Teaching - Online Teaching

This Masters in Online Teaching is available globally. It offers you the unique opportunity to study the theory and practice of online and blended teaching through modules created by experts from The Open University's Institute of Educational Technology who are pioneering in the design and delivery of digital teaching, learning and assessment. You’ll study ways in which new media, innovative pedagogies and cutting-edge educational technologies can be used effectively and equitably, across multiple sectors to engage diverse learners and meet their needs.

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits.



For module details please see "Course Web Page".

You must be prepared for study at postgraduate level. This usually means holding a bachelors degree – whether from a UK university or from one outside the UK – or its equivalent. However, if you have successfully completed two-thirds of a bachelors degree (an HND in the UK, for example) and have professional experience in technology-enabled learning, you may still be eligible for the programme. You will be asked to provide further information and evidence of your eligibility as part of the registration process for the programme.



All teaching is in English, and your proficiency in the language needs to be adequate for postgraduate study and for contributing to online discussions by text and voice. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend that you make sure you can achieve a score of at least seven in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). To assess your English Language skills in relation to your proposed studies, you can visit the IELTS website. Although experience of distance education may be an advantage, it is not essential.

3 years part-time study



How long it takes

Most students study the MA in Online Teaching part-time, completing 60 credits a year over three years. Typically, this means 18 study hours each week.



You can also complete this qualification in 17 months if you study modules concurrently.



You must complete the MA in Online Teaching within six years.

See Course Web Page link for next start date.

Career relevance

The MA in Online Teaching is closely focused on developing knowledge and skills that can immediately be applied to professional practice. You will explore the implications of learning design and educational technology choices made across a wide range of contexts and organisations, both formal and informal, and for diverse learners. You will advance your skills in selecting and designing with educational technologies and your understanding of how educational technologies can be evaluated.



This qualification is relevant for professionals including teachers, trainers, lecturers, educational technologists, learning designers, librarians, project managers, entrepreneurs and practice educators in nursing and other subjects.