Postgraduate Certificate in Online and Distance Education

What you will learn

This certificate course is the start of a programme of qualifications that culminates in the MA in Online and Distance Education. These qualifications offer you the unique opportunity to study the theory and practice of online and distance education through modules designed by experts from the Institute who are now using information technology to reinvent open distance learning. Working with our experts, in collaboration with colleagues from around the world, you will be at the forefront of the latest developments in this field as they happen.

Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.

Time required and cost

To achieve the Postgraduate Certificate in Online and Distance Education you must successfully gain 60 credits. The qualification typically takes one year to complete based on 12-16 hours of study each week.

The cost depends on the number of credits you study in a year, which depends on the modules you choose. Typically students will study part-time and complete 60 credits in a year. Please see Module table below.

Prices and modules shown below are subject to change.

Career impact

There is more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OU’s Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.

Key dates

Please refer to the module table shown below for this information.

Entry requirements

To study for this postgraduate certificate you must hold a bachelors degree from a UK university or other recognised degree-awarding body, or a qualification at equivalent level.

Although experience of distance education may be an advantage, it is not essential. Please note that all study materials are delivered online. You will need a personal computer and access to the internet.

You will also need to be proficient in English, to an IELTS standard of 7.0. If you are unsure you will be able to take a free English test as part of the registration process.

Classification of course

On successful completion of the required modules you can be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Online and Distance Education entitling you to use the letters PG Cert ODE (Open) after your name.

To gain a Postgraduate Diploma in Online and Distance Education you must then complete another 60 credits from the list below, and for the MA in Online and Distance Education you must add another 60 credits either from the modules listed below or from a list given in the MAODE specification. If you choose not to complete the MA, it is up to you to request your postgraduate certificate.

Credits

For information on Credits, click here.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the following regulations:

• Student Regulations
• Module Regulations
• General Qualification Regulations
• Postgraduate certificate in Online and Distance Education.