MA in Online and Distance Education
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Taught Masters
- Code
- F10
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Made up of
- 180 credit points
Description
This qualification is part of a programme that starts with the Postgraduate Certificate in Online and Distance Education and 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. They offer you the unique opportunity to study the theory and practice of online and distance education through courses designed by experts from the Institute who are now using information technology to reinvent open distance learning. Working with them, in collaboration with colleagues from around the world you will be at the forefront of the latest developments as they happen.
Planning your studies
To enter the programme you must be prepared for study at postgraduate level. This usually means holding the equivalent of a degree from a UK university. You must also be proficient in spoken and written English. Although experience of distance education may be an advantage, it is not essential. If you are not sure whether your qualifications and experience are suitable, please do not hesitate to ask our Student Registration & Enquiry Service for advice. You can take the courses in any order. We would expect you, normally, to take no more than 60 points of study each year.
You must be able to receive course materials by post or courier service, and you will need a personal computer with CD-ROM drive and access to the internet.
For the MA you must include at least 60 credit points from OU courses that have not been counted in any other OU qualification you have been awarded.
Courses
For this 180-point masters degree you require:
60 points from the following compulsory course:
| Postgraduate compulsory course | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
60 | Feb 2010 |
And at least 60 points from the following optional courses:
| Postgraduate optional courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | Sep 2010 |
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
|
30 | Sep 2010 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued courses H801, H802, H803, H804, H805, H806, H850
And either a further 60 points from the optional courses listed above or 60 points can be gained from most courses in our other master-level degree programmes
If you have already studied with The Open University at postgraduate level and now want to count your course or courses towards the MA in Online and Distance Education, you will need to ask us to link your previous record to the qualification. We will check our regulations at that stage to ensure the course is eligible.
If you complete your degree before 31 December 2011 you have the option of continuing with the previous structure as follows:
For this 180-point masters degree you require:
At least 120 points from the following optional courses:
| Postgraduate optional courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | Sep 2010 |
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
|
60 | Feb 2010 |
|
30 | Sep 2010 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued courses H801, H802, H803, H804, H805, H806, H850
And either a further 60 points from the courses listed above or 60 points can be gained from most courses in our other master-level degree programmes.
If you have already studied with The Open University at postgraduate level and now want to count your course or courses towards the MA in Online and Distance Education, you will need to ask us to link your previous record to the qualification. We will check our regulations at that stage to ensure the course is eligible.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution we may be able to give you credit for this study that you can count towards this Open University qualification. You can find out more on our Credit Transfer site. If you make a successful claim for transferred credit it may affect your choice of courses so you are advised to investigate this option as soon as possible.
Credit transfer details for this qualification:
On completion
On successful completion of 180 points’ worth of required courses you will be awarded a Master of Arts in Online and Distance Education entitling you to use the letters MA ODE (Open) after your name. You will have the option of being presented at a degree ceremony.
You are also eligible for a Postgraduate Certificate in Online and Distance Education (C23) when you have successfully gained 60 points and a Postgraduate Diploma in Online and Distance Education (D36) after achieving 120 points. It is up to you to request your Certificate or Diploma on completion of the required number of points.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Award Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Award Regulations
- Introduction to the Award Regulations
- General Award Regulations
- MA in Online and Distance Education
- Schedule B to the Award Regulations
Student Regulations
The Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available on our Policy Documents for Students website.
How to register
To register for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the course you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that course.
About this page
A postgraduate qualification in Education.
Study explained
- Credit points
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
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