SCHOOL OF DISTANCE EDUCATION (SDE)

Undergraduate ODL Programmes
Open & Distance Learning Programmes at SDE
Our Open & Distance Learning (ODL) undergraduate programmes are tailored for working adults and individuals with other commitments that prevent them from pursuing their tertiary education through conventional system. Our ODL programmes are flexible, accessible and accredited by MQA. Our ODL programmes are delivered through multiple modes and self-directed learning materials so learners can pace their own learning. Our lecturers and supporting staffs are very professional and skilled in guiding and supporting ODL learners to ensure they get the best learning outcomes and experiences that ODL can offer.

Why ODL at SDE?
Although ODL system has existed for over a century, current technological and instructional innovations are giving this century-old education system a new edge to provide more open, engaging and learner-centered learning experience.
Incepted in 1971, SDE is the pioneering ODL institution in Malaysia and we have since graduated over 20,000 graduates. At SDE, our multidisciplinary curriculum is tailored for working adults to suit their vocational and career development needs (or simply to fulfill their intellectual curiosity). Our ODL learners are supported by over 100 qualified and dedicated academic and administrative staffs.
Through our ODL programmes, learners are provided with flexible and yet engaging learning experience through our state-of-the-art learning management system (LMS): PEARL – Portal for Engagement, Academic Resources and Life-long Learning, which integrates the interactive course materials (self-instructional materials, SIM) and online interactions with peers and lecturers, synchronously and asynchronously.
The course materials or SIM provided in PEARL are designed with sound instructional principles to provide the learners a constructive learning pathway to achieve the designated learning outcomes. Through PEARL, our ODL learners can pace their own learning while attending to other commitments.
In addition to PEARL, our ODL learners are given full access to USM Libraries including e-library and an exclusive postal book loan service. Each of our ODL learners are also given an academic advisor to guide them through their study at SDE. Other academic and non-academic supports including academic and motivational webinars, technical support, and counselling service are also provided to enrich our ODL learners’ student life.
Join us, so you can learn while you earn!

ODL Programmes at SDE
SDE offers 4 accredited undergraduate ODL programmes:
Click on each programme to find out more about the admission requirements and fees.

School of Distance Education
Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Penang, Malaysia