Choose the right course type

In this article: How to pick the right content release format for your course, what each option does, and how to change your course type after creation.

All Plans

Your course type controls when students can access your content. Some courses work best when students get everything at once. Others need a structured pace so students have time to practice, reflect, and take action between modules.

Ruzuku gives you three options, grouped under two headings in the course setup screen:

  • Full Access Programs — everything available immediately
  • Drip-Released Programs — content unlocks over time

You choose your course type when you first create a course, and you can change it later.

The three course types

Full Access

Students see all modules and lessons the moment they enroll. No waiting, no unlock schedule.

This works well for:

  • Self-paced reference courses ("watch what you need, when you need it")
  • Short courses and workshops where pacing isn't critical
  • Resource libraries or membership content

For example: a photography basics course with 12 short lessons. Students dip in and out at their own speed, watching the lessons that match what they're shooting that week.

Calendar-Based Release Dates

Modules unlock on specific calendar dates that you set. Every student sees the same schedule regardless of when they enrolled.

This works well for:

  • Live cohort programs with a fixed start and end date
  • Courses with group assignments or peer discussions tied to a shared timeline
  • Programs where you're teaching alongside the students in real time

For example: a 6-week coaching program that starts March 1. Module 1 unlocks on March 1, Module 2 on March 8, and so on. Everyone moves through together.

Individual Release Dates

Modules unlock based on how many days have passed since each student enrolled. Student A who signs up on Monday gets Module 2 seven days later. Student B who signs up on Friday gets Module 2 seven days after that.

This works well for:

  • Evergreen courses where students enroll at any time
  • Self-study programs that still benefit from a structured pace
  • Courses sold through ongoing funnels where there's no shared start date

For example: an 8-week business foundations course. Each student gets one new module per week, starting from their enrollment date. The pacing is consistent, but everyone is on their own timeline.

Tip: With Individual Release Dates, you set the delay in days for each module (Day 1, Day 8, Day 15, etc.). You cannot pre-enroll students before the course starts — enrollment and Day 1 are the same moment.

Comparison table

Full Access Calendar-Based Release Dates Individual Release Dates
Content available All at once On specific calendar dates Based on days since enrollment
Students on same schedule? No — self-paced Yes — everyone together No — each on their own timeline
Best for Self-paced, reference, short courses Live cohorts, group programs Evergreen, ongoing enrollment
Can pre-enroll students? Yes Yes No
Requires setting dates? No Yes — pick calendar dates per module Yes — set day offsets per module
Schedule messages around content? Optional Yes, ties well with scheduled messages Yes, ties well with scheduled messages

Which should I choose?

If you're not sure, ask yourself two questions:

1. Do my students need to move through the material together?

If yes, use Calendar-Based Release Dates. Group programs, live coaching, and courses with peer interaction all benefit from shared pacing. You set exact dates, and everyone stays in sync.

2. Will students enroll on different dates throughout the year?

If yes, use Individual Release Dates. Each student gets the same structured experience, just starting from their own Day 1. This is the go-to for evergreen courses sold through a website or email funnel.

If neither applies — or if you just want to keep things simple — start with Full Access. Students get everything right away. You can always switch to a drip-released format later if you find students are rushing through or skipping ahead.

Tip: Many creators start with Full Access for their first course and add drip scheduling once they see how students move through the material.

How to set your course type

You choose your course type during course creation. Ruzuku asks "Control the pace of your course" as the second step in the launch checklist.

  1. Go to Courses in the left sidebar
  2. Click Create a new course (or open an existing course)
  3. In the launch checklist, click Control the pace of your course
  4. Select one of the three options under Full Access Programs or Drip-Released Programs
  5. Click Save

For drip-released options, you'll also set the schedule for each module:

  • Calendar-Based Release Dates: Pick a specific date for each module to unlock
  • Individual Release Dates: Set the number of days after enrollment for each module to unlock (e.g., Day 1, Day 8, Day 15)

How to change your course type

You can switch course types at any time, even after students have enrolled.

  1. Open your course and go to Manage Course → Course Settings
  2. Find the Access format section
  3. Select a new course type
  4. Save your changes

If you switch to a drip-released format, you'll need to set unlock dates or day offsets for each module. If you switch to Full Access, all modules become immediately visible to every enrolled student.

Note: Changing course types affects all current and future students. If you switch a Calendar-Based course to Full Access mid-cohort, students will immediately see all remaining modules. Review your module schedule before switching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my course type after students have enrolled?
Yes. Go to Manage Course → Course Settings and select a different access format. The change applies to all students immediately, so review your module schedule before switching.
What happens if a student enrolls late in a Calendar-Based course?
They'll have immediate access to any modules whose release dates have already passed. Future modules will unlock on the scheduled dates, same as everyone else. For example, if a student enrolls in week 3 of a 6-week course, they'll see Modules 1–3 right away and get Modules 4–6 on schedule.
Can I combine course types — some modules available immediately and others dripped?
Not directly with a single setting. But with Calendar-Based Release Dates or Individual Release Dates, you can set some modules to unlock on Day 1 (or the current date) while others unlock later. This gives you the same effect — an intro module available right away, with the rest releasing over time.
Which course type works best for a membership or resource library?
Full Access. Members expect to browse and access content on their own terms. If you're adding new content regularly, just create new modules — they'll appear for all enrolled members as soon as you publish them.
Can I pre-enroll students before my course starts?
With Full Access and Calendar-Based Release Dates, yes — students can enroll anytime, and they'll see content based on the course settings. With Individual Release Dates, enrollment starts the clock, so students can't be pre-enrolled before the content is ready.

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