Formal Programs
Faculty of Education
The Faculty of Education (FEd) is one of the degree-granting units of the University of the Philippines Open University mandated to offer degree programs in teacher training, and design and deliver new programs that reflect the expertise of UPOU and are responsive to teacher education needs.
Faculty of Information and Communication Studies
The Faculty of Information & Communication Studies (FICS) is dedicated to advancing the discipline, field, and study of information and communication studies, while highlighting the integral role technology and communication play in shaping social and economic development.
Faculty of Management and Development Studies
The Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) is an interdisciplinary faculty which features a collective of various disciplines spanning from the health to the environment to management and to the development fields.
Non-Formal Programs
Non-formal programs are non-degree, non-formal courses offered outside regular degree-programs. They are part of UPOU’s mandate to provide alternative access to higher quality education for those who cannot enroll in full-degree programs, for example due to work, geographic, or time constraints.
Microcredentials
UPOU’s Microcredentials program offers stackable, career-focused courses designed for flexible completion. Learners can upskill or reskill at their own pace, tailoring their learning journey to their specific needs. These micro courses are transferable as a credit load towards a degree program.
Continuing Education Program (CEP)
UPOU offers non-formal programs through its Continuing Education Program (CEP), designed to provide alternative access to quality learning opportunities for a diverse range of learners. These online courses cater to professionals and individuals who wish to upgrade their skills, gain new competencies, or pursue lifelong learning without the constraints of traditional classroom schedules. Delivered through UPOU’s distance education mode, non-formal programs emphasize flexibility, accessibility, and practical application.
Massive Open Online Courses
UPOU Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are free, non-degree online courses designed to provide flexible, high-quality education to a global audience. Key features:
- Massive: No enrollment caps—open to unlimited participants.
- Open: No academic prerequisites or fees
- Online: Hosted on UPOU’s MODeL (Massive Open Distance eLearning) platform
- Course-structured: Designed with clear modules, learning outcomes, and assessments.
UPOU offers MOOCs to expand access to quality education, support lifelong learning, and enhance workforce readiness.
UPOU MOOCs are free and open to anyone with internet access, a willingness to learn online, and at least a high school education. There are no age, degree, or nationality requirements, and all the courses offer free certificates subject to completion of course requirements.
These MOOCs cater to various learners, including students exploring subjects beyond formal curricula, professionals looking to upskill in specific areas of their work, marginalized groups such as rural communities, persons with disabilities, and career shifters, as well as international learners from the Philippines and beyond.
MOOC Calendar for 2025
