The University School of Open Learning, Panjab University, which was previously also referred to as the Department of Correspondence Studies, was established in 1971. The objective of the department was to take university based education beyond just the university and bring them forth for those willing to learn and to their door step.
Often referred to as USOL, USOL is well supported by a well equipped faculty and offers more than 20 courses for undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and professional studies. Also, recently, some socially and innovative courses such as Diploma in Human Right, Certificate Course in Vivekanand Studies and a Diploma in Naturopathy and Yoga have been introduced.
Method of Instruction:
The method of instruction includes printed study material in Self Learning Mode, Personal Contact Programme, Response Sheets, Assignments, Video and Audio- cassette Lessons on selected topics, Dissertations/Projects in selected courses and Counseling of students on a one to one basis, organizing Regional and National Seminars and Special Lecture Series. To cater to the masses, for most courses, the printed study material is provided in English, Hindi and Punjabi. In addition, the USOL offers a variety of student support services. These include a well equipped Library, postal library facilities, an Educational Media Centre, Laboratories, a Computer Lab and subsidized hostel facility for outstation students. The USOL also involves the students in co-curricular activities and brings them together on a common platform despite their diverse locations.
Courses offered at Panjab University School of Open Learning
Bachelors’ Degree (UG) Courses:
- BA (Bachelor of Arts) – I, II & III (10 + 2 + 3 Scheme)
- B Com (Bachelor of Commerce) – I, II & III (10 + 2 + 3 Scheme)
- Bachelor of Library & Information Science (BLISc) (One Year Course)
- Bachelor of Education (B Ed I & II) (For in-service teachers only, Annual System)
Master’s Degree (PG) Courses
(i) Part I (Semester System)
(ii) Part II (Annual System)
- MA (Master of Arts) in English, History, Hindi, Political Science, Punjabi, Public Administration, Economics, Sociology
- Master of Finance & Control (MFC)-Part I (Semester System), Part II Annual System
- Master of Commerce (M Com) – Part I (Semester System), Part II Annual System
- Master of Education (M Ed), through entrance test (for in-service teachers only) Semester System
- MBA (Off Campus) (Semester System)
Diplomas/Certificate Courses:
- Post Graduate Diploma in International Business (Off Campus) Semester System
- Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications
- Post Graduate Diploma in Human Rights & Duties
- Post Graduate Diploma in Health, Family Welfare and Population Education
- Post Graduate Diploma in Library Automation & Networking
- Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication
- Post Graduate Diploma in Statistics
- Advance Diploma in Naturopathy & Yoga
- Diploma in Photography
- Certificate Course in Vivekananda Studies
- Certificate Course in Women Studies