Frequently asked questions

On this page you can find frequently asked questions about the different aspects of Flexible Education portfolio. Further down the page you can find frequently asked questions for the WUR Flexible online courses, which are mentioned in the WUR Osiris Study Handbook.

General

What is the meaning of MOOCs?

MOOCs are the courses that can be found on platforms like edX and Coursera They are Massive Open Online Courses that can be offered by universities and other institutions and are not mentioned in the Higher education's study handbooks. These asynchronous courses have no course schedule and are completely online; hence you can follow them anywhere anytime. The ‘light’ version is often free but to be able to unlock the content required to obtain a certificate you usually need to pay. If you pay you become a verified learner.

Where can I find MOOCs?

MOOCs are offered on many platforms like: edX, Coursera, FutureLearn, Cognitive Class, Iversity and many more.

What is YMO?

YMO only applies to the credits you receive for MOOCs that are not in the WUR Osiris Study Handbook (or of any university). YMO is the course code that will be listed on your degree together with the name of the MOOC that you obtained.

What is a Capita Selecta?

There are two types of capita selecta: personal credits and courses.

  • Personal credits: Teachers at Wageningen University are allowed to award credits for study-related content not listed in the WUR Osiris Study Handbook, e.g., if you assist with a research project.
  • Courses: Sometimes instructors develop courses that are not included in a bachelor's or master's program. However, these courses are listed in the WUR Osiris Study Handbook. The first digit of the course code is always a 5.

Currently, you are allowed to include a maximum of 6 ‘capita selecta credits’ in the Free Choice part of your study programme.

Can I register for MOOCs with my WUR account?

For the WUR Flexible Online Courses you need to register through Osiris, after registering you will get access to Brightspace of that course where you can find more information on how to follow the course. Read this carefully!

For the MOOCs, you need to register at the platform that hosts your course e.g. EdX or Coursera.

Can I apply for more than one online course?

Yes, you can, but there is a maximum of 6 credits that you are allowed to put in your Free Choice part of your study programme, which is subject to approval by the Examination board.

Are there any costs involved in following an online course for credits?

The WUR flexible online courses have no additional cost, since these are listed in the WUR Osiris Study Handbook. For the Wageningen MOOCs you will receive a coupon code that provides free access to the verified content of the course.
For the other MOOCs you might need to pay to become a verified learner, which is necessary to receive a certificate upon successful completion.
Some platforms offer financial assistance for learners who cannot afford to pay the full price. Please check the help page of the platform that hosts the course.

For more information, take a look at Access to online courses.

WUR Flexible Online Courses

Starting and following the course

The WUR Flexible Online Courses are listed in the WUR Osiris Study Handbook and can be started anytime, anywhere. They can be followed at your own pace. However, you do need to keep in mind that most courses have a scheduled online (remote proctored) exam, which will take place in resit A or resit C1.

Each course has its own Brightspace page on which you can find detailed information on how to enrol, follow and complete the course. Do check this thoroughly.

What if I want to drop out?

We hope you are committed to completing the course. However, if there is a good reason to drop out, we would like you to send an email to the course coordinator. You can disenroll yourself through Osiris.

In what period is the course offered?

Most courses can be taken throughout the year and can be finished when the online (remote proctored) exam is scheduled. If a course does not have a final exam, the only timing constraint is waiting for the final assignment to be graded. Specific course details can be found in the WUR Osiris Study Handbook under "Course Description." The sections "Course Periods Offered and Registration" provide information on when the course is available. To see when exams are scheduled, check the "Examination Periods and Registration" section or TimeEdit. If you’re still uncertain about when a course is offered, feel free to email flexible.education@wur.nl.