What is blended learning?

Blended learning has become increasingly popular due to its flexibility, convenience, and ability to cater to a wide range of learning styles, making it an ideal choice for those who have busy schedules or live far away from campus

Blended learning, also known as hybrid learning, combines the best aspects of traditional classroom teaching with online activities to provide a more engaging learning experience.

As opposed to fully remote courses, the blended approach involves using a mix of online educational materials, such as videos, podcasts, and elearning modules, alongside face-to-face interactions with teachers and peers to create a flexible and interactive learning environment that can be tailored to the needs of individual students.

This approach has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its ability to provide a more personalised learning journey. According to the Luminate Early Careers Survey 2023, 36% of undergraduates and 41% of postgraduates are currently enrolled in a form of hybrid or online study.

What are the benefits of blended learning?

Hybrid courses provide learners with a number of benefits, as online activities can be highly engaging. Collaborative projects, gamified elements, and self-paced quizzes allow for immediate feedback, and you can also take control of your learning journey by re-visiting concepts for deeper understanding, ultimately fuelling your motivation and desire to succeed. Other benefits of blended learning courses include:

• increased accessibility for those with time constraints
• personalised learning speed through self-paced online components
• diverse learning opportunities such as interactive materials and simulations.

Blended learning offers the advantage of a flexible learning environment where you can choose a quiet and comfortable space suited to your needs. This reduces commuting time and allows you to learn around your schedule.

What hybrid courses are available?

Institutions specialising in online learning, such as The Open University and Arden University and universities known for traditional teaching offer a range of blended undergraduate degrees across various disciplines, providing students with an adaptable study experience.

Examples of blended Bachelors courses in 2024/25 include:

• Adult Nursing BSc - the University of Sunderland
• Applied Education Studies BA - the University of Bedfordshire
• Business Management BA - London South Bank University
• Midwifery BSc  - the University of Leeds
• Primary Education Studies BA - Anglia Ruskin University
• Public Health BSc - The University of Manchester

Given the increased responsibility of engaging with learning off-campus, universities offer a variety of blended postgraduate courses. Blended Masters programmes include:

• Ageing MSc - Lancaster University
• Adult Nursing MSc - Coventry University
• Biomedical Science MSc - Keele University
• Global Executive MBA - The University of Manchester                                                                               
• Prevention, Population Health and Leadership MSc - Bangor University

There are also continuing professional development (CPD) courses available from a variety of institutions in a blended format, such as:

• Diagnosis and Decision Making in Advanced Practice - University of Stirling
• Injectables in Aesthetic Medicine (BCDG) - the University of Manchester
• Pre-Hospital Critical Care PGCert - the University of Lincoln
• Research Methods in Applied Psychology - the University of Edinburgh

 To find a blended course to suit you, search for online courses.

Who is best suited for hybrid learning?

According to the Luminate Early Careers Survey 2023, students who study full time are more likely to study in person or face-to-face (74%), while part-time students are more likely to be enrolled in an online learning course (15%). This suggests that those with additional commitments such as work or caring responsibilities prefer online learning due to its flexibility.

Blended learning is also beneficial for those with access arrangements, as it promotes a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, as you can choose a location that is conducive to learning and helps you concentrate better. Whether it's your bedroom, a library, or a coffee shop, you can pick a spot where you feel comfortable and focused, so you can make the most out of the course.

How much does blended learning cost?

Hybrid learning can help to reduce the costs associated with traditional classroom teaching, such as travel and accommodation expenses for students who live far away from campus. The tuition fees for hybrid courses can also sometimes be slightly cheaper than traditional in-person programmes, as they reduce the expenses of using university facilities and the additional cost of lecturers.

However, courses are often more expensive than fully remote courses due to the addition of in-person components. For example, the BSc in Public Health from the University of Manchester and the Biomedical Science MSc from Keele University are both set at the standard £9,250 per academic year.

In contrast, the total cost of The Open University's BSc in Nursing, in partnership with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is £27,750, while blended undergraduate degrees from Arden University are also the standard £9,250 per year.

View our guidance on student loans and finance.

Find out more

• Explore our guide to online learning.
• Read about choosing an online learning platform.