Balancing study alongside work, family, and everyday life isn't always straightforward.

Whether you're working full time, raising a family, working shifts, or juggling multiple commitments, finding time to study can feel like one more thing to fit into an already busy schedule.

The good news is that Kaplan offers a range of study methods, including OnDemand, Classroom, Live Online, and Distance Learning. This guide focuses on OnDemand and Live Online – two flexible study options designed to help you fit learning around your existing commitments.

Rather than asking, "How do I find more time to study?", a more helpful question might be, "Which study method fits the time I already have?"

Whichever study method you choose with Kaplan, you'll benefit from expertly designed learning, comprehensive study materials, and dedicated learner support. The key is finding the approach that matches your lifestyle, learning preferences, and the time you have available.

Why your schedule matters when choosing a study method

When people struggle to keep up with studying, it isn't always because they lack motivation. Sometimes, their study method simply doesn't fit the reality of their daily life.

If your study schedule regularly clashes with work, family commitments, or other responsibilities, staying consistent can become much more difficult. In fact, research conducted by Kaplan in 2026 found that 30% of people considering self-study for a professional qualification said flexibility, pace, or the ability to fit learning around work and family commitments was the main factor influencing their decision.

Choosing a study method that works with your routine, rather than against it, can remove unnecessary barriers and help you build study into your life more naturally.

If you need to study around an unpredictable schedule

Some learners have a predictable routine. Others don't.

If you work irregular hours, rotating shifts, travel frequently, or have caring responsibilities, fitting study around a fixed timetable can sometimes be challenging.

OnDemand learning is often well suited to learners who need the freedom to study whenever opportunities arise.

Because your learning materials are available online, you can choose when to study, whether that's before an early shift, during a quiet afternoon, or later in the evening.

OnDemand learning may suit you if you:

• Work shifts or irregular hours
• Have changing family commitments
• Travel regularly for work
• Prefer to study whenever time becomes available
• Like progressing at your own pace

One of the biggest advantages of OnDemand learning is the ability to pause, replay, and revisit learning materials whenever it helps your understanding. If you need more time to master a topic, you can review it as often as you need before moving on.

Although you study independently, you'll still have access to Kaplan's expert tutors, 362 days a year, including evenings and weekends, comprehensive learning resources, and learner support to keep you progressing toward your qualification.

If you prefer structure built into your week

For many learners, having dedicated study sessions in the diary makes it easier to stay focused, build momentum and keep progressing.

If you work regular office hours, or simply prefer having a consistent routine, Live Online learning combines the convenience of studying remotely with the structure of scheduled, tutor-led classes.

Rather than travelling to a learning centre, you can join live online sessions from a location that suits you while still benefiting from real-time teaching, interaction, and support.

Like any study method, Live Online also includes independent study between classes. For many courses, you'll have access to OnDemand learning through MyKaplan, giving you additional learning resources to work through in your own time. Every live session is also recorded, so you can catch up on missed classes, revisit complex topics, or review key concepts whenever you need.

Live Online learning is often well suited to learners who:

• Like having regular study sessions planned in advance
• Value live interaction with tutors
• Enjoy learning alongside other people
• Want to study remotely without travelling
• Find routine and accountability help them stay motivated

Scheduled classes can help create a regular study routine while still offering the convenience of learning online. With weekday, evening, and weekend classes available for many courses, you can choose a timetable that fits around your existing commitments. For many learners, that balance of flexibility and structure makes it easier to keep progressing towards their qualification.

There's no one-size-fits-all approach

The best study method isn't the one someone else recommends. It's the one that fits your lifestyle and helps you stay consistent.

Some learners enjoy planning their own study schedule and progressing at their own pace. Others prefer the motivation and accountability that comes from scheduled live classes.

Both approaches are designed to help you achieve the same qualification. The difference isn't the quality of teaching or support you'll receive. It's finding the study method that works best for the way you learn.

A simple way to decide

If you're not sure which study method is right for you, think about which statement sounds most like you.

OnDemand learning could be a good fit if you:

• Your free time changes from week to week.
• You need to study whenever opportunities arise.
• You prefer learning at your own pace.

Live Online learning could be a good fit if you:

• You like having study sessions scheduled into your week.
• You enjoy learning with a tutor and other learners in real time.
• You want the convenience of studying remotely.

Whichever study method you choose, Kaplan combines over 85 years of training experience with comprehensive learning resources and dedicated support 362 days a year to help you progress confidently towards your professional qualification.

Find the study method that fits your life

Whether you prefer the freedom to study at your own pace or the structure of scheduled live classes, Kaplan has a study method to suit the way you learn.

Explore our OnDemand and Live Online courses to compare your options, or start a free five-day trial to experience the learning environment before you enrol.

Take the next step towards your qualification with confidence by choosing the study method that fits your life.