Some subjects are naturally better suited to distance learning. The best online courses use technology to enhance learning and serve an audience that want to study online. From a course creator’s viewpoint, these topics often sell better.
Certain subjects are in high demand because they offer flexibility and strong career outcomes. From marketing to IT and business management, each area presents profitable opportunities for those developing online courses.
Top Selling Online Courses
Here’s a list of the top five subjects for online learners that attract large audiences. They’re all good choices for course creators.
1. Marketing and public relations
Why it sells: Marketing and public relations courses are highly popular because they teach essential skills for the online-first business environment. Digital marketing, social media marketing, and PR focus on how to connect with people virtually.
What makes it work online: As businesses shift more operations online, students need to understand digital behaviour and ways to reach target audiences. This creates a large market for course creators. Digital tools, project-based assignments, and real-time analytics are ideal for online learning in these subjects.
Pro tip for creators: Add practical exercises that involve running mock campaigns or using live tools like Google Analytics. Engaging with media strategies through hands-on work boosts student involvement and enhances course value.
Related: Digital Marketing Courses Online (Australia)
2. Information technology
Why it sells: IT courses remain in high demand due to the fast-evolving tech landscape. Coding bootcamps, cybersecurity, and data science attract professionals looking to upskill and beginners aiming to break into the field.
What makes it work online: IT courses suit virtual environments well. Students already possess the technical knowledge required to handle online coursework. Switching between theory and practical work happens naturally. For course creators, this presents an opportunity to offer highly practical skills, with specialised tracks like AI or blockchain being particularly appealing to learners.
Pro tip for creators: Offer tracks in emerging fields such as machine learning or blockchain. These specialisations attract tech-savvy professionals willing to invest in advanced learning.
Related: Information Technology Courses Online (Australia)
3. AI in journalism and content creation
Why it sells: Journalism is being reshaped by AI technologies, including tools for automating writing, generating news, and sorting data. AI is helping journalists streamline their workflows by handling tasks like transcription, data analysis, and even content curation. Courses focusing on these AI tools are in high demand as newsrooms increasingly rely on these technologies.
What makes it work online: Online courses are ideal for teaching students how to use AI-driven tools to enhance reporting, automate content creation, and apply data journalism techniques. The integration of AI into newsrooms makes these courses highly relevant, offering valuable skills for modern journalists.
Pro tip for creators: Focus on practical applications of AI, such as generative AI for news production, AI-based research, and automation tools like ChatGPT. Offering hands-on projects with AI tools will attract students looking to stay competitive in this evolving field
4. Law
Why it sells: Law may seem like a traditional subject, but shorter online certificates and diplomas have become a profitable niche. Many professionals seek law qualifications while balancing work and other commitments, making online study an attractive option.
What makes it work online: Law courses focus on reading, case analysis, and writing, all of which work well remotely. Interactive simulations and online debates can enhance student engagement, making it a valuable learning experience. Course creators can make their offerings more appealing by integrating real-world scenarios.
Pro tip for creators: Offer simulations that mimic courtroom or corporate law environments. This helps students engage with the content while giving them practical skills.
5. Business and management
Why it sells: Business and management courses, including MBAs and specialised programs, have seen growth. Many professionals choose online learning to develop their careers without leaving their jobs.
What makes it work online: Business courses cover a broad range of applications. Courses in entrepreneurship, leadership, and project management appeal to a large, diverse market. For course creators, the flexibility of online learning makes it easier to attract busy professionals who need to study on their own schedule.
Pro tip for creators: Include real-world case studies and mentorship or networking opportunities. These extras increase the course’s appeal and justify premium pricing.
Related: Business Management Courses Online (Australia)
How We Chose These Courses
These subjects were selected because they not only fit well with distance learning but also attract a large audience.
- Marketing and public relations capitalise on the growing shift to digital business.
- IT and business courses cater to industries that need up-to-date skills.
- Journalism, communications, and law provide practical knowledge that students can apply in their careers.
Focus on high-demand subjects to increase the reach of your course. Good topic selection is an important way for course creates to boost the chances of success.
Frank
We have to thank technology and all the constant advancements that have been made for us to be able to achieve smooth distance learning. I’ve been attending my MBA classes online and it has been a smooth experience.
Rachel
Journalism is probably the easiest path you can take for online learning as it doesn’t require you to really go anywhere and the schedules tend to be easy. That being said, I think there is a new wave of people and companies who will be seeking more educated journalists and I think it is a good idea to have something else you are studying.
Paul Vincent
Distance learning skyrocketed during the pandemic but that doesn’t mean that every subject is ideal for learning remotely. I’d say anything but something that involves lab work and/or clinicals can be learned online but it doesn’t mean it’s the ideal format. It’s good to see sites listing what are some good subjects. I’d like to see a list of subjects that are better suited for learning in a university setting.
Catherine
I grew up and studied in Canberra. After I graduated from the University, I moved to Hong Kong. I have been working full time as a Career Counsellor/Consultant role for 10 years time. Hence, to start an Online Degree is rather suitable to me for the time being. I am planning to choose a Counselling course where I can study online. Understood that there might be some sessions I may need to attend in person, I would like to know more details to help on my decision making and better planning. I hope you can assist me on this, such as the tuition fee, what kind of course I should take, the length of the course, etc.
Andrew Lancaster
You can find most of the info you need about studying social work on our social work course page. Because you already have a degree, a postgraduate course would be quicker. You need to choose one that enables professional accreditation. It looks like all the courses require some attendance (usually once per term). It may be possible to gain experience in Hong Kong. Suggest that you pick a uni and ask them. Requirements vary by course. Course costs for Australians are typically around $10k per year for an undergraduate course and upwards of $17k per year for postgraduate. You can get a loan to cover fees under HECS-HELP.