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Accessibility statement
In this postgraduate certificate, you’ll develop the research and scholarly skills needed to explore the evolving field of digital education. You'll examine how digital approaches to teaching, learning and assessment can shape educational experiences. Through research design, data collection and critical evaluation, you’ll learn to analyse evidence across educational contexts while pursuing your specific areas of interest. You’ll investigate emerging practices, including AI and immersive technologies, before undertaking either a small-scale investigation or an extended research proposal. By the end, you’ll be ready to contribute to digital education research and innovation, and progress to further study or research-focused roles.
You can progress from this Postgraduate Certificate in Researching Digital Education to our MA in Online Teaching
To gain this qualification, you'll study one 60-credit module.

ModulesCreditsNext start
You'll study the following:
Research and scholarship in digital education (H890)
Develop your research and scholarship skills by investigating online, blended and technology-enhanced teaching, learning and assessment, in diverse global contexts.
Next start date: 03 Oct 2026
See full description
6003 Oct 2026

By studying this postgraduate certificate, you’ll:
You’ll be supported by expert tutors, structured online learning materials, online tutorials and regular feedback throughout your studies.
You’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Researching Digital Education upon successful completion. You’ll be entitled to use the letters PG Cert (RDE) (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 Researching Digital Education part-time, completing 60 credits over eight months. 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'll need to be ready for study at postgraduate level, usually demonstrated by having a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification. A non-standard entry route is possible on submission of two pieces of relevant work.
Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you need a minimum overall score of 6 and a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components: reading, writing, speaking and listening under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
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.

£3,200*
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 2027. 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 qualification is highly relevant to professionals working in, or aspiring to work in, digital education across all sectors, including teachers, lecturers, tutors, managers, institutional leaders, educational technologists, and researchers. It equips you with advanced research and scholarship skills, enhancing your career prospects by enabling you to design and conduct impactful studies in digital education. It also provides excellent preparation for roles requiring expertise in educational innovation, as well as for independent research and further study, helping you contribute to the growing field of digital education.
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, a website, interview simulation and 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.
Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.
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