Study with us
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- How distance learning works
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Planning your study
- » What can I study?
- » Workload
- » Textbooks
- » Computer requirements
- » Course materials
- » Course delivery
- » Sending in your work
- » Recognising previous learning
- » How will my work be assessed?
- » Assessment
- » Assessments in te reo Māori
- » Assessment deadlines and extensions
- » Examinations
- » Exam information
- » Pre-enrolment checklist
- » What if I need more help?
- » Terminology and general information
- » Regulation and policy
- For international students
- Enrolment and costs
- For schools
- Graduation
Course delivery
Open Polytechnic offers different types of courses.
Course timings
Open courses are those you can enrol in at any time. You then have 32 weeks from the date your enrolment is confirmed to complete the course.
Trimesterised courses are taught within a set period of time – Trimester 1 starts in February, Trimester 2 in July and Trimester 3 in November (see key dates).
Other courses have different set enrolment and start dates. Where this is the case, the dates are provided with the course information.
Mode of delivery
Courses can be delivered online (via the internet), in print (via mail) or online assisted (a mixture of both).
For online courses, all the course materials are delivered electronically and you use the internet to join in discussions with your tutor or lecturer and other students. Most online courses are at degree or diploma level and have specific dates for enrolment. There are also specific computer requirements for studying these courses.
Print-only courses are delivered by mail. You receive printed course materials and readings and post back your assignments.
All our courses have some online support, for example, our library services, the Student Handbook and some additional study resources are available on the Online Campus section of our website. Many tutors and lecturers will provide support by email.
Contact classes
Most of our courses are delivered entirely by distance with materials being provided either in print or online.
However, there are some courses where contact classes are required and others where contact classes and workshops are available on a voluntary basis. Please make sure to check the course information before you enrol.