So you have decided to study. A decision you haven't taken lightly. No matter what your reasons for studying there are a few things you might like to consider before embarking on this journey.

• Can you commit to study?
  Before you enrol in a course or begin classes, you might like to ask yourself, “Do I really want to study at this point in time?” Why am I studying? “Can I commit to studying, reading, attending classes and completing assessment tasks week after week?” You might also like to consider how you will manage or find the time to study. You may need to look at how you currently use your time and think about what you may need to do or what changes you may need to make in order to practically fit study into your daily life.

• Do you current work responsibilities allow you to meet your study commitments?
  Something to also consider is whether your current role requirements or work responsibilities will allow you to meet your study commitments. If you work commitments change and you find that there are times when you are unable to attend classes you might want to check out whether the institution where you choose to study has a compulsory or minimum attendance criteria. You might also find it helpful to discuss your study needs with your manager and maybe explore some options of adopting flexible or alternate work practices or other ways that you can work that will enable you to manage your study commitments as well.

• Do your research
  If you are considering studying because it was suggested as a good idea by someone to help you begin or advance your career, check out if this option is right for you. Things to consider may include, why was it suggested that you should study? What course was suggested? What institution was suggested or recommended? What advantages will studying this course or at this institution have in comparison to those who do not study? Finally try to find out why studying a particular course or at an institution will be the most beneficial for your future career? To get the most out of you research you may need to think about speaking to a few people including those who may have already completed the same course, are currently studying the course, teachers and lecturers. It is also handy to speak with a few of people from different institutions where a similar course is offered.
  
• Do your current personal circumstances and/or responsibilities allow you to effectively study?
  When one person in a family or household undertakes some type of study, everyone experiences the study as well, not just the student. So before you begin your study you might like to think about talking with your partner, family or household members and consider whether your personal responsibilities will allow you to meet your study commitments. You might also like to think about discussing various ways that you can all work together to help meet study, work and personal commitments on a regular basis.

• Do you know what the course assessment tasks involve?- The type of course that you undertake and the institution where you choose to study will very much determine the types of assessment tasks you will be required to complete in order to achieve a qualification. You might find it useful to know as much as you can about the course assessment tasks and institution expectations before you begin a subject.
  
• Does the course require group work?
  If you have completed some form of study you may already be aware of the pros and cons of group work. While it can be a valuable learning method, it can sometimes cause frustrations for those involved. It can also take up a lot of time, something that part-time students usually don't have enough of. If the course or subject that you have chosen to study requires group work, think about establishing an effective group as early as possible. For part-time student you may want to consider sticking with a good group for as long as you can during the course of your study. It is also helpful to find a variety of ways to communicate with each other in order to complete tasks e.g. email, conference calls. Last of all, if you find that the group you are working with is no longer performing or you feel that you have been together for too long, you might like to think about moving on or changing groups.
  
• Are flexible or individual learning options available?
  Some courses or institutions will provide a variety of learning options. Some may provide distance or on-line learning. Others may provide individual or work based learning options. Before selecting the right learning option you might find to useful to understand as much as you can about how you like to learn before making a choice. There are a variety of on-line learning style questionnaires that you can access on search engines such as Yahoo or Goggle (type in the word “learning style questionnaire). Alternatively, your organisation or the institution where you are considering studying may also have access to a learning style questionnaire. If you are already aware of your preferred learning style you can use this information to select the most appropriate course and learning option for you. If you have an “activists” learning style and you need high levels of activity to remain engaged you may prefer class room learning than on-line learning. However if you have a “Reflector” style and need “what if” scenarios and time to sit back and observe your learning you may benefit from on-line or distance learning with a coach. The choice is endless.
  
• How accessible is help or assistance if required?
  The type of institution, the course and the method of study that you select will play a part in determining the level of assistance or help that you are provided. Similarly the type of teacher or lecturer that you have their overall approach and their work status (part time vs. full time teachers) will also determine the type of assistance that you may receive. Word of mouth may be useful in helping you to select the right course or institution for you, but regardless of where or what you study, try to find out how you can get help or assistance if you need it.
  
• What is the right course/tertiary institution for you?
  In Australia there are many different types of courses and places where you can study. After you have considered all of the areas above, you might like start to researching your options.

Below is a list of handy sites to help you.

If you are a member of an industry or professional body they may also have accredited and certified qualifications and courses that you can access to study. Finally, to help you do your research you can also access the website of all of the major universities and institutions across Australia.