All courses are taught online (on UPOU’S virtual learning environment) following the principles of guided independent study and collaborative inquiry. There are no face-to-face classes. Students are expected to have intermediate computer and Internet skills.

The regular load is 6 units. The minimum load per semester is 3 units (equivalent to one course) and the maximum load is 6 units for core courses. [1] A student who feels that enrolling the maximum load is not feasible for him/her may opt to enroll the minimum load. All students are expected to enroll every semester (whether the minimum or the maximum load), unless they are on an approved leave of absence from the University. 

All courses are fully online. Classes are held at the UPOU MyPortal  (http://myportal.upou.edu.ph) where you will find the course guide (syllabus), instructional materials, discussion boards, assignment bins, and online examinations. Core courses are seminar courses that guides students in the review of literature of areas of research in the field, discussion of current theories and practices, and mentoring in research writing. For students pursuing the MSSE tracks, it is expected that students explore and select topics for future research in the academic course work.

Courses are around 12 to 14 weeks long. The first week is usually reserved for orientation in the course and the succeeding weeks are for readings, discussion of the readings, and exercises on a weekly cycle. you are expected to commit at leasts six hours of contact and study time a week for every course just like in a regular face-to-face class. However most activities are asynchronous and you are free to determine at what day and time you are to participate in the course for the week. 

Course assessment follows continuous assessment approaches wherein grades in the course are based on weighted marks for participation in the forums, faculty marked assignments, and examinations. Instructions for each activity is in the course site as well as directions for participation or submission.

We expect the DSSE programme to take a maximum of four years to complete but it can be completed in two years at six units (2 course) per semester. The MSSE is expected to be completed in a maximum of seven years inclusive of the DSSE, but may be completed within four years at six units per semester. After completing the DSSE the MSSE academics may be completed in one year and the thesis is expected to be written with one year.