How online learners at Aston Online build real connections and professional networks

A common concern many learners have before starting an online degree is whether it will feel isolating. It is an understandable worry. When people picture online learning, they often imagine sitting alone with a laptop, without the community or networking opportunities that come with a physical campus.

At Aston Online, we approach learning differently. Our programmes are designed so you feel supported, connected, and engaged from the first week. Every learner becomes part of a wider community. Through shared activities, collaborative spaces, personalised support, and a global alumni network, you’ll build professional relationships that often continue long after graduation.

Here is how our students stay connected and why online learning can be a powerful, community-driven experience.

Busting the myth that online learning is isolating

Research shows that online learning has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by flexible work patterns and technological advancements. Industry projections point to continued expansion of e-learning and online degrees through 2030. Leading analysis expects online learning to expand significantly as institutions and learners seek flexibility, digital access, and upskilling in emerging fields (source: SSRN, 2025). Distance learning can be effective and engaging when programmes encourage interaction and collaboration. For many learners, online study is the most realistic way to upskill while balancing work and personal commitments.

At Aston Online, connection is built into the learning experience. You study from your home or workplace, but you are not alone. Students participate in group discussions, interactive tasks and regular conversations with tutors and advisors. Our blog Aston Online: A premier tertiary option for future-focused learning explores how the right support can help you stay motivated and connected through each module. You’ll access your community through a dedicated digital environment designed to help you excel in your chosen programme.

The rise of online learning in higher education

As industries change, more professionals are choosing online learning to upskill or move into new roles. Employers are also recognising the value of accredited online degrees delivered by established institutions. Instead of relocating or stepping away from work, learners can study flexibly on their own schedule. This is especially important for career changers, working parents, or professionals with irregular hours.

This shift is something many of our students notice right at the beginning of their journey. “The online and part-time aspect was very attractive to me,” says Rana Nassar, Aston Online student. “The flexibility and cutting out the travel time made a big difference.”

Our Aston Online blog How online education prepares students for emerging industries highlights this shift. Employers value people who can manage their time, work independently, and use digital tools confidently. Online study naturally demonstrates these strengths.

How Aston Online learners build meaningful connections

A supportive digital learning community

Students connect through regular discussions, shared tasks, and collaborative assignments. These moments create the same sense of interaction you would find on campus. They also build communication and teamwork skills, which are valuable across all industries.

Saoudi Nouis, Executive Doctor of Business Administration DBA (Online) applicant, explains, “My application experience with Aston was smooth, supportive and highly professional. It gave me real confidence in choosing Aston for my next academic step.”

Our blog Time management strategies for busy online students gives you the tools you need to manage your time effectively. Many students create informal study groups to stay organised and support each other. These small communities often last beyond graduation.

Guidance from tutors and student advisors

Every learner receives academic and pastoral support. Tutors provide personalised feedback and answer questions, while Student Success Advisors help with planning, workload and time management. This structure reinforces a strong sense of belonging and ensures you are never navigating your degree alone.

Quality and Student Success Manager Rachel Riley explains why this support matters for online learners. “Implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based, personalised, and impactful student support model is essential,” she says. “Students usually have a lot of competing priorities, whether that be work, families, or other responsibilities – so we build our resources and methods based on that knowledge and understanding.”

This approach spans the full learning journey and is strengthened by data-led decision-making. “Our approach is built on providing a student-centric support model, spanning the entire student lifecycle and with an emphasis on the use of data and analytics to inform engagement and retention strategies.” Rachel adds that timely outreach makes a measurable difference. “By providing the right support to our online learners, at the right time, we know we can make a significant and positive difference to our students’ learning, ultimately strengthening retention and student satisfaction.”

The Student Success team contacts every learner at the start of their studies to welcome them and address any initial questions. “We reach out to all students at the start of their learning journey to welcome them and address any upfront queries or concerns,” Rachel says. This includes new students as well as those returning from a break or transitioning from previous higher education experience to online study. The team also uses analytics to identify students who may benefit from early support and intervention.

Students feel the impact of this structure. Master of Business Administration MBA (Online) student Janetta Cosenza shares: “The support from the team was exceptional. My Student Recruitment Advisor, Adam, answered all my questions promptly and checked in regularly. The personalised support truly set Aston apart.”

Our blog An international student’s experience: Studying a Doctor of Business Administration DBA (Online) shows how this support model works in practice. While each programme varies in its learning activities, the personalised support from tutors and advisors is consistent across all Aston Online programmes.

A global classroom

One of the most valued aspects of online learning is the diversity of the cohort. Students join from across the UK and abroad, bringing different professional backgrounds and cultural perspectives. This mix enriches discussions and widens your professional network.

Many students describe this global perspective as one of the most rewarding parts of their degree.

Virtual networking at Aston Online

Collaborative assignments and shared problem-solving

Many modules include group work. These tasks encourage learners to share ideas, divide responsibilities, and solve problems together. They also offer experience in digital collaboration, a growing requirement in modern workplaces.

Live sessions and discussion forums

Depending on your programme, some modules include live sessions, allowing learners to interact directly with tutors and classmates. Many students continue these conversations in discussion forums, creating ongoing dialogue and connection.

Career support and guidance

Aston Online students receive guidance through dedicated Student Advisors and structured support within each module. Many also use the Aston for Life alumni platform after graduation to access networking spaces, sector communities, and career-focused resources.

Industry partnerships and real-world engagement

Aston Online programmes are designed with career outcomes in mind. Many include case studies, hands-on tasks, and exposure to real industry challenges. This approach ensures that students understand how to apply what they have learned and feel confident in linking theory to practice.

The sense of support and clarity begins early in the journey. Sergio Oliveira, DBA applicant, shared: “From the very first interaction, I felt the team genuinely cared about aligning the programme with my goals. The process felt collaborative instead of transactional.”

Our blog How online education prepares students for emerging industries explains how Aston’s programmes help learners build relevant skills that employers look for. Many students meet classmates working in similar fields, which often leads to informal mentorship and professional collaboration.

Building networks outside the online classroom

Connections often grow naturally outside formal coursework. Students join online study groups, subject-specific communities, and professional associations related to their field of study. Many participate in online career events or workshops where they meet peers with similar goals.

Aston University graduates share insights and testimonials about their experiences. This gives current learners a clear view of what is possible after graduation.

Alumni engagement strengthens these networks further. Sorin Pamfil, Executive Doctor of Business Administation DBA (Online) candidate (2025 cohort), described his experience, “From my first enquiry, Aston stood out for its clarity and personalised support. Choosing Aston felt like joining a community genuinely invested in my academic growth.”

Interested in exploring our digital campus? Here’s all you need to know.

The Aston for Life alumni network

Becoming an Aston Online graduate connects you to a lifelong community. Through the Aston for Life platform, alumni gain access to:

• sector-specific communities
• expert-led videos, articles, and podcasts
• mentoring networks
• career tools and global job listings
• exclusive events and development opportunities

You also receive a 20% scholarship on any future Aston master's degree, helping you continue your learning journey affordably.

Alumni can access Aston’s online library, which includes eBooks, journals, and databases to support ongoing professional growth.

If you are in the UK, you can take advantage of on-campus benefits, including discounted sports memberships and access to specialist health clinics.

These resources mean that your connection to Aston does not end at graduation. You remain part of a global community that continues to grow and support your ambitions.

Find out about the online alumni benefits in our blog Benefits of being an Aston University Online alumni.

Why online learning with Aston Online supports your career

Online study suits a wide range of learners. Whether you are balancing work, caring responsibilities or personal commitments, flexible learning helps you stay in control of your schedule. Aston Online gives you a structured, supportive path to build skills, confidence, and meaningful industry connections. ​​“The flexibility of being able to study fully online, at my own pace, made it the perfect choice,” says Chris Bowen, current Bachelor of Science in Computer Science BSc (Online) student.

You learn alongside motivated professionals, access specialist support and join a global alumni network that offers long-term value. Through each module of your programme, you strengthen your professional identity and expand your network.

With us, you join a connected learning community with clear pathways to build relationships, gain industry-aligned skills, and grow your career.

If you are ready to study flexibly while feeling supported and connected, explore our full range of online programmes and discover how they can help you move forward.