Postgraduate Diploma in Online and Distance Education

What you will learn

This postgraduate diploma course is part of a programme of qualifications that culminates in the MA. These qualifications are presented by The Open University's Institute of Educational Technology and are open to students from countries all over the world.

You have the unique opportunity to study the theory and practice of online and distance education through modules designed by experts who are using information technology to reinvent open distance learning. Consequently as you work with our experts and a network of colleagues 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 Diploma in Online and Distance Education you must successfully gain 120 credits. We would normally expect you to take 60 credits of study each year. The qualification typically takes two years to complete based on 12-16 hours of study each week.

For details on module cost please see the table at the bottom of this page. The total cost of the qualification depends on the modules studied. As a guide the total fee for 2012/13 academic year was from £5690 to approx £6325.

NB: 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 see the tables shown at the bottom of this page.

Entry requirements

To study for this masters degree course 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 Diploma in Online and Distance Education entitling you to use the letters PG Dip ODE (Open) after your name.

To gain the MA in Online and Distance Education you must gain another 60 credits either from studying modules listed below or by taking modules from a list given in the MAODE specification.. If you do not want to go on to complete the MA, it is up to you to request your postgraduate diploma.

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 Diploma in Online and Distance Education.