Mode of Study
Mode of Study
Online and distance learning is the primary mode of study at the Open Christian University, combining different learning styles including visual, auditory, reading & writing, and kinesthetic. The university policy allows the student to follow one of the four main study tracks that best suits their lifestyle. The available options for students taking courses at the Open Christian University are as follow:
Online Taught Program
The primary mode of study at Open Christian University is online and distance learning allowing students to study on their own at home. At the start of the course, your student account will be created in the university's learning management system. You will receive your unique login credentials which you will use to access your student portal at any time convenient for you. Although each course requires an access code to register, you will be able to find all the access codes on your home page. Students choose to either study online or download all of the self-study materials for offline study. You occasionally meet their tutor and other students for workshops and tutorials.
OCU combines different assessment methods to assess whether students have achieved the desired learning outcomes per course. While most courses require a student to complete an end-of-module essay as part of the exams, other instructors require students to take a comprehensive end-of-module exam or a combination of the two. In all cases, student submissions should take place online and instructors should complete all grading work online with a clear rubric.
Degree by Research
The University welcomes applications from prospective students wishing to pursue independent postgraduate study in their area of study. The university is active in the area of postgraduate supervision and currently has research students at Masters (Research) and Doctoral levels engaging in research across a wide range of areas relating to Divinity, Business and Theology.
The OCU's Master and Ph.D. programmes by research are a development of the traditional research, where students select an area of enquiry and complete their master or doctoral thesis under the supervision of a designated supervisor. Prospective students must outline their area of interest in a brief initial proposal which is considered by the School. As such, the university strongly advises those considering applying for degree by research to consult informally with university in relation to their research proposal, in advance of a formal application to the school Dean. Prospective students are also invited to read the university research policy ahead of their application to fully understand .the process and the required deliverables.
Degree by Publication
Open Christian University offers the opportunity to researchers and academic professionals who have published their academic work in recognised journals to apply for a Master or PhD by Publication. This degree aims to demonstrate that the work submitted for evaluation is an original contribution to the advancement of knowledge, and that the applicant will be awarded this degree in recognition of an existing body of work, rather than a completely new research project.
The award allows people who have not followed the traditional academic route to earn a Master or PhD by Publication degree to obtain academic recognition for having undertaken and produced research, and developed their research skills and subject knowledge to doctoral level. Basically, an application requires publishing a minimum of four articles/research papers (around 8,000 to 10,000 words each) during a peer-reviewed journal before they submit their doctoral application for evaluation.
Application Requirements
To be considered for a Master or PhD by publication, you'll need to have held a postgraduate degree or any Level 6/7 qualification. To apply you'll need:
To submit a CV,
To submit a full list of the published works on which the application is based,
A personal statement of about 500 words setting out your purpose.
Degree by Professional Experience
Open Christian University recognizes life experience for only ministry programs, which may have been gained through years of ministry work. Many people have served in ministry positions and have gained a lot of knowledge and experience in their fields, but do not have any formal certificate, diploma, or degree. Life experience credits can give some of the recognition needed for this service in the work of the Lord. This acceptance of life credits helps a potential student to accelerate their learning college experience and enable them to earn a fully accredited ministry related degree.
Applicants must have had more than five years in a recognized position in ministry. No diplomas or degrees can be awarded based purely upon life-experience. Life experience credit cannot be given for an entire degree but is limited to a maximum of 70% of the required credit hours. Life experience which could include such things as books authored, missions trips, classes taught, outreach ministries, ministries within a church, etc., must be documented along with the years they occurred, evidence and testimonies and submitted for evaluation.