Distance learning at UPSA

In response to the growing global demand for tertiary education and the need for innovative, flexible delivery models, the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) established its Distance Learning School (DLS). This initiative aligns with UPSA’s strategic objective to create a virtual lifelong learning center that caters to non‑traditional and off‑campus learners. The DLS leverages contemporary distance-learning trends, such as blended learning, mobile-first content delivery, AI-supported student support, and asynchronous digital platforms, to reach professionals and students who cannot participate in conventional face-to-face programmmes due to work, location, or other commitments. Target learners include working professionals, international students, and prospective candidates both within and outside Ghana, all seeking flexible, quality tertiary education. By embracing these trends, UPSA’s DLS not only expands access but also prepares learners for a digitally driven professional landscape.

Vision

UPSA’s DLS aspires to be a world-class open distance education provider in both academic and professional disciplines, nationally entrenched, regionally recognized, and globally relevant. The UPSA’s DLS vision is to increase access to both asynchronous and synchronous professional tertiary education and training through a blended distance education model.

Mission

UPSA’s DLS strives to provide flexible, open-distance education to promote higher professional education and training in business and other social science-related disciplines by leveraging a structured mix of Scholarship with Professionalism.

UPSA’s DLS provides quality, professional, and demand-driven tertiary and lifelong educational programmmes and courses through the use of emerging technologies.

 

Mode of Operation

The DLS adopts a blended or hybrid teaching and learning approach. The blended learning method uses multiple teaching and learning strategies, a range of technologies, and face-to-face interaction, along with both physical and virtual resources.

Facilities

The Distance Learning School is equipped with a range of facilities designed to effectively support its teaching and research mandate. Central to this is the adoption of the Higher Education Partners South Africa (HEPSA) online learning platform. This robust, industry‑tested Learning Management System (LMS) provides a seamless, interactive, and scalable environment for course delivery, assessment, and student engagement. Unlike generic open‑source platforms, HEPSA offers dedicated technical support, advanced analytics, and integration capabilities tailored to distance education.

In addition to the HEPSA platform, the DLS has established an Ultra‑Modern Distance Learning Centre on campus. This facility serves as a hybrid hub where both faculty and students access high‑end technology, participate in virtual classrooms, record instructional content, and collaborate on research. The center is equipped with smart boards, video conferencing tools, and dedicated study carrels to enhance the teaching and learning experience.

To further enrich the learning environment, the DLS will complement the HEPSA platform with selected open-source tools and plug-ins for specialized functions, such as plagiarism detection, interactive quizzes, and peer assessment. This blended approach ensures that distance learners receive a high-quality, flexible, and technologically advanced education comparable to on-campus programs.

 

Contacts

The Coordinator
Distance Learning School
University of Professional Studies
P.O Box LG 149, Accra
Tel: +233 244438164

Distance Learning School About DLS Programmes Offered Admission Info. How to Apply Help Desk Apply Online

Dear Prospective Learner,

Warm greetings from the Distance Learning School of the University of Professional Studies, Accra.

I am delighted to welcome you to a flexible, high-quality, and career-focused learning experience designed specifically for working professionals and individuals who cannot commit to traditional on-campus programs. At DLS, we understand that your professional and personal responsibilities are demanding. That is why we have built a distance education environment that fits your schedule, not the other way around.

Our school operates on the robust Higher Education Partners South Africa (HEPSA) online learning platform. This intuitive, mobile‑friendly system gives you 24/7 access to recorded lectures, digital readings, assignments, and discussion forums. You can learn from anywhere in the world, at your own pace, while still enjoying meaningful interaction with experienced facilitators and a vibrant community of fellow learners.

We currently offer five fully accredited MBA programmes:

  • MBA in Accounting and Finance
  • MBA in Marketing
  • MBA in Internal Audit
  • MBA in Corporate Governance

Each programme carries the same academic rigour and recognition as its on‑campus equivalent. All qualifications are accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and recognized by relevant professional bodies.

To ensure your success, DLS provides comprehensive student support: dedicated online tutors, a 24/7 technical helpdesk, full access to the virtual library, academic advising, and peer learning communities. Our newly established Ultra‑Modern Distance Learning Center on campus offers hybrid learning facilities for those who occasionally wish to use physical resources or record content.

Whether you are aiming to advance in your current career, pivot to a new field, or deepen your expertise, DLS at UPSA is your partner in achieving those goals. I invite you to explore our programmes and take the next step toward a brighter, more flexible future.

Welcome to the DLS family, where quality education meets convenience.

 

Dr. Timothy King Avordeh
Coordinator, Distance Learning School