Open University Worldwide offers a range of partnership models, which can be adapted to suit the needs of each institution.Partnership to offer your own degrees - licensing OU course material
Open University course materials comprise of books, DVDs, CDs, software, and online materials and support. All materials are produced to a very high standard and are renowned throughout the world for the quality and comprehensiveness of their teaching. Your institution can license our course materials for use in your own education and training programmes.
Key features of this model are:
- You can use OU material which may be translated and/or adapted
- You do not have to use the whole course but can choose which units or printed materials to use or leave out
- You are responsible for examining and assessing students
- Your students receive your award
- Expert consultancy and advice can be provided on how to teach distance education courses and how to make Open University course materials relevant to your students.
Under this model, your institution participates in the delivery of Open University degree programmes in your country. Whilst there is less scope for adapting programmes to suit local needs, your students will benefit from achieving an internationally recognised UK degree without leaving their country. Your institution benefits from a strategic relationship with the world's premier distance learning institution and gains in-depth knowledge of our systems and methodologies which will enhance your own capabilities and reputation.
The typical split in responsibilities between the partner and the OU is:
| OU's responsibilities | Partner's responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Register students | Market programmes to students |
| Award credit/qualifications | Recruit students and collect fees |
| Provide partnership manager | Manage communication with students |
| Employ tutors | Receive and distribute course materials |
| Monitor tutors | Provide advice and guidance to students |
| Manage assessment and examination | Employing local tutors may be possible once the programme is established |
| Retain direct control of all quality assurance activities |