Introduction

ODL QC was founded in 1969 as the Council for the Accreditation of Correspondence Colleges, becoming the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council in 1995.

Set up at the request of government, it continues to benefit from governmental support and cooperation, though it is now an independent body, and a registered charity.

Quality and Standards

The aim of the Council is to identify and enhance quality in education and training, and to protect the interests of learners.

The Standards set out the Council's definition of quality.    Open and distance learning providers who meet those standards are eligible to apply for accreditation by the Council.

Accreditation

Accreditation follows a rigorous assessment of a provider's administrative and tutorial methods, educational materials and publicity, to ensure that all standards are met.

Once accredited, providers are monitored to ensure that students continue to receive good service, and are re-assessed at least once every three years.

Council

Council includes representatives of accredited providers as well as members drawn from professional and public bodies involved in education, chosen for their ability to contribute to the work of the Council and all highly qualified in their own particular fields.

On this site

This site includes:

• a list of all currently accredited providers;
• a list of all the courses they offer; (please note that ODL QC is an accrediting body, and does not offer courses itself.    For more information on any course listed, please contact the relevant provider directly.)
• guidance on quality in open and distance learning;
• what accreditation means and how a provider achieves it;
• the ODL QC Standards in open and distance learning;
• detailed guidance on good practice in specific areas of open and distance learning;
• advice on choosing a distance learning course in the buyer's guide and the subject guides;
• a learner's lexicon to help demystify some of the terms used in education;
• press releases from ODL QC and more general news affecting distance learning;
• Links to other educational organisations worldwide.