Block mode study enables combining work, education and family life, and making lifelong friends 17.06.2026

This year, both future vocational teacher Deniss Jeršov and strategic management master's student Kadi Piikov are completing their studies in a block mode form. Although their curricula differ, both agree that block mode study has been the best way to combine university studies with everyday life.

Time management is the key

Deniss is graduating from his vocational teacher studies in June and has pursued his higher education alongside work. "As far as I know, all my coursemates work at least part time and live in different parts of Estonia. Evening-based studies suited me well - there's no way I could have graduated otherwise," says Deniss.

In a block mode study, a large part of learning is independent, while in-person meetings at the university take place every couple of weeks, usually at weekends. According to Deniss, this form of study is not overwhelmingly difficult.

"It all depends on a person's motivation and circumstances. It's doable, but not easy. Studying inevitably means making time at the expense of something else. For a while, you must make university a priority," he adds.

In his view, the structure of the curriculum and the helpfulness of teaching staff are crucial. Some subjects are easier to study online, whereas others require attending seminars and participating in group discussions. Deniss confirms that his programme director has taken students' work and life arrangements into account and ensured that the workload remains reasonable.

Three days in the university bubble

Kadi, who lives in Tallinn, chose the University of Tartu's master's curriculum in Strategic Management after careful consideration. She is also graduating this summer and has travelled to Tartu for three days each month. What attracted her to block mode study was the opportunity to focus on learning at a specific time.

"It was important for me not to have to attend lectures every evening after work. I preferred to set aside dedicated time to focus fully on studying and truly immerse myself in it. Each time, those three days in Tartu created a complete 'student bubble', and I stayed fully in the learning mode. Work responsibilities and family life didn't distract me, and concentrating was much easier," Kadi explains.

She also notes that block mode study requires a significant amount of independent work, but the knowledge and skills gained are well worth it. Kadi advises future block mode students to have discipline, an open mind, and good time management skills. It is equally important not to take everything too seriously.

Studying is hard but also enjoyable, and as a student, you should make the most of every moment. During each three-day session, a great group dynamic developed among the coursemates as they spent full days together. After lectures, they also exercised, went to the theatre and had dinners together.

"The lecturers explained topics in depth, group work added a lot of value, and assignments had to be completed properly on your own. We also met online every week and kept an eye on each other's progress. We had our own chat group, which helped us support one another in our studies," Kadi adds.

Coursemates' experiences enrich learning

Both graduates consider the people they study with to be one of the greatest values of block mode study. In Deniss's group, people of different ages and professional backgrounds studied to become teachers. "Everyone was an experienced specialist in their field. You could ask them for advice, and in group assignments, everyone's strengths came out - one was good at design, another at maths, and a third at leading the process. There was a huge range of talents," says Deniss.

Kadi's group also consisted of top professionals and inspiring individuals. A prerequisite for applying to her curriculum was at least three years of management experience, which made discussions and group work particularly meaningful.

"For example, some of my coursemates had been running companies or organisations for years. Yet they still wanted to continue learning. That shows the value of lifelong learning: regardless of experience, people still want to develop further. Management is a field that is constantly changing. Some of my coursemates last went to school a long time ago, but life has clearly moved on in the meantime," reflects Kadi. These diverse experiences enriched not only the academic work but also created a strong sense of community.

Friends for life

Although students in block mode study meet less often than those in regular study, their relationships can still become very strong. Both Deniss and Kadi admit that the saddest part of graduating is saying goodbye to their coursemates.

"We had a small group - 13 people - but we got on extremely well. The study sessions were always meaningful. We definitely plan to stay in touch and continue our shared traditions. We have already created a schedule of meetups, are organising a summer gathering this year, and going on a graduation trip. We want to do everything we can to keep this group connected," Kadi explains.

Deniss agrees that it makes him blue to part with familiar faces. "We've become friends, and everyone says how sad it is that the final defence is here and then we'll go our separate ways. The sense of unity was especially strong in the third year, when everyone was very supportive," he says.

Block mode study is not just a flexible route to higher education. It is an opportunity to learn alongside people whose experiences broaden your horizons - and who may become your friends or cooperation partners long after graduation.