Virtu.Academy

I bought the advanced photo editing module and I already knew the basics from years of freelance work. The lessons on masking and colour grading go a step further than most paid courses I've tried. The sample files are properly useful and not just filler. The assignment feedback came back with specific notes on my exports, which I didn't expect. Nothing about it felt padded out.

Got the app and joined the course in about a minute, didn't even need to make a password. The lessons are short so I can do one on the bus. Love that I can pick up where I left off. Certificate at the end is a nice touch and it's easy to share. Would do it again.

Compared to the course I did at work, this felt much less supported. I sent a question about an assignment and didn't hear back for nearly a week. The lessons themselves are fine and the content is sensible. When I finally got a reply it was helpful, but the wait was frustrating when I had a deadline. Not what I'd expect for the fee.

The specific thing I used were the printable workbooks that come with the course, which I've been using alongside the videos. They're tidy and easy to print at home. Good value for the price, I think I'd have paid more elsewhere for less. The only niggle is the download link took a couple of goes to work on my tablet.

Honestly this was the one I'd pick. I looked at two other courses first and they wanted far more for less. Signing up took five minutes and the lessons play smoothly.

The live Q&A sessions on Thursday nights are the best bit, the tutor actually answers your question. Booked on from my phone in about a minute. Would do it again.

My verdict is that it's a sound course with a few rough edges. The content is accurate and well structured, and I got through it steadily over a couple of months. The discussion forum was a bit quiet, which I'd have liked livelier. Signing up was easy and the price was fair for what I got. I'd recommend it to a friend with a similar goal.

Compared to the evening class I tried a few years back, this is so much easier to fit around work. I've been on and off with it for almost two years now and the tutors always get back to me within a day or so, which is more than I can say for the college. The course itself is a bit repetitive in places but I've learned a lot and the certificate came through quickly when I finished.

I needed a proper qualification for a volunteering role I'd applied for, and a friend suggested this. Signing up was quite straightforward, though it asked for more details than I expected. The lessons are clear enough and I was able to pace myself. The final assessment was fine. Certificate arrived promptly.

I needed the certificate for work and just wanted the one course, not a full year's subscription. The single course price was reasonable and I didn't have to pay for things I'd never use. Lessons are clear and the test was straightforward. I got the certificate the same week.

You get the verdict from me that it's decent value but not cheap. I've been with them a long time and the content has got better. The price went up at renewal though, and it felt a bit steep for what's basically the same course as last year. The tutor replies are good when they do come. I'd keep my subscription but I'd grumble about the cost every time.

The verdict is it's fine for the basics but I expected more depth for the money. I've done similar courses elsewhere and this one skims over the harder topics. Signing up was painless and the videos are clear enough. I'd probably look for something more advanced next time.

I used to rely on printed books for my bookkeeping study and kept getting stuck. This online version is much clearer, with worked examples I can pause and go through at my own speed. I've been a member for three years now and renewal has always been simple. Support has been helpful whenever I've written in.

I had considered attending the classes at the local hall, but found this a far more convenient alternative for my schedule. Enrolment was straightforward and the lessons are well laid out. I do appreciate that the tutors respond courteously to queries.

I needed to show my employer some CPD hours before my annual review and this was the quickest option I could find. Signing up took maybe five minutes, the payment went through first time and the login details arrived straight away. The modules are short enough to do in lunch breaks and the quizzes at the end of each section actually made me think. Really happy with it so far and the certificate downloaded as soon as I finished.

I needed a proper certificate for a job application and didn't have time to sit an exam, so I went with this. Signing up was quick and the first module started straight away. Two of the quizzes timed out on me and I had to restart them, which was annoying. Otherwise it was fine and the certificate came through in the end.