Top 5 Most Popular Online Courses
Popular online courses help students develop career skills while studying around work and other commitments. Marketing, information technology, AI, law, and business management all offer subjects that can be taught effectively online.
Your choice depends on the skills you want to gain and the work you want to do. Options range from short courses focused on a specific tool to university qualifications for a career change or promotion.
Popular Subjects for Online Courses
Here are five subject areas worth considering for online study. Our selection reflects career relevance and suitability for online delivery rather than a measured enrolment ranking.
1. Marketing and public relations
Demand for digital skills: Marketing and public relations courses teach essential skills for the online-first business environment. Digital marketing, social media marketing, and PR focus on how to connect with people virtually.
Digital tools and analytics: Students can study audience behaviour, develop campaigns, and measure results online. Project-based assignments and real-time analytics connect course content directly to marketing work.
Look for campaign assignments: Choose a course that includes campaign planning, audience research, and tools like Google Analytics. Completed projects can demonstrate your skills to employers or clients.
Related: Digital Marketing Courses Online (Australia)
2. Information technology
Skills for tech careers: IT courses respond to the fast-evolving tech landscape. Coding bootcamps, cyber security, and data science attract professionals looking to upskill and beginners aiming to break into the field.
Coding projects and virtual labs: Students can complete software projects and technical exercises on their own computers. Beginner courses can teach the required skills from scratch, allowing learners to move between theory and applied work.
Match the course to your experience: Beginners should look for clear entry requirements and introductory coding or computing lessons. Experienced learners can specialise in areas such as generative AI, cloud computing, or cyber security.
Related: Information Technology Courses Online (Australia)
3. AI in journalism and content creation
AI skills for publishing: Journalism and content creation are changing as AI tools become part of everyday workflows. Journalists and publishers use AI for tasks such as transcription, summarisation, data analysis, and drafting. Courses that teach effective use of these tools address a growing training need.
Software-based learning: Students can practise directly in AI tools to enhance reporting, assist content creation, and apply data journalism techniques. Training should also teach source verification, accuracy checks, and protection of confidential information.
Check the editorial content: Look for assignments that combine AI tools with source checking and human editing. A useful course should teach you to produce accurate content and protect confidential information.
4. Law
Legal knowledge for professionals: Shorter online certificates and diplomas allow students to develop legal knowledge without committing to a full law degree. Many professionals seek legal knowledge or qualifications while balancing work and other commitments, making online study an attractive option.
Case analysis and online debate: Law courses focus on reading, case analysis, and writing, all of which work well remotely. Interactive simulations and online debates help students apply legal principles to real-world scenarios.
Check jurisdiction and recognition: Choose a course relevant to the legal system where you work. Short courses can build legal knowledge, but qualifying as a lawyer requires an approved qualification and completion of admission requirements.
5. Business and management
Career development: Business and management courses, including MBAs and specialised programs, attract professionals who want to develop their careers without leaving their jobs.
Flexible professional learning: Courses in entrepreneurship, leadership, and project management appeal to students across many industries. Online delivery allows busy professionals to study around work and other commitments.
Choose relevant assessments: Look for case studies and projects connected to your work or career goals. Mentoring and networking opportunities may also add value, especially in postgraduate management courses.
Related: Business Management Courses Online (Australia)
How We Chose These Courses
Our selection prioritises subjects that work well through distance learning and appeal to people developing career skills.
- 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.
- AI in journalism and content creation addresses changing workflows, while law courses offer knowledge that professionals can apply in their work.
Choose an online course based on the skills, qualification, and learning support you need. Check entry requirements, assessment tasks, and recognition before enrolling.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.