How It Works
What actually happens when you study this way
Two terms do most of the work in the University's policies. They are not the same thing, and which one applies changes how your week looks.
Distance Learning
A formal educational process in which you receive instruction through an alternative delivery method. Teacher and student — or supervisor and research student — are physically in separate locations. Some or all of the teaching is delivered by that alternative method, in addition to or in place of face-to-face instruction.
DLP §1.1Flexible and Blended Learning
A combination of distance learning and real-time educational practice. It involves spending a significant period of your studies away from the University on a project, fieldwork or research — either independently, or under another approved organisation which may be based elsewhere.
DLP §1.1The Sequence
From enquiry to your first assessment
Enrolment. Enrolment and re-enrolment are conducted by physical visit, by post, and/or online, as required by the Academic Registrar. The Registry provides tailored letters for distance students.
DLP §6.1Induction. You may be required to attend a formal induction at either campus. Distance students are guided to online resources that induct them into studying this way.
DLP §6.2Contact hours. How many contact-hour equivalents attach to each part of your programme is decided by the curriculum committees at Department, Faculty and Senate level — not by the delivery method.
DLP §6.3Teaching and assessment. All communication runs through the secured learning management system: contact with your instructor, collaboration with peers, submission of assignments, and access to your grades.
DLP §8.3Fees. Tuition fees are set by the University Council. Distance students should check the University website and the Admissions Office for current figures.
DLP §7.1.6Where The Learning Lives
The platforms
Academic integrity depends on everything running through one secured system, so where you work matters as much as what you study.
The e-Learning portal
The University's learning management system, where courses, materials, submissions and grades live.
Open the portal Short courses0 online courses
Short, self-paced courses with verifiable certificates — the quickest way to see how studying online with MRU feels before committing to a programme.
Browse the courses In detailWhat the platform does
Course spaces, chapters and topics, online assignments and quizzes, attendance and your timetable — each with an honest note on whether it is in daily use.
The ODEL platform ResearchThe University Library
E-resources, databases and research support, reachable from wherever you are studying.
Library services