This study aimed to determine the impact of supplementary (non-core) courses upon participation and educational outcomes among higher education students attending the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This study was justified in the light of the rapid local transition to online learning for a range of courses due to the covid-19 pandemic. The research used a before-and-after design to analyse quantitative data across academic years of 2017–2022, comprising 228 courses; 118 in-person and 110 online. Key outcomes included student enrolment, attendance and satisfaction. The core aim was to explore whether variances in these outcomes has been observed over recent years, in order to help guide ongoing education delivery and to support, maintain and enhance key academic outcomes. Ultimately, the wellbeing and learning of students requires prioritisation as to support individuals in attaining their goals and ambitions. The findings showed that there was a relative equivalence of outcomes across academic years with no significant or meaningful differences demonstrated between in-person and online delivery modes. Due to these findings, and those that align with the wider literature, it is recommended that a hybrid educational model should be trialled as this may offer the greatest potential in enhancing student, instructor and educational service outcomes in future.