The Open University of Tanzania: A Source for Quality Education

The growth of Distance Learning as a mode of education has opened up opportunities to many who might have otherwise missed out on quality higher education. Among the institutions leading the charge in this sector, especially in East Africa, is the Open University of Tanzania (OUT). Established by an Act of Parliament Number 17 in 1992, OUT is a fully functional, independent, and authorized public university that takes great pride in offering its students a broad spectrum of courses encapsulated within its diverse faculties and degree programs, including postgraduate courses. By facilitating the study of various aspects of Tanzania’s national and community life, OUT shapes its students into professionals poised to navigate the nuances of a fast-paced, demanding world, armed with skills and knowledge in teacher education that make them both competent and innovative.

Key Highlights

• The Open University of Tanzania (OUT) is a fully functional, independent, and authorized public university offering a range of courses.
• It operates via distance learning modes, making quality higher education accessible to many.
• Courses range from undergraduate degrees, postgraduate qualifications, and even PhDs over various faculties.
• The admission process is streamlined through an online application system, and several resources like e-resources and examination information are available for student support.
• The university also encourages a thriving campus life and hosts several events.
• Research is given importance, and collaboration through Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) helps in knowledge exchange.

 

Brief Introduction to the Open University of Tanzania (OUT)

The Open University of Tanzania (OUT) is a public university that is fully autonomous and accredited. It was established by an Act of Parliament Number 17 of 1992, which became effective on March 1, 1993 through the publication of Government Notice No. 55 in the Official Gazette. The installation of the first Chancellor took place on January 19, 1994 with a full ceremony, and the first group of students was admitted in January 1994. In January 2007, OUT began using the OUT Charter and Rules (2007) for its operations after the enactment of the Universities Act No. 7 of 2005.

The Open University of Tanzania offers its certificate, diploma, degree and postgraduate courses through the open and distance learning system which includes various means of communication such as face-to-face, broadcasting, telecasting, correspondence, seminars, e-learning as well as a blended mode which is a combination of two or more means of communication. The OUT’s academic programmes are quality-assured and centrally regulated by the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU).

OUT Headquarters are temporarily located off-Kawawa Road in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es Salaam. The permanent headquarters are under constructions at Bungo in Kibaha District, off-Soga Road, about 4.0 Km from the main Morogoro highway in Coast Region.

OUT operates through a network of about 30 Regional Centres; 10 Coordinating Centres, of which one is in Zanzibar and one in Pemba; two are in Kenya (Egerton and Njoro), one is in Rwanda (Kibungo), one in Namibia and one in Uganda. Other OUT Internal Coordination Centres are the African Council for Distance Education – Technical Collaboration Committee (ACDE TCC), the Centre for Economics and Community Economic Development (CECED) and the SADC Centre of Specialization in Teacher Education (SADC ODL CoS TE). OUT has also 69 Study Centres spread throughout the United Republic of Tanzania.

The Open University of Tanzania offers its certificates, ordinary diplomas, degrees, postgraduate diplomas and PhDs through its five Faculties and two Institutes.

• Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
• Faculty of Business Management
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Science, Technology and Environmental Studies
• Institute of Educational and Management Technologies
• Institute of Continuing Education

 

Faculties and Degree Programs

OUT encompasses a diverse range of faculties and degree programs, providing a rich array of disciplines for its students. It offers certificates, ordinary diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate qualifications through its five major faculties which are the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Business Management, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Law, and the Faculty of Science, Technology, and Environmental Studies. Along with these, OUT also hosts two important institutes – the Institute of Educational and Management Technologies and the Institute of Continuing Education Programme.

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences promotes a comprehensive understanding of the societal dynamics with renowned programs including:

• Bachelor of Arts with Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
• Bachelor of Social Work
• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication

Faculty of Business Management

The Faculty of Business Management champions key aspects of the corporate world with its distinctive courses such as:

• Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Human Resource Management
• Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business
• Bachelor of Business Administration with Education
• Bachelor of Human Resource Management

Faculty of Education

The Faculty of Education has a strong focus on the critical aspects of education in our society, offering specialized courses like:

• Bachelor of Education in Special Education
• Bachelor of Education Teacher Educator
• Bachelor of Education in Adult and Distance Learning
• Bachelor of Education in Educational Policy and Management

Faculty of Science, Technology, and Environmental Studies

The Faculty of Science, Technology, and Environmental Studies provides a scope in the booming tech world with courses including:

• Bachelor of Science General
• Bachelor of Science Information Communication Technology
• Bachelor of Science Environmental Studies
• Bachelor of Science with Education

Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law is committed to shaping legal minds with:

• Bachelor of Laws
• Master of Laws
• Doctor of Philosophy in Law

OUT Admissions and Enrollment Process

OUT offers a transparent and comprehensive admission and enrollment process. Whether you are considering enrolling for a foundation program, undergraduate or postgraduate programs, or even a PhD, the first step is filling the application form online and providing a valid email address. This is followed by making the application fee payment online using a CONTROL NUMBER that is provided during the registration process. Once your application is reviewed and accepted, your admission letter with information about the thesis process will be sent to the email provided in your application form.

• Check here OUT Admission

Open University of Tanzania (OUT) Eligibility Criteria

Depending on the course applied to, the eligibility criteria may vary:

Open University of Tanzania (OUT) Application Process

To kickstart the application process, prospective students must register on the OUT website. Following this, students are required to fill the application form, clearly indicating their choice of programme. As the last step, students must pay the application fee using the CONTROL NUMBER provided during registration.

• Check here OUT application

 

OUT Online application System

The Online Admission System of OUT is facile and straightforward. Once the application fee is paid, students can fill the application, which becomes visible post-payment. Apart from providing personal information, applicants need to submit academic records for evaluation. Post-application, the progress can be tracked online.

• Check here OUT Online application

Learning Resources and Support

Besides having a comprehensive curriculum in place, OUT provides extensive learning resources for a holistic education experience. The university provides online e-resources that cover a wealth of informative material beyond the classroom syllabus. It also offers information about examination patterns and guidelines. The university continues to foster an environment that encourages self-paced learning, assisted by technological contemporary means.

Open University of Tanzania (OUT) Online e-Resources

OUT’s online e-resources are a treasure trove of information that caters to the diverse needs of its student community. With access to online libraries, digital archives, learning modules, journals, academic catalogues and databases, students at OUT can supplement their classroom learning with these resources.

Examination Information

The Examination Information provided by OUT is designed to aid students in their academic journey. This includes:

Campus Life and Events

Student life at OUT is vibrant and engaging thanks to its dedicated approach towards building a balanced campus culture. Orientation guidelines aid freshers in adapting to the new environment. With a host of events round the year, students can discover new interests, express their creativity, and build strong networks.

Orientation Guidelines

OUT provides Orientation Guidelines to help students transition smoothly into their new academic journey. This guidance helps fresh students understand the university layout, academic policies, student resources, and creates a warm welcome to socialize with students and faculty.

Upcoming Events and Activities

OUT hosts several events such as the 21st Programme Steering Committee & 37th Executive Board Meetings that provide ample avenues for students to network and learn. Watch out for event updates on the official site to participate in the vibrant campus life.

Research and Collaborations

OUT harbors an research conducive environment that encourages curiosity and fosters creativity. Covered under the university’s powerful vision of “knowledge creation and application,” research activities are pivotal to OUT’s academic landscape. The university’s collaborations with industry and academic partners further enable its mission by promoting academic exchange and outreach.

Latest Research Publications

OUT prides itself on being a hub for prodigious research output. The university regularly publishes findings in various fields from its dedicated researchers. Students, scholars, and faculty members contribute significantly to the academic community and beyond through these efforts.

Collaborations / MoU

OUT has entered into several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with various organizations and institutions. These collaborations promote academic and research exchange, technical assistance and support, and open up newer frontiers for knowledge sharing and innovation.

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Conclusion

As East Africa’s premier open online University, the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) is strongly committed to shaping dynamic leaders armed with knowledge, skills and the acumen to navigate the fast-paced modern world. Offering a diverse range of courses through open, online, blended, and distance learning modes, it not only ensures that students get the best academic training but also provides the flexibility needed to earn a degree while fulfilling other commitments. With its dedication to research, collaborations, and commitment to its vision of “knowledge creation and application,” OUT stands tall among Tanzania’s higher education institutions as an institution of choice for students. Its streamlined admissions process, extensive resources, and dynamic campus culture make it an ideal destination for pursuing top-quality higher education that leads to rewarding careers. From fostering critical skills to nurturing creativity, OUT equips its students to meet the compelling demands of a globally competitive world.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to join the Open University of Tanzania?

To join OUT, visit the official website, register, fill the online application form as per your choice of programme, and pay the application fee using the provided CONTROL NUMBER.

What is the rank of the Open University of Tanzania?

The Open University of Tanzania is ranked among the top universities in Tanzania known for its rigorous academic programs and quality education offered via online, open, blended, and distance learning modes.

For More Information Visit https://www.out.ac.tz/

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