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IARSA

Academic programmes

Distance Learning Education

Open and distance learning delivered across Africa through the association's global alliance of partner institutions, so a recognized qualification can be studied locally.

DLE

The association's Distance Learning Education (DLE) programme summarises the main process of establishing open learning and distance education systems in Africa through its global alliances. DLE focuses on what has not worked well in the education system in Ghana, and indeed in Africa as a continent, in order to keep pace with the rest of the world in applying new and enhanced strategies for human resource development.

The DLE programme identifies the common issues and challenges facing education practitioners in Africa, and develops appropriate strategies and policies for open learning and distance education at national, regional, state, local and international levels.

The desire to study for high quality, nationally and internationally recognized programmes is growing at an almost exponential rate all over the world. The partner universities' distance learning programmes enable students to seek recognized qualifications offered by those universities, delivered locally.

Every year, over a million students from all over the world choose to study for a US or UK degree to enhance their careers and knowledge. The association's global universities offer the opportunity to study for those degrees outside the US and UK through part-time study, distance and online learning, so students can achieve the benefits of that education without any disruption to their career.

How local delivery works

The local universities build in face-to-face components, such as bringing dispersed students in for occasional tutored group meetings. The central provider sends travelling tutors to the learners, and enters into agreements with the association as an education support.

Part-time and flexible study enables you to combine your studies with work and other commitments. The level of support for these programmes varies significantly, and it is important to choose the level that best meets your needs. Part-time study requires you to study while at work, at home or on a journey, and to attend seminars and workshops regularly, usually at the weekend or in the evening.

The Distance Education Policy aims to

  • Promote, encourage and support the orderly development of distance education and associated technologies in Ghana and the continent of Africa
  • Enhance the effectiveness of distance education at minimal economic and social costs
  • Outline means of improving education and training facilities to overcome the scarcity of skilled personnel
  • Outline the application priorities in consonance with national development plans
  • Ensure the development of an infrastructure for efficient communication, and the establishment of mechanisms for the coordination and effective management of the information and communications technologies of Africa

What students study

There is a wide variety of programmes available to choose from, including certificate, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and post-doctoral degrees, as well as MBA and DBA programmes. The choice available varies depending on which state or country's education you choose.

Entrance requirements vary depending on the qualification. Entry requirements are there to ensure that you will be able to manage your studies successfully.

Academic integrity

The association holds its students to high standards of academic integrity and will not tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation or deception. Such acts of intellectual dishonesty include, but are not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, fabricating data or citations, stealing examinations, using instructor editions of textbooks without authorization, taking an exam for another, using technology to disseminate exam questions and answers, tampering with the academic work of another student, facilitating other students' acts of academic dishonesty, and resubmitting work completed in another course, with the exception of compiling previous coursework, if approved, into a Directed Research Project.

Academic excellence

  • Sustaining a learning environment that fosters critical analysis and creative thinking
  • Engaging in scholarship that advances the thinking in related fields, informs teaching, involves students, and serves communities in practical ways
  • Viewing students as the first priority
  • Maintaining a dynamic teaching environment where relevant business and management theories and practical tools are imparted

Recognition of the final award

Qualifications from national and global partners are of the same academic standard wherever they are delivered. The partner universities and colleges are responsible for ensuring that programmes delivered nationally and internationally meet the same high quality standards as if they were delivered on the home campus.

On successful completion of your programme you receive a degree certificate and a transcript. The certificate provides details of your degree; the transcript provides more detailed information on what you have studied, as well as where and how you studied it. Together they provide all of the information that an employer or professional body might require on your qualification.

Applying for admission

Applications are evaluated only after all the necessary information and materials have been received by the association. Completed files are processed and sent to the national or global university, and evaluated by the admissions office and other designated individuals. Applicants are notified of the admission decision by mail within four weeks of receipt of transcripts and completion of the file. Full consideration cannot be assured to applicants who fail to meet application deadlines.

The application must be filed for a specific term of entry and is considered for that term only. Applicants who want to change their term of entry should contact the Office of Admissions. Any approval for admission is valid only for the term specified in the admission notice.

Minimum requirements for admission or readmission

  1. A completed application form submitted by the deadline, including the non-refundable application fee of GH₵210 and processing fee of GH₵850.
  2. Credit passes in five Ordinary Level subjects in the Senior School Certificate Education, West African School Certificate Education or General Certificate of Education, or their equivalent, including English Language, Mathematics, Economics and two other relevant subjects.
  3. A satisfactory academic record. Each applicant must furnish a complete chronological record of educational institutions previously attended, and official transcripts must be submitted in accordance with the instructions on the application. Failure to declare attendance at another institution could cause invalidation of admission and any credits or degrees earned.
  4. A satisfactory conduct record.

Student classifications

Beginning freshmen: students who have earned fewer than 12 semester hours following graduation from high school.

Undergraduate transfers: students who have earned at least 12 semester hours following graduation from high school and have not received a bachelor's degree.

Graduate students: students who have earned a recognized baccalaureate, graduate or professional degree from an accredited college or university, or an international equivalent based on a four-year curriculum.

Post-baccalaureate students: students who have received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and are not applying to graduate school. The partner universities have limited space available for post-baccalaureate studies.