Distance learning programs
EAU operates an online graduate school, allowing learners worldwide to become candidates for degrees at the Master's and Doctoral levels. EAU does not offer programs at the associate or bachelor levels via distance learning at this time.

Distance learning at EAU normally involves working with one or several Mentors in a self-directed process of investigation of a given subject area. The process is completely non-residential from start to finish, and there are no minimum or maximum time-periods for completion of a program. Most learners communicate with their Mentors via email, and enjoy far greater individual direction and attention within their program than is the case in most residential offerings.

Although there are many distance learning degree programs now available, there are very few completely non-resident doctorates on offer. EAU is a pioneer in that regard, and offers both traditional and non-traditional approaches to the PhD and related degrees that can be completed alongside work and family commitments without the need for disruption and the loss of time, income and career progression.

Taught programs
Taught programs available in the arts and humanities are capable of being highly customized although guidance on a suggested modular structure for most degrees is provided via a program outline. A frequently-encountered option is that the candidate will evolve and define their program methodology by means of a learning contract agreed at the outset of their program with their Mentor. The Mentor will also prescribe the relevant reading and assignments for each module. Modules are typically assessed solely by means of coursework; there are no formal examinations although it is common for a module to end with a summative exercise that seeks to draw together the knowledge and skills previously gained.

>>View available taught programs

Dissertation programs
The dissertation or thesis option allows for a master's or doctoral degree to be completed in the European style on the sole basis of the submission of a piece of substantial written work that incorporates the results of an independent investigation of a given topic. At master's level, this work may be either original or the result of a systematic and critical exposition of existing knowledge. At doctoral level, this work must show significant originality. Full guidance is given as to the expected format and structure of the dissertation.

Degrees available by dissertation include the following:
Master of Arts; Master of Music; Master of Theology; Master of Business Administration (in Management, Human Resources or related areas); Master of Letters (in arts/humanities) or Master of Philosophy; Doctor of Philosophy; Doctor of Theology; Doctor of Business Administration.

Other options are often possible, so do get in touch if you would be interested in a program that is not listed.

Doctoral students transferring from other institutions
We also have an accelerated provision for those who have completed the majority of their doctoral program requirements elsewhere but either have not completed their dissertation (ABD), or whose dissertation has been rejected pending revision, and who for whatever reason feel that they cannot continue at their present institution. We will require the dissertation itself or necessary revisions to be completed in the course of our program, as well as a reflective context paper that establishes the role of the doctoral process in the student's lifelong learning. The student may appoint one or more Doctoral Mentors, as well as convening a panel of peers and external specialists to examine the work when it is ready to submit.

>>Guidance for dissertations

APEL programs
APEL means Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning. It is an option suitable for mature candidates who have accumulated significant learning experiences through their work, interests or similar activities, whether formal or not and whether previously certified or not. The APEL route consists of two parts. In the first, the candidate prepares and submits a portfolio fully documenting their prior learning for certification. In the second, the candidate completes a dissertation or project that demonstrates their current grasp of the skills and abilities evidenced in the portfolio. The exact balance between the two parts is decided individually, with the proviso that the portfolio element cannot account for more than 60% of the total requirements of the degree.

The degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration (in Management, Human Resources or related areas), Master of Philosophy, Doctor of Business Administration and Doctor of Philosophy are among those available by an APEL route.

>>Guidance for APEL programs

Doctorates by Published Work
The published work route to a doctorate is currently offered by many universities, but is invariably restricted to university staff, or in some cases to existing alumni. At EAU this route is open to all candidates meeting the academic prerequisites, and can include subject areas that are not otherwise offered by the University. The award will be available to those who have published substantial work representing an original and significant contribution to their discipline, usually in the form of books and scholarly articles that have been made available to the public in a recognized format. Interdisciplinary work can also be considered. Submission is made via a portfolio of this work together with an accompanying paper that places the work in its context.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree is available via this route, as is the Doctor of Music in Composition. Also available are the higher doctorates of Doctor of Letters, Doctor of Science, Doctor of Laws and Doctor of Divinity. The higher doctorate is an earned rather than an honorary award and represents a standard significantly beyond the PhD. 

>>Guidance for Doctorates by Published Work

Programs not open to members of the public
EAU continues to offer several specialist programs, notably its Associateship in Theology, to candidates who are preparing for ordination in the religious denominations which are associated with EAU, as well as certain in-service programs for serving clergy. Since these programs are not open to members of the public, they are not described further on this website. Details of them can be obtained from the denomination concerned. The route to the degree of Doctor of Divinity for serving bishops in the historic Apostolic Succession is described in the University's Regulations.

Honorary degrees
The University awards a number of honorary degrees each year to persons of distinguished achievement and to those who have rendered particular service to the University. The University is always interested to receive nominations for candidates for these awards, but does not permit self-nomination.