Six top tips on how to study online from a degree apprentice
An apprenticeship case study with Stephen Moore
Average read time: 10 mins
14 May 2026
Studying for an apprenticeship degree means simultaneously juggling work and study. The two complement each other, of course, with academic learning being applied immediately in the workplace to great success. However, as estate management graduate Stephen Moore says, “it’s not always easy” to combine degree-level study with a busy career.
This is where online learning plays a vital role. The University of the Built Environment’s digital campus offers the gift of flexibility to those balancing professional and academic commitments. Through virtual lectures, an extensive e-library, and a purpose-built virtual learning environment (VLE), students can shape their studies around their lives.
"Replacing unproductive downtime, such as doomscrolling, with short study sessions can be highly effective.”
Here, Stephen, now a negotiator at commercial estate agent Bettesworths, shares his top tips for making online learning work for busy professionals like himself.
1. Build consistency with small, manageable study sessions
Stephen quickly found that shorter, more regular study sessions worked far better than trying to carve out big chunks of time.
“By completing tasks little and often, I ensure that progress continues and that I do not fall significantly behind.
"I aim to do small amounts of additional reading throughout the week, whether that is in the morning before work, during my lunch break, or in the evening. This reading is usually focused on areas I did not fully understand during the lecture or topics that I find particularly interesting. These sessions are often only 10–15 minutes, but when done consistently over five days, they quickly add up and make a noticeable difference."
He also found that reaching for an e-book rather than his smartphone was a habit that worked in his favour: "Replacing unproductive downtime, such as doomscrolling, with short study sessions can be highly effective.”
2. Be flexible with your routine
A routine doesn't have to be a rigid, set-in-stone schedule. Stephen acknowledges that, when you are both working and studying, life inevitably gets in the way.
"Rather than working from a fixed diary, my approach is more flexible and adaptive," he said.
"Over time, this routine has become almost instinctive, allowing me to balance work and study effectively through consistency rather than rigid scheduling."
He also recognised that an agile routine accommodates natural fluctuations in motivation.
"I have also found that rainy or quieter days tend to be more productive for studying, so I try to take advantage of those periods, as motivation can naturally be lower on busy or sunny days," he said.
"Being kind to myself and avoiding unnecessary pressure has been an important part of maintaining long term consistency.
"The flexibility of online learning makes this balance possible by providing the opportunity to catch up when the time is right."
3. Make full use of 'recorded lectures'
One of the many advantages of the University's online learning model is that live lectures are recorded for those who cannot attend there and then. This is something Stephen capitalises on when juggling a hectic work/study schedule.
"While it is always beneficial to attend webinars live to fully engage and participate in discussions," Stephen said, "the ability to access recorded sessions ensures that learning can continue even when live attendance is not possible."
The crucial benefit of recorded lectures means he "can manage work and family commitments effectively without falling behind academically".
Online study also means you can catch recorded lectures wherever you are. Stephen recognises that, because we are a specialist university designed for remote learning, "appropriate systems, tools and learning resources are already in place to support this format effectively".
He said: "This flexibility allows learning to fit around professional and personal commitments without compromising the quality of the educational experience."
4. Prepare before lectures
A bit of prep beforehand makes a noticeable difference once the lecture starts, Stephen said.
"Where possible, I always try to complete my first task and some initial reading before attending the lecture, as this gives me a basic understanding of the topics being discussed," he said.
"Following the lecture, which usually takes place at the start or middle of the week, I then focus on completing the remaining tasks toward the end of the week."
5. Start assignments early and plan ahead
Stephen is not one for procrastinating. He doesn’t wait around when new assignments are released - he gets started straight away.
"Once a week, I make a point of rereading the assignment brief to ensure I remain focused on what is being asked," he said. "This also helps me to identify relevant points while working through the study material and link my wider reading directly back to the assignment criteria."
For assignments, he usually begins planning four weeks or more in advance.
"I start by outlining the structure and layout, then draft the main body of my answers while keeping a note of any references used," he said.
"Once I am satisfied with the content, I add citations, refine the word count, finalising the work against the marking rubric."
He added: "The final stage involves organising and formatting my references in line with the University’s referencing guide to ensure accuracy and consistency."
6. Use online tools to deepen your learning
Beyond lectures, it’s the day-to-day use of online tools that really supports his progress, and he recommends making full use of these - especially the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
"The VLE is central to my studies and acts as the main hub for all learning materials," he said.
The platform provides access to a wide range of resources, including module content, guidance and additional study materials. There is a significant amount of supporting information available through the e-library, which has been particularly valuable in helping me develop my understanding of different topics.
"I especially value the e-library’s eBook access", Stephen said, "as it allows me to explore books and resources that I may not otherwise have been able to access. Often, I come across material that expands my understanding beyond the core syllabus and supports wider reading around the subject."
He said that he also regularly uses iSurv, which he finds "helpful due to its professional articles and RICS certified tools" and because the resources are "directly relevant" to his studies and professional development.
He also recommends having a nose around the virtual environment: "I sometimes spend time simply exploring the VLE, as there is a wide variety of material available. I am frequently discovering new resources that support both my academic progress and my interest in the property sector, which reinforces independent learning and continuous development."
Aside from the benefits of our online study model, being able to apply what he's learning directly to his work has accelerated his career, Stephen said.
"The structure of the course aligned closely with my work responsibilities, allowing me to apply academic theory directly to live transactions. As a result, I became increasingly confident, autonomous and commercially aware, which led to my rapid progression into a full-time negotiator role within a relatively short period."
If you’re thinking about studying alongside your career, take a look at the University of the Built Environment’s online courses and find out what flexible learning could look like for you.
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