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An image to illustrate the Postgraduate Certificate in Online Teaching
We’re pioneers in the design and delivery of digital teaching, learning and assessment. This postgraduate certificate is available globally and offers you the unique opportunity to study the theory and practice of online and blended teaching through content created by experts from The Open University's Institute of Educational Technology. You’ll gain experience of a range of learning technologies, explore the processes of designing, implementing and critiquing e-learning and study ways in which new media and cutting-edge educational technologies can be used effectively and equitably across multiple sectors to engage diverse learners and meet their needs.
You can progress from this Postgraduate Certificate in Online Teaching to our MA in Online Teaching
To gain this qualification, you'll study one 60-credit module.

ModulesCreditsNext start
You'll study the following:
Technology-enhanced learning: foundations and futures (H880)
This module will develop your ability to engage creatively and effectively with the broad field of technology-enhanced learning (TEL), teaching and training.
Next start date: 06 Feb 2027
See full description
6006 Feb 2027

By studying the Postgraduate Certificate in Online Teaching, you’ll:
You’ll learn through tutor-supported online study, global case studies and structured activities.
You’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Online Teaching upon successful completion. You’ll be entitled to use the letters PG Cert (OT) (Open) after your name.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You’ll study the Postgraduate Certificate in Online Teaching part-time, completing 60 credits over one year. Typically, this translates to 18 study hours each week.

The recommended hours include time to work through that week’s online study planner, complete recommended reading, and attend tutorials.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
You must be prepared to 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.
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.
If you are not sure whether your qualifications and experience are suitable, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice.
The fees and the funding information shown below relate to the 2025/26 academic year and are for guidance only.
Modules starting in the 2026/27 academic year are open for pre-booking, which means you can reserve your place ahead of the fees being confirmed.
We’ll publish updated 2026/27 fees and funding information on the 25th of March.
You’ll pay for your qualification one module at a time, rather than the full cost upfront. The fee for each module is listed in its description.

£3,045*
Your module materials, tuition, assessment and exams are all included in our module fees.
There are some additional costs that aren’t included.
Further information is available in the module descriptions.
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
Learn more about spreading the costs with monthly instalments and our other funding options below.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
We’ll show you how you can pay by bank transfer or combine payment methods.
You may be eligible for:
The Postgraduate Certificate 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, as well as 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.
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
This qualification is open for prebooking. Select the module you will study first, read its full description, and follow the instructions to reserve your place. We’ll contact you when you can complete your registration.
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Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.
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This qualification is open for prebooking. Select the module you will study first, read its full description, and follow the instructions to reserve your place. We’ll contact you when you can complete your registration.
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