Masters Vs Cohort-Based Learning: Which is Better for Architects and Engineers?

In this article, we will understand what Online Cohort-based Courses are, how they differ from traditional methods of learning, and finally reach a conclusion as to which one is better.

What Is Cohort Based Learning?

Cohort-based learning is an educational approach in which a group of learners move through a course, or a series of courses, together as a team. The term usually refers to online or hybrid courses with collaborative elements.

The learning model can be compared to how learning happens in a school and higher education setting, where students complete the syllabus together, at the same pace.

What is a Masters Degree?

A master's degree is an academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery of a specific field of study or area of professional practice.

A Masters in Architecture allows you to develop your skills in both the practical and theoretical aspects of the subject, and prepares students for a range of architecture careers.

The Rise of Cohort-Based Courses

Cohort-based Courses are a part of the fourth-wave of online education. Let us understand their evolution and how they achieved popularity.

(Phase 1) The MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses)

The era of online education kicked off in 2008 with the launch of the first MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses). Pioneered by Elite Universities like Harvard and MIT through the EdX platform, these online platforms brought courses that were already taught offline into an online environment.

(Phase 2) The MarketPlaces

The launch of “marketplaces” as an online form of learning began in 2010. They were led by for-profit companies like Udemy and Skillshare, and aimed to create a platform where anyone could create a course they wanted. This allowed independent instructors (not just professors with PhDs) to create courses and offer it for sale around the world.

(Phase 3) The Toolkits

Led by companies like Thinkific, Kajabi, and Teachable, The Toolkits started to gain popularity in around 2014. These platforms aimed to adopt an “instructor-friendly” approach, and treated the course creators as their most important customers, which is drastically in contrast to the marketplaces, who treated them as mere suppliers.

(Phase 4) Cohort-Based Learning

Finally, the fourth wave started with the rise of “cohort-based courses”, referring to a group of learners who join an online course and then navigate it at the same pace. 

Advantages of Cohort-Based Learning

There are several advantages to Cohort-based Courses, or CBC’s, due to which they are slowly gaining momentum and popularity. Some of them are mentioned below:

Increased Accountability

Cohort-based courses encourage learners to complete their assignments by specified deadlines at the same pace. This makes the learners accountable to complete their assignments on time, as opposed to non cohort-based courses which lack deadlines, feedback, and accountability.

In-depth Learning

The smaller audience and real-time nature of online cohort-based courses allow instructors and course curators to delve deeper into the chosen subjects. This makes the courses more targeted, specific, and relevant.

Importance of Applied Learning

Since online cohort-based courses utilise more interactive teaching methods than lecture-style courses, they prioritise applied learning more. It is common to find Capstone Projects and Portfolio Projects at the end of these courses which give the learners practical training.

Community Building

The biggest advantage of online cohort-based courses is the community it aims to build. Discussion Boards, Group Projects, and additional collaborative learning methods ensure participants can learn from each other.

Key Difference between Masters & Cohort Based learning

Cost / Return on Investment

Online courses are typically less expensive compared to a traditional masters degree taught in universities. This can be accounted for by the lack of access to infrastructure, libraries, labs and other on-campus facilities that traditional courses have.

Accessibility

With an online course, students and professionals can learn from anywhere in the world and get access to Industry leaders all over the world. This chance to learn from globally renowned teachers and mentors can be of huge advantage to young learners.

When compared to a traditional masters degree which only allows students to learn from teachers who live in that particular region, online cohort-based courses give the learners a chance to learn from mentors all around the world, who are actually working in the Industry.

Time invested

Unlike going for a traditional Masters programme, working professionals need not quit their full-time jobs to be able to do an online course. Most online courses are part-time and only require professionals to dedicate a limited number of hours in a week.

The time that you devote for an online course will also be shorter when compared with a Masters programme.

Still confused? Check out: Post Graduation Plans: Should I Start Working or Go for Architecture Masters?

So, Which One is Better for Architects and Engineers?

• Learning while doing your job as jobs are not that well paying in the field of Architecture.

• More practical learning than theoretical. A focus on Capstone and Portfolio projects for deeper understanding of the subject.

• Cheaper education to justify the Return on Investment.

Considering all these factors, what works best for Architects is : Cohort-based learning

Want to know more about this? Check out: Is a Master's Degree In Architecture Worth It? 5 Things to Consider Before Making Your Decision

How to Choose the Perfect Cohort-Based Course?

So, here are some pointers you should keep in mind while searching for your institute:

1. Experienced Mentors

The reputation of the institution is the primary factor when choosing your course, but so is its teaching team. You should make sure that the course you choose has some of the most qualified teachers in the sector teaching you.

2. Compatibility with Your Professional Career Path

This is important so that the timeline of the course allows you to learn the course and upskill yourself without having to devote excessive hours into it daily. This ensures you don’t leave your full-time job.

3. Professional Certifications

It is important to have a certificate that can back your skills, especially if you want to work in a foreign country. It is also beneficial when the course helps you build your professional portfolio.

4. Collaborative Work 

Look for training that stimulates your collaborative side. Designing and building is a job that involves many agents and stakeholders, as it is an interdisciplinary and collaborative task. And that’s what you’re going to have to deal with in a real project. The sooner you become familiar with this way of working, the better.

To know more about cohort-based learning, see how Novatr does it:

So that’s it! Join our cohort-based Master Computational Design for Real-World Application or BIM Professional Course if you want to learn through this method.  Take advantage of live lectures, recorded sessions, and your final capstone project to master these complex methodologies.

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