Online tutor

Career path and progression

You could work in other areas of online education with an education company, like:

• course development
• tutor management
• consultancy

You could also set up your own tutoring service.

With the right qualifications, you might move into schools teaching, further education or work-based training.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
• knowledge of media production and communication
• the ability to use your initiative
• customer service skills
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with others
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• English Language - Online tutors need to explain concepts clearly and adapt their language to suit different students' needs and abilities. They also create written learning materials, provide detailed feedback on assignments, and communicate with parents – all of which require strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Psychology - Online tutors need to understand how students learn, what motivates them, and how to adapt their approach for different ages and abilities. Knowledge of memory, attention, and learning theories helps them design sessions that are effective and keep students engaged through a screen.

Also relevant

• Computer Science - Online tutors work entirely through digital platforms and sometimes need to troubleshoot technical issues, configure virtual learning environments, or understand how online tools and systems work behind the scenes. While most tutoring doesn't require programming, a deeper understanding of technology helps when creating interactive content or working with e-learning platforms.
• Mathematics - Online tutors frequently teach maths or use mathematical thinking when tutoring subjects like science or economics. Even those tutoring non-maths subjects benefit from being comfortable with data, as they may track student progress and analyse performance patterns.
• Business - Online tutors often work as freelancers or set up their own tutoring services, which means managing finances, marketing themselves, and building a client base. Understanding how to price services, handle customer relationships, and grow a small business is genuinely useful in this career.
• English Literature - Online tutors who teach English or humanities subjects draw directly on their knowledge of literary texts, analysis techniques, and critical thinking. Even for tutors in other subjects, the ability to interpret and discuss complex material with students is a valuable skill.