Studying online as a working professional: Student story

At King’s Digital we offer a broad range of online master’s programmes, meaning you can study anytime, anywhere. We recently spoke to Joanna Burkhart, a Global Cultures MA graduate, about her experience of studying online.  

Joanna lives in London with her husband and two children and works full-time as Associate Director of UK Programmes and Operations at Samford University’s London study centre. Read on to discover how she balanced her studies and her reflections on the online learning experience. 

What are your tips for managing your time when studying online?  

As a working parent, beginning a master’s course is really daunting when you think about integrating study into an already busy life. My advice would be that it’s all about finding a new routine. What I did was earmark one evening a week and one flexible day of the weekend for study. This meant I had two timeslots set aside for reading and research.  

I think establishing a new routine is hugely important and after a few weeks, it starts to become habitual.  

What were your favourite aspects of completing a course online and how was your experience of networking with fellow students?  

I specifically sought out an online programme because I knew I didn’t have time to commute. The flexibility was a massive plus, and I found it to be much more inclusive in many ways.  

Another positive for me was how personal it became. Again, at the beginning you think it’s just you, a remote platform, and a lot of work, but you establish a community very quickly. We still have a WhatsApp group called Global Cultures Besties! You’ll build connections and be amazed at how much richer your network is as you progress through the course.  

What would you say were the most valuable skills you gained from your master’s degree and how were you able to apply them to your work?  

It’s been hugely valuable. The subject material relates closely to the teaching that we do with our study abroad students.  More broadly, part of my role is placing American students in work placements all around London, and it’s sometimes a massive culture shock for them. I think the way we talked about what shapes culture and how we can better understand cultural differences has helped me to support students who are having those very real experiences. The synergy between the theoretical content and lived experiences has been much more vivid and accessible than I’d expected, and it continues to surprise me. 

Thank you to Joanna for sharing your experiences with us! 

The online Global Cultures MA equips you with vital interpersonal and cultural skills—such as creativity, empathy, and the ability to navigate diverse contexts—that are increasingly in demand in today's interconnected world. Study 100% online and part-time with King's Digital: