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Courses

Course Delivery

Most AU courses are delivered at a distance as individualized study. Find these by browsing our course listings. If you prefer the structure of learning in a classroom or online with other students, we also offer grouped study courses in Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

Course Delivery Summary

  Individual Group
  Individualized Study Individualized Study Online Grouped Study Grouped Study Online
Self-paced Yes Yes No No
Courses start 1st of the month 1st of the month September & January* May, September & January*
Courses located Anywhere Anywhere Classroom Anywhere
Courses online Optional Yes Optional Yes
Course length**
3 credit 		6 months 6 months 13 weeks 13 weeks
Course length**
6 credit 		12 months 12 months 26 weeks 26 weeks
Course materials package Print Print and online Print Print and online
Instruction delivery Tutor Tutor Instructor Instructor
Assignments By mail, fax, Internet (optional) Internet Classroom Internet
Support All services, e.g. Library, Help Desk, Information Centre, Advisors, Counsellors,
Access for Students with Disabilities
Exams at invigilated location Yes Yes Yes Yes

* Start dates depend on the institution and/or course   
** Course length differs for funded students

Study as an Individual

Study on your own, at your own pace, using the course materials provided and support from your tutor.
You will be assigned a tutor and given a recommended study schedule. You determine the actual timing of assignments and exams within the course contract period.

Individualized study

Individualized study is centered around a learning resources package that may include textbooks, workbooks, audio and videotapes, lab kits, study guides, online resources, and manuals. You will set your own schedule within the time allowed to complete your course.

Individualized study online

Many Athabasca University courses are offered almost entirely online using Moodle. You will interact with your tutor or learning facilitator and other students, participate in forums for online discussions between instructors and other students, and access the library, digital reading rooms, and other research resources. You must have access to specific computer hardware and software components.

Study as Part of a Group

During grouped study courses, you meet as a group in a classroom or online and you are taught by an instructor. Your instructor may use a variety of media to reach students unable to physically attend the classroom. For example, teleconferencing or videoconferencing courses allow students in one community to interact with an instructor and class in another community.

Grouped study may take the form of:

  • Classroom setting at a collaborating institution or learning centre
  • Web-based, online environment

Search for grouped study courses.

Grouped Study (Classroom)

Grouped study students typically attend courses in a classroom. Courses are delivered within a designated time period at collaborating institutions. However, teleconferencing and videoconferencing may allow you to attend grouped study at a distance.

Grouped Study Online

Some AU graduate programs allow students to study with a group in an online environment, working with fellow students and instructors on a 13-week timetable, starting in May, September and January. Receive a print course materials package by mail. Course materials are augmented by online group discussions and learning activities.

 

 

Updated April 10, 2013