Distance Learning / Online Postgraduate Courses in UK

University of York, Online and Distance Learning:
University of York, Online and Distance Learning is based in York in North-East England, and provides a wide range of distance learning / online postgraduate courses that offer an innovative and flexible approach to study to both UK-based and international students. These courses deliver all the hallmarks of a York education to students who need to study at a distance because of geographical location, work or personal commitments. They reflect York's commitment to quality, relevance and student support and enable you to be a full member of the York community. Most of the distance learning courses are designed to meet professional development needs, and reflect the benefits of online learning in this context. Our programmes offer expert supervision, module tutors, personal pastoral care and friendly contact points for day to day advice.

Online Distance Learning Postgraduate Courses:

- Online Master of Science (MSc) in Haematopathology (2 years part-time):
The University of York, in conjunction with the Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (HMDS), Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust have developed a new distance-learning MSc course in Haematopathology which started for the first time in September/October 2008.

This course is suitable for haematology staff working in clinical or research settings e.g. Clinical Scientists, Biomedical Scientists, Specialist Registrars etc. who wish to specialise in Haematopathology. You can also study at a range of academic levels including a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) and a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Haematopathology.

- Master of Science (MSc) in Mathematical Finance:
This distance learning programme builds on the strength and success of the campus-based taught MSc in Mathematical Finance at the University of York. The online MSc was launched in September 2009 to run alongside the campus-based programme.

Online students will be developing skills and competence in Mathematical and Quantitative Finance which are of direct relevance in the field of work, and can open up fantastic employment and progression opportunities. The online MSc programme consists of three stages: Certificate, Diploma and Dissertation, preceded by a brief Induction Period.

There are two 4-month teaching periods in each academic year, October-January and March-June, and two intakes per year, in October and March. Completing the online MSc can take from 18 months (Fast Stream) to 36 months (Standard Stream). Transfers between the two Streams are possible between stages.

- Postgraduate Certificate / Diploma / Masters in Public Policy & Management:
The Masters in Public Policy and Management (PPM) addresses how public policy is made, implemented and evaluated, and the key issues of managing public services. Its focus is especially on how policy processes and the delivery of services are linked. After the set modules of the Certificate year, the Diploma and Masters years offer a substantial amount of choice between a wide range of electives in both policy and management issues, in order to enable you to specialise in the areas of your choice.

This is a part-time, postgraduate-level programme delivered wholly online in fully supported environment. The programme can be completed to Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters level.

The programme is structured into three stages, each stage typically takes twelve months:

- Certificate:  Three compulsory foundation modules.
- Diploma:  Three further modules chosen from a wide range of electives.
- Masters:  Either one additional elective module and a 10,000 - word Independent Study Project, or two additional elective modules and a 5,000 - word Independent Study Project.

- Postgraduate Certificate / Diploma / Masters of Public Administration (MPA):
The aim of the York Masters of Public Administration (MPA) degree is to enhance your capacity to manage, lead, change and improve public services. It reflects the current public service modernisation agenda and aims to equip you to make a practical difference in the delivery of public services programmes and agendas. This is a part-time, postgraduate-level programme delivered wholly online in fully supported environment. The programme can be completed to Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters level.

The programme is structured into three stages, each stage typically takes twelve months:

- Certificate:  Three compulsory foundation modules.
- Diploma:  Three further modules chosen from a wide range of electives.
- Masters:  Either one additional elective module and a 10,000 - word Independent Study Project, or two additional elective modules and a 5,000 - word Independent Study Project.

- Postgraduate Certificate & Diploma in Health Economics for Health Care Professionals (online programmes with residential element):
Mounting pressure on health care budgets worldwide has focused attention on how best to organise health care systems and the spending within them. The York programmes in Health Economics for Health Care Professionals have been set up in response to a perceived need in health care sectors for high quality distance learning programmes in health economics. The programmes allow students to gain an accredited qualification whilst continuing in their careers, and offer the flexibility to spread study over a period of years to match professional and personal circumstances.

We offer two programmes with the aim of providing students with the skills and confidence to apply the principles of health economics within the workplace:

* The Postgraduate Certificate programme covers the basic principles and tools of health economics.
* The Postgraduate Diploma programme covers these same basic tools and deeper knowledge in specific areas.

The programmes are open to UK and international students. The programmes are based around learning 'modules'. Each module has been designed around a workbook written specially by health economists in York and is supplemented by learning support for distance learners. Each module is assessed at the end of the twelve week module study period: for Modules 1 to 4 this involves an unseen written examination taken at an assessment centre. Modules 5 and 6 are assessed by essays and short pieces of project work completed in your own time.

- Postgraduate Certificate / Diploma / Masters of Public Administration (MPA) – International Development:
The aim of the Masters of Public Administration (MPA) in International Development degree is to enhance your capacity to influence, contribute to or lead the international devlopment agenda at local national or international levels. This is a part-time, postgraduate-level programme delivered wholly online in fully supported environment. The programme can be completed to Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters level.

The programme is structured into three stages, each stage typically takes twelve months:

- Certificate:  Three compulsory foundation modules.
- Diploma:  Three further modules chosen from a wide range of electives.
- Masters:  Either one additional elective module and a 10,000 - word Independent Study Project, or two additional elective modules and a 5,000 - word Independent Study Project.

- Master of Arts (MA) in Teaching English to Young Learners:
This MA Masters course in teaching English to Young Learners is a two-year part-time professional development distance learning programme delivered by the Department of Education, University of York, UK. This Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL) distance programme is a full Masters Degree course and successful participants will be awarded the degree from the University of York on satisfactory completion of all module assignments.

The TEYL distance programme from the University of York's Department of Education is specially designed to cater for the needs of a range of professionals currently, or about to be, involved in aspects of teaching English to young learners, including children up to 16 years of age at pre-school, primary and secondary level. The types of professional looking for such a distance programme will include teachers, heads, school managers, teacher trainers, advisors, writers and publishers.

Benefits of Online / Distance Learning Education:
The biggest benefit of studying by Distance Learning is the flexible method of study - combining further study with a busy job, family and social life can be challenging at times. As a result, the Distance Learning study programmes at York have been designed to provide a high level of personal and academic support; ensuring students continue to feel motivated as they move through the programme.

The programmes of study offer students the opportunity to enhance their careers through personal and professional development whilst they maintain their current employment. Whilst studying online provides for greater flexibility, it is equally intensive and as academically rigorous as traditional means of study.