Herpetology online course - yes or no?

[just_one_more]

I have been looking into doing a online or college course to learn more but I can't seem to find much other than zoology.

I came across this site and says you do it online just wondering if its just a complete waste of money or not please give feedback
Study Online Herpetology Diploma Course

Thanks

[Steveokernow]

I'd say pretty much any distance learning courses are a waste of money and just a con.
Go to a proper colege/uni and actually study, it's way more widely recognised that way and will get you a lot further.

I know its different but I did a distance learning course in web design that ended up costing me £5k, and enabled me to do absolutely jack. No employers would recognise it at all. So I went and got a proper degree and never looked back.

If you're serious about it, go to uni. Good luck!

[kimmie86]

I would love to do a course, but there are no uni's near me that do the course, and i have children so cant move to a uni.

[olivine]

Originally Posted by Steveokernow

I'd say pretty much any distance learning courses are a waste of money and just a con.
Go to a proper colege/uni and actually study, it's way more widely recognised that way and will get you a lot further.

I know its different but I did a distance learning course in web design that ended up costing me £5k, and enabled me to do absolutely jack. No employers would recognise it at all. So I went and got a proper degree and never looked back.

If you're serious about it, go to uni. Good luck!

Not necessarily: it all depends on the accreditation. If the course is accredited by a reputable organisation, e.g. a good university (not a dodgy online one from the US) or respected institution, then the course might well be recognised by employers etc.

OP: before signing up for anything, check out the accreditation. What institution is backing the course? And exactly what is the extent of their involvement (i.e. make sure that they're not just being paid so that the company offering the course can stick a logo on a website)? Pay particular attention to who's validating / running the assessments. If it's clear that it's a reputable uni etc that's involved in the scheme and is validating the qualifications in some way, then it's probably OK. If, on the other hand, it's just a company that's running the course, then it may well be a waste of time and money.

[martindean30]

im interested in that course too, is it worth the money?

[Dingle87]

Originally Posted by martindean30

im interested in that course too, is it worth the money?

[Crestie Chris]

My friend has done one of these home learning courses and regrets it totally, I am personally hoping to do a zoology course in september, this covers a wide range of animals, behaviour, genes, habitat, etc. and I then plan to go on and specialise in reptiles

EDIT: I am going to go to a local uni so I don't have to build up costs on things like accommodation.

[serpentsupplies]

it seems to be linked to quite few good societies.

[bigeyedfrog]

Just because it is online does not mean that it is a sham or you are not going to get the same qualifications as if you went to uni i went and hated every min of it i should have done an online course and worked at the same time to get cash i say if it makes you happy go for it

[..:: F1D0 ::..]

1 thing gives it away. Why would a herpetology course be recognised by the kennel club? Theres always one to find out for sure, give the london zooalogical society a call and see if they recognise the qualification or not.