these disciplines for teaching quality, skills development, student support, quality of educational experience and overall educational experience:
- Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences
- Rehabilitation
- Creative Arts
- Teacher Education
Read more about the QILT survey.
How it works
Online study is delivered via our virtual learning environment called 'Blackboard'.
Your student email account is used for most correspondence, e.g. exam information or unit updates from course coordinators and tutors.
If you're not too far from an ECU campus, you can also access campus facilities and learning support services.
If not, some support services can still be accessed online.
Hitting the books
You can purchase textbooks from a Co-Op Shop on one of our campuses, or better still, order them from their online shop .
Resources are also available to online students via the ECU Library.
Our library databases and online catalogue enable you to conduct research online.
And if you live more than 50km from an ECU campus, Library staff can provide you with copies of journal articles and books, including posting publications to your home address.
Doing exams
You can register your attendance at one of our examination centre locations using 'SIMO', our Student Information Management Online system.
If you live further then 80km from an examination centre, you simply need to nominate someone to supervise your exams and you can do them at home.
SIMO is also your 'go to' place for enrolling in units, checking unit results and looking up exam timetables.
Courses
At ECU you can study online degrees, diplomas and even some doctorates.
Some of our courses are ideal for distance study as they're completely online.
Others, like Engineering or Paramedicine for example, have practical, hands-on units that require you to spend some time on-campus and/or on an industry-specific placement.
Theory-based units can be completed online to complement the ones you have to complete on-campus.
Back to Blackboard
Your lecturers will use our 'Blackboard' system to teach your online units.
All units have a site on Blackboard where you can access unit plans and materials, as well as your lecturer's contact details.
Here, you can submit assignments and view your marks for completed ones.
For an increasing number of units, you can also listen to recordings of the lectures – it's just like being there.
Blackboard also features a discussion board, wiki, blogs, journals and ePortfolios.
Download a guide
If you prefer paper over pixels, please download one of our guides.
Become World Ready
Experience Online Study at ECU.
Scholarships
With the support of a scholarship, we can help you realise your ambitions by improving your financial situation and enabling you to successfully complete your course.
A scholarship can make all the difference if you're undertaking longer term study, like a Masters or PhD.
Scholarships are also offered on an annual basis through a range of awards or fellowships outside of ECU.
Explore your options
Belinda Owen, Master of Occupational Health & Safety student, talks about the flexibility offered by online study.
Student
stories
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"The knowledge I have learned has really improved my capabilities and I have noticed a confidence in my practice"
Amy DixonECU postgraduate Neurological Rehabilitation student I am currently working in physiotherapy and wanted to specialise in neurological rehabilitation. I chose ECU as it was the only university in WA offering postgrad studies designed for increasing knowledge in neurological rehabilitation.
I am enjoying studying online and the weekly modules are motivating. The content is relevant and thought provoking, and there are are plenty of opportunities to collaborate with peers using the discussion board.
The knowledge I have learned has really improved my capabilities and I have noticed a confidence in my practice.
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"The content covered in class has allowed me to better engage with my clients and further develop myself as a clinician"
Andrea FitzGeraldECU postgraduate Neurological Rehabilitation student I am an Occupational Therapist with a strong background in mental health, sub-acute and community services. Studying Neurological Rehabilitation at ECU really opens my career options in acute environments and provides the opportunity to specialise in an area I am passionate to work in.
Having the flexibility to complete the course online, with only some required face-to-face contact has been fantastic. It has provided me the opportunity to commence studies again by allowing me to fit study around work and other commitments.
ECU has a sound reputation for education and the staff have been supportive and encouraging. They are responsive to queries and continuously provide constructive and supportive feedback.
The content covered in class has allowed me to better engage with my clients and further develop myself as a clinician. It enables online interactions with peers and is a platform to network and share knowledge with one-another.