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Counting microcredentials towards OU qualifications

For some postgraduate qualifications, it’s possible to count eligible microcredentials towards your study.

Here’s what you need to know.

Choosing a microcredential as an option in your qualification

You now have the option to study postgraduate microcredentials as part of some postgraduate qualifications.

Most of these microcredentials are studied on our social learning partner platform, FutureLearn. Each course lasts 12 weeks and requires 13 hours of study per week. Upon completion, the 15 credits you are awarded can then be counted towards your postgraduate qualification.

Qualifications with microcredential study options

Click on the links below to reveal which microcredentials can be counted towards 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):

*These modules are presented on the OU’s learning platform and available for direct registration.

The following microcredentials can be counted towards the MBA (F61):

The following microcredentials can be counted towards the MBA (Technology Management) (F69):

The following microcredentials can be counted towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (E80):


The microcredentials listed for these qualifications may change over time. If we make changes, we’ll update this page as soon as possible.

Already studied a postgraduate microcredential?

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. 

How to apply

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 directly to its description on the FutureLearn website 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 with FutureLearn

Create an account with FutureLearn and pay for your microcredential. You can find the cost on the course description. Once you’ve completed your study, contact us and we will link your microcredential to your postgraduate qualification.

 

 

 

 

What to expect when studying a 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 OU module
Credits per course 15 credits (awarded by The Open University) 15 credits (awarded by The Open University)
Who will I study with? The Open University via FutureLearn The Open University
Start date(s) Typically, three times per year Typically, once/twice per year
Course length 12 weeks Approx. 24 weeks*
Study hours per week 13 hours per week Approx. 6.5 hours per week*
How will I be assessed? Final assessment marked by academic experts Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs)*
End-of-Module Assessment (EMA)*
Learning style Social learning Supported distance learning
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. 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 No Yes
Can I access the OU Library? No Yes
How will my course be awarded? Distinction, Merit, Pass, Fail Distinction, Merit, Pass, Fail (entitled to resubmit), Fail
  OU microcredential
Credits per course 15 credits (awarded by The Open University)
Start date(s) Typically, three times per year
Course length 12 weeks
Study hours per week 13 hours per week
How will I be assessed? Final assessment marked by academic experts
Learning style Social learning
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.
Regular tutorials No
Can I access the OU Library? No
How will my course be awarded? Distinction, Merit, Pass, Fail

 

  OU module
Credits per course  15 credits (awarded by The Open University)
Start date(s) Typically, once/twice per year*
Course length Approx. 24 weeks*
Study hours per week Approx. 6.5 hours per week
How will I be assessed? Tutor Marked Assignments (TMA)*
End of Module Assessment (EMA)*
Learning style Supported distance learning
Tutors and support 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 Yes
Can I access the OU Library? Yes
How will my course be awarded? 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.

If you are studying with a disability or need additional support to study, you should contact FutureLearn with any accessibility questions or requests to ensure you can be fully supported during your study.

 

 

 

 

Want to know more?

Get in touch if you have any questions about microcredentials or your qualification

Contact us