Open and Distance Learning Programs

Open and Distance Learning Programs (ODLP) in Singapore are generally targeted at working adults who wished to upgrade themselves. ODLP are offered by various foreign universities through local private professional institutions, business organizations and education-related agencies. The Ministry of Education provides seed funding for the Open University Degree Program administered by the Singapore Institute of Management. Other than these traditional approaches to ODL, the polytechnics have embarked on the use of the Internet to deliver certain courses, both to students and working adults.

1. Programs Conducted by Foreign Universities

ODLP are conducted by foreign universities that exercise full jurisdiction over matters including curriculum, study materials, admission requirements, award of certification/degree, etc. These universities are represented by local organizations, most of which are ‘for profit’ companies. In all, there are 286 programs ranging from Bachelor’s degree programs to doctorate programs. Most of these programs are in business studies (e.g. MBAs). Some 110 universities and educational institutions are involved. 

Students on such distance learning programs are usually provided the study materials/lesson notes in advance, followed by sessions of ‘face-to-face’ tutorials conducted in Singapore by the university concerned. Essentially, distance learning programs are correspondence study courses coupled with elements of face-to-face teaching conducted in the country of residence of students. There are also programs that require students to attend short (e.g. 2 weeks) ‘residentials’ or ‘summer schools’ held in-campus at the foreign university concerned. 

Distance learning programs are offered on a commercial basis. Government does not fund or subsidize these programs.

2. Open University Degree Program (OUDP)

OUDP is a collaboration between the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) and the Open University based in UK (UKOU). It is available as undergraduate courses in a range of disciplines such as Computer Science, English Language and Literature, Economics, Mathematics, Psychology and Technology. All degrees are awarded by the UK Open University (UKOU). 

In the OUDP, learning is self-paced, using specially prepared course materials designed for self-learning. An OUDP student will typically do the following:

1. study at home by reading study units, viewing video and listening to audio study materials;

2. attend lectures and tutorials once a week;

3. meet with his/her tutors, face-to-face or contact them by phone and/or e-mail to discuss problems and obtain feedback on his/her studies and assignments;

4. undertake a schedule of tutor-marked and/or computer-marked assignments with comprehensive feedback from tutors; and

5. complete an examination at the end of each course.

An OUDP student needs to complete 120 credit units to be awarded a basic degree. A student can complete a basic degree in four years and the honours program in five years. OUDP is offered on a part-time basis. Face-to-face lectures and tutorials are conducted in the evenings. There are currently no provisions for lectures and tutorials to be delivered via a computer network or through the internet.

3. Programs delivered through Internet

The polytechnics in Singapore have embarked on the use of the  internet to deliver some of their courses. These courses are aimed at supplementing conventional lectures for full-time students and providing continuing education and life-long learning for working adults.