Revealed: What kind of learner are you? (And courses to match)
Are you looking to study, but struggling to choose a course? Our learning styles play a big role, not only in how we learn, but in what we might be drawn to study. Find out what kind of learner you are, and discover short courses and degrees to match!
One of the best things about modern approaches to learning is that we’ve become better at recognising that different people learn differently—and that some types of study and subject matter will work better for individuals based on their learning style.
For many of us, that means that where pursuing university studies might have seemed intimidating or stressful in the past, now we can match our chosen study path with the way we learn. But first, you need to understand exactly who you are as an aspiring student—which can lead you towards exciting courses and degrees that will work best with your learning style!
If you had to pick, would you rather spend your long weekend curled up with a book, doing something physical, listening to a great podcast or watching your favourite shows?
The VARK Method
Your answer might hint at which of the ‘VARK’ learning styles you match.
The ‘VARK method’ is one of the most well-known theories of learning, and it categorises learners into four types—visual, auditory, reading/writing and kinaesthetic.
Visual learners
Visual learners like to learn by seeing information, for example through videos, diagrams, charts or in action. They might be drawn to studying subjects like visual arts or design, science, or even film and media studies.
Courses for visual learners:
Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design)Who’s offering it? Curtin UniversityEnrol by: 25 May, 2025
DrawingWho’s offering it? Curtin UniversityEnrol by: 24 August, 2025
Auditory learners
Auditory learners like hearing information, and lectures, talks, podcasts etc are all great tools.
If you’re an auditory learner, you might enjoy listening to your lectures, and engaging in discussions to drive your learning. Subjects like mathematics and even philosophy are great choices for these learners, as a lot of the materials is presented through verbal discussion and explanation.
Courses for auditory learners:
Graduate Certificate in MathematicsWho’s offering it? University of Notre DameEnrol by: 6 July, 2025
Bachelor of Arts (Major in Philosophy, Technology and the Future of Humanity)Who’s offering it? Macquarie UniversityEnrol by: 20 July, 2025
Reading/writing learners
Reading and writing learners thrive on being able to interpret information through reading content, and may express themselves best in writing.
Studying subjects like law, communications, creative writing, or even science are good options here!
Courses for reading/writing learners:
Introduction to Legal StudiesWho’s offering it: University of New EnglandEnrol by: 15 June, 2025
Master of Arts (Creative Writing)Who’s offering it: Curtin UniversityEnrol by: 20 August, 2025
Kinaesthetic learners
Kinaesthetic learners learn by doing – using their hands, bodies and physical environments to learn. These learners might be drawn to subjects like sport or physiotherapy.
Courses for kinaesthetic learners:
Exercise and Healthy LivingWho’s offering it? University of Notre DameEnrol by: 13 July, 2025
Diploma of Exercise and Sport ScienceWho’s offering it? University of Notre DameEnrol by: 6 July, 2025
The Howard Garner theory
Another popular theory for how we learn is Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, which basically examines social and emotional behaviours and how they influence our learning styles.
To understand his theory, let’s consider the following question:
Are you more of a creative thinker, or do you like to have the facts and stick to them?
The logical/mathematical thinker
If you answered the above question with a strong preference for facts, this might be you! You will likely be drawn to areas of study that have a sequential logic, where the goal is to uncover more facts, and where logic is king,
It will come as no surprise that mathematics is one good option for logical learners, but don’t forget other options like law, medicine, and science.
The social learner
If you like to learn in social spaces, such as cafes and libraries, and enjoy doing group work, you might find that this describes your learning style.
Studying online might seem daunting if you’re a social learner, but it’s a myth that it’s isolating – in fact, through Open Universities Australia, you'll interact via online discussion forms and groups, joining a community of thousands of learners. We also have a dedicated team of student advisors who are there to support you every step of the way, meaning you’re never on your own.
And the flexibility of studying online means you can take your work to your local library, favourite café, or even a co-working space, creating a studying environment that suits you.
The naturalistic learner
You might find that your brain just works better when you’re outside, and surrounded by nature. For you, fresh air and being physically active might appeal, and you may also be fascinated by our natural world and how it works. You may be drawn to studying biology or environmental science.
No matter what kind of learner you are, studying online can cater to your needs. There are thousands of courses and degrees available through Open Universities Australia to choose from.
You can even book a consultation with one of our student advisors. They’ve been helping students select courses based on their learning needs for over 30 years.
