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An image to illustrate counting microcredentials towards Open University qualifications.
For some postgraduate qualifications, it’s possible to count eligible microcredentials towards your study. Here’s what you need to know.
You now have the option to study microcredentials as part of some postgraduate qualifications.
Microcredentials can typically be studied twice a year. Each course lasts 10 or 12 weeks and requires 10 or 13 hours of study per week. Upon completion, the credit you receive can be counted towards your postgraduate qualification.
Click the links below to reveal which microcredentials count toward each qualification.
The following microcredentials can be counted towards the MA in Online Teaching (F98):
The following microcredentials can be counted towards the MA/MSc Open (F81):
The following microcredentials can be counted towards the MBA (F61):
If you don’t have a bachelors degree, completing the six Business Management microcredentials will allow you to progress on to the MBA via the non-graduate pathway:
The following microcredentials can be counted towards the MBA (Technology Management) (F69):
If you don’t have a bachelors degree, completing the six Business Management microcredentials will allow you to progress on to the MBA via the non-graduate pathway:
The following microcredentials can be counted towards the MSc in Systems Thinking in Practice (F47):
The following microcredentials can be counted towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (E80):
The following microcredentials can be counted towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Systems Thinking in Practice (E28):
The microcredentials listed for these qualifications may change over time. If we make changes, we’ll update this page as soon as possible.
If you have previously completed and been awarded credit for one of the above microcredentials and would like to count this credit towards an eligible qualification, please contact us. You'll need to meet the entry requirements and study duration for your chosen course, so you should visit the qualification page first for more details.
Follow these steps to count a microcredential towards your qualification:
1: Select your microcredential
Find out more about your chosen microcredential. The links on this page will take you to the OU course page, where you can see what you'll study.
2: Review the qualification page
Before you register, check there are no restrictions for the microcredential you’d like to study or a recommended study order for the qualification. You'll find this information on the OU qualification page.
3: Register for your course
On the course page, click the Register now button, then follow the instructions to register for your microcredential.
You’ll still get the same expert OU study materials, but the learning experience for an OU microcredential is different when compared to an OU module. We’ve outlined the key differences between a 15-credit microcredential and a 15-credit OU module below to show you how.
OU microcredential
MCred
OU module
Module
Credits per course
Credits per course
15 credits (awarded by The Open University)
15 credits (awarded by The Open University)
15 credits (awarded by The Open University)
15 credits (awarded by The Open University)
Who will I study with?
Who will I study with?
The Open University
The Open University
The Open University
The Open University
Start date(s)
Start date(s)
Typically, twice per year
Typically, twice per year
Typically, once/twice per year
Typically, once/twice per year
Course length
Course length
12 weeks
12 weeks
Approx. 24 weeks*
Approx. 24 weeks*
Study hours per week
Study hours per week
13 hours per week
13 hours per week
Approx. 6.5 hours per week*
Approx. 6.5 hours per week*
How will I be assessed?
How will I be assessed?
Final assessment marked by academic experts
Final assessment marked by academic experts
Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs)*
End-of-Module Assessment (EMA)*
Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs)*
End-of-Module Assessment (EMA)*
Learning style
Learning style
Social learning
Social learning
Supported distance learning
Supported distance learning
Tutors and support
Tutors and support
An on-course mentor with an excellent understanding of the course subject will guide discussions and answer questions in a designated discussion help area near the end of each week's content.  You can expect a response within 48 hours. Typically, there is a 100-1 average mentor-student ratio.
An on-course mentor with an excellent understanding of the course subject will guide discussions and answer questions in a designated discussion help area near the end of each week's content.  You can expect a response within 48 hours. Typically, there is a 100-1 average mentor-student ratio.
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material, mark and comment on your assignments and provide advice and guidance. There may also be student forums, and these will be facilitated by a number of tutors on the module. Typically, there is a 20:1 tutor-student ratio.
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material, mark and comment on your assignments and provide advice and guidance. There may also be student forums, and these will be facilitated by a number of tutors on the module. Typically, there is a 20:1 tutor-student ratio.
Regular tutorials
Regular tutorials
No
No
Yes
Yes
Can I access the OU Library?
Can I access the OU Library?
No
No
Yes
Yes
How will my course be awarded?
How will my course be awarded?
Distinction, Merit, Pass, Fail
Distinction, Merit, Pass, Fail
Distinction, Merit, Pass, Fail (entitled to resubmit), Fail
Distinction, Merit, Pass, Fail (entitled to resubmit), Fail
*Please note the details for specific OU modules may vary; always check the module descriptions for details.
Get in touch if you have any questions about microcredentials or your qualification.
Contact us
Level info