Master of Education in Open Distance Learning

Qualification code:	98999
Qualification type:	Coursework
NQF level:	9
Total credits:	180
SAQA ID:	101245
Rules: Curriculum: Four (4) course work modules, a research proposal module and a mini dissertation Students must pass two course work modules before registration for the research proposal module will be allowed. Students are required to first register and comply with the requirements for the research proposal module before registration for the mini dissertation scope will be allowed.
Purpose statement: This programme offers a Masters Degree in Open Distance Learning. The primary purpose of this degree is to educate and train practitioners and researchers in the field of ODL practice and research, contributing to the development of knowledge at an advanced level. It is an intensive programme designed to challenge students who intend to enter a career in open or/and distance learning locally, nationally and internationally.The programme intends to equip students on ODL matters, policies, theories technology, ethics, quality, change and management skills in ODL with a strong emphasis on research in ODL. The course modules are aimed at equipping the student with the ability to:(1) Conceptualise and understand the policies, theories and complex issues and dynamics of ODL delivery,(2) Appreciate ODL practices at different ODL institutions, nationally and internationally (3) Analyse and critique examples of ODL policy and Policy for Higher Education in Africa and worldwide (4) Engage in group discussions on ODL practices and problem solving activities. (5) Assessment of current ODL technologies and provide solutions to problem in ODL (6) Evaluate current student support strategies and compare it with the rest of the world's ODL support systems and make recommendations for improvement (7) Investigate assessment in an ODL university and make recommendations for improvement (8) Identify a specialization focus in ODL and research it and write a scholarly report (9) Design an ODL online module as delegated and implement the latest technology to facilitate interactiveness in the course delivery online. (10) Do a research project on a relevant ODL topic (11) Do learning programme management.

Who can register?

Applicants may only register once they have received confirmation from Unisa that their application for admission has been accepted. Returning students must please check their myLife e-mails for confirmation. New Unisa students will receive confirmation via the e-mail address they provided at the time of application.
Re-registering students (who made sufficient progress during the current academic year) and students who officially deferred their studies must register online during the approved registration period for 2026.
Should you wish to start a new qualification, please apply for admission during the next application period or check whether the qualification for which you intend to apply is on the list of qualifications that you can apply for until the end of June 2026.

When can I register?

Registration opens	Registration opens	Registration closes	Final date for payment
Master's & doctoral qualifications	7 January 2026	31 March 2026	31 March 2026
MCompt, Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Business Leadership (MBL) qualifications * All GSBL students with a 7-series student number should contact the Graduate School of Business Leadership for assistance with re-registration: www.unisa.ac.za/sbl	7 January 2026	21 February 2026	21 February 2026

Click here for the master's & doctoral qualifications: exceptions.

Time limits for this degree

All master's and doctoral qualifications are structured over a defined period. Refer to sections 4.14 and 4.15 in the Procedures for master’s and doctoral degrees.

Coursework master's degree: A maximum of three years with an option to apply for one additional year.
Research master's degree: A maximum of three years with an option to apply for one additional year.
Doctoral degree: A maximum of six years with an option to apply for one additional year.

Both you and your supervisor are responsible for ensuring that you complete your studies within the approved duration for your qualification.

Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs)

Unisa has identified the following 10 Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs) to be operationalised within the colleges:

Marine studies
Aviation and aeronautical studies
Automotive
Energy
Space study and square kilometre array
Fourth IR and digitalisation
Natural sciences (biotechnological studies)
Health studies/medicine
Feminist, womanist and Bosadi theorisations
Student support and co-curricular activities

If you are interested in any of these areas, please discuss it with your supervisor to incorporate one or more of the CNAs into your studies.

Curriculum

Please click on the modules below to see further information (eg semester/year module, NQF level)

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Master's & doctoral degrees