Graduate Certificate in ASEAN Studies

The framework of the program was jointly developed by five Open Universities in the ASEAN region, namely,
Universitas Terbuka (Indonesia), Open University of Malaysia, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
(Thailand), the Hanoi Open University (Vietnam) and the UP Open University (Philippines).

Program Description
The ASEAN Studies Graduate Program consists of a Graduate Certificate and a Master's Degree. It is intended to
promote regional and global understanding about ASEAN Countries from the perspective of ASEAN; increase the
ASEAN community’s consciousness of its common historical, cultural, and regional identity; and obtain a balanced
perspective in ASEAN studies.

The program is designed for post-baccalaureate individuals, professionals, practitioners (diplomats, policy analysts,
educators, business people, public servants, NGO staff, development workers) and others who are interested,
qualified, and academically competent to pursue a graduate level education.

Program Goals
The Graduate Certificate program aims to develop graduates who are able to:

 Demonstrate comprehensive understanding, insights, and mastery about ASEAN and the countries
comprising it; and

 Contribute to an enhanced and heightened ASEAN community’s consciousness and awareness of its ties of
history, culture and bound by a common regional identity but celebrating diversity.

Admission Requirements
Applicants should be a graduate of a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution.

Mode of Instruction
Online

Curriculum
The Graduate Certificate consists of 15 units of course work, with 9 units of core courses and 6 units of elective
courses.

Number of
Course Code Course Title Course Description
Units

Major Courses

ASEAN201 ASEAN Studies I Introduction to the field of ASEAN studies: the 3

 region's geography, cultures, history, politics,
economies and record of interactions; and selected units
current issues facing the region.

ASEAN regionalism, regional order, regional

3
ASEAN202 ASEAN Studies II integration and community building through various
units
theoretical perspectives.

The ASEAN as an organic entity established by the

individual and collective will of the member
The ASEAN organizations. History, organizational, structural and 3
ASEAN203
Organization functional changes and developments, influence of units
intra-ASEAN and extra-ASEAN factors and dynamics
to the developments and organizational evolution.

Comparative Study of
Introduction to the history and the cultural and
the History, Culture 3
ASEAN204 religious traditions of the ASEAN region. Regional
and Religion of units
identity.
ASEAN Countries

Comparison of social, economic, and political

Comparative Study of
aspects of ASEAN Countries which include
Social, Economic and 3
ASEAN205 commonalities and uniqueness of individual country
Political System of units
in ASEAN in terms of system, development, and
ASEAN Countries
issues.

Geography, characteristics, structure, function,

Comparative Study of
resources and biodiversity of major natural habitats
the Geography and 3
ASEAN206 of the ASEAN region including unique, bio-cultural
Natural Resources of units
landscapes and seascapes, its conservation and
ASEAN Countries
sustainable use of its resources.

Elective Courses

Various phases of organizational transition of ASEAN

from its early period of establishment to the years of
organizational changes in the ASEAN declared
3
ASEAN211 ASEAN in Transition governing principles and charter, membership
units
expansion, functions, and organizational directions
that have transitioned in the nearly half a century of
history and existence.

ASEAN212 The Positioning and The dynamic positioning and role that ASEAN in the 3
Contribution of ASEAN Asian region and in the international arena socio- units
in the Regional and cultural interactions partnerships with counterpart
 Global Context entities and organizations.

Cultural program, objectives and past initiatives of

ASEAN Cultural 3
ASEAN221 the ASEAN organization, issues on cultural heritage
Heritage units
in the ASEAN member countries.

The culture and belief systems that unify the arts in

the nations of the ASEAN and the specific cultural
traditions that led to the development of the diverse
Art in the ASEAN 3
ASEAN222 national identities of the nations in the ASEAN region;
Region units
arts as viewed in the context of the past, existing and
emerging artistic movements and the history in which
time they were created.

A survey of the many varieties of music in the ASEAN

region focusing on musical exchanges from ancient
Music in the ASEAN times to the present, and highlighting the 3
ASEAN223
Community achievements of the ASEAN communities for the units
past 45 years in the fields of music and the
performing arts.

Food across ASEAN cultures and societies, its

Food Culture of the function, patterns, and classifications, food habits 3
ASEAN224
ASEAN and preferences, cultural practices and/or food units
behavior.

The role of communication programs, information

Communications and
and communications technologies, mass media and 3
ASEAN231 Media in the ASEAN
media systems in the development and evolution of units
Context
the ASEAN.

Health, Social Welfare Comparative analysis of the issues, challenges,

3
ASEAN232 and Education Issues policies and solutions to the health, social welfare
units
in ASEAN and education concerns in ASEAN countries.

ASEAN Economic
Overview of the ASEAN economic and business 3
ASEAN233 Development and
community units
Business Community

The political and the governmental dimensions of

ASEAN from a comprehensive perspective, the
Politics and
systems of governance, political institutions adapted 3
ASEAN234 Governance Dynamics
by the regional members, and the issues and units
in ASEAN
prospects viewed from the realities of governance
and nation-building.

ASEAN241 Environmental Issues Analysis of natural, climate and human-induced 3

 environmental issues unique to the ASEAN region,
the application of environmental technology and
in ASEAN units
environmental policy, environmental administration
and management.

Country Study Issues affecting Indigenous Peoples and Cultural

3
ASEAN271 (Indigenous Peoples in Communities and their role in the development of the
units
ASEAN Region ) ASEAN region.

Country Study ASEAN's agriculture, its structure, potentials and

3
ASEAN271 (Agriculture and Food economic relevance to regional and global food
units
Security in ASEAN) security.

Country Study Emerging ASEAN labor economy as envisioned in

(ASEAN Labor the ASEAN Charter and as a consequence of
3
ASEAN271 Economy and Human regional economic integration including review,
units
Resources design and evaluation of HRD policies, strategies,
Development) tools and practices.

Factors shaping ethnic and racial identities as

informed and mediated by political, social, and
Country Study
cultural conditions and interactions in the ASEAN 3
ASEAN271 (Diasporas in the
countries, effect of respective diasporic origins/roots units
ASEAN)
and contact of transnational communities in the
ASEAN countries.

Special Topics Description and analyses of the cultural, social,

(Gender Dimensions economic, and political barriers to the advancement 3
ASEAN281
of Development in of women in ASEAN as well as regional efforts to units
ASEAN) address these barriers.

Strategies and policies of the ASEAN Member States

(AMS) in the area of science and technology (S&T),
S&T infrastructure across the members countries,
Special Topics
S&T indicators in terms of their contribution to the 3
ASEAN281 (ASEAN Science &
ASEAN as a whole. S&T development in each AMS units
Technology)
complementation, synergy and cooperation in
science and technology in the whole of the ASEAN
Region.

3
ASEAN281 Special Topics (Peace and Security in the ASEAN)
units

Program of Study

Year First Second

 Semester Semester

ASEAN202
ASEAN201
1 ASEAN203
Elective
Elective

Program Policies
A Student who completes the Graduate Certificate may opt to graduate with the degree and seek admission into the
Master’s program within three years of earning the Graduate Certificate and provided that he/she has a general
weighted average (GWA) of 2.0 or better.

For more information on new and continuing FMDS students, academic and FMDS calendars, as well as forms,
please visit thislink.

For admission related details, please visit UPOU website.

Diploma in Social Work
Program Description
The Diploma in Social Work program is designed for professionals engaged in social welfare and social
development work who wish to pursue graduate studies to gain a higher level of competence in their field of
practice. This program is open to those with a bachelor’s degree in social work and those who do not, with a
different track for each. An above-average performance or the successful completion of the degree qualifies
students without a bachelor’s degree in social work to enter the Master in Social Work program should they wish to
take this course of study.

Program Goals
The Diploma in Social Work aims to provide higher level competence in direct practice and supervisory tasks among
social work practitioners.

Admission Requirements
 A bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution;

 A high level of intellectual capacity and integrity; and

 A high English proficiency level (as evidenced by a TOEFL certification) for foreign applicants.

These will be determined through (1) an examination of an applicant’s undergraduate credentials and (2) a review of
references from former professors and professional supervisors.

Admission Policies
A Program Admission Committee, headed by the Program Chair of the Diploma in Women and Development
Program, will convene to deliberate on the documents submitted by the applicants. The OUR then informs the
students of the results of the admission.

If all documents and requirements have been fulfilled by the student, he/she will be admitted as a regular student. A
student will be given provisional status if he/she failed to submit the needed requirements for admission to the
program. One year will be given to the student to complete the said requirements.

Mode of Instruction
All courses, except for the field instruction courses, will be delivered mainly by distance education mode. Field
instruction courses, an integral part in social work education, requires face-to-face supervision and this will be
accomplished with the support of agency field work supervisor working under the overall direction of the faculty-in-
charge of the course.

Prospective applicants are advised that the program requires at least one field instruction course for those with
BSSW while those without a BSSW will need two field instruction courses. Each course requires working 320 hours
in an assigned agency during their regular working hours.

Those without a bachelor’s degree in social work and intend to pursue a Master of Social Work and complete the
1,000-hour requirement for professional social work training will be required to enrol in a total of five field instruction
courses.

Students whose employment will not allow for an adjustment of their work schedule for field instruction with another
agency may apply for a work-study scheme. In this scheme, they could conduct their field instruction in the agencies
where they are working provided that they satisfy the guidelines to become fieldwork agencies.

Courses
The Diploma consists of 27 units of core and major courses for holders of a bachelor’s degree in social work and 33
units for those without said bachelor’s degree. This can be completed between five to six semesters on a part time
basis, at six units per semester. Upon completion of all courses, students must take and pass a comprehensive
examination to earn the degree.

For BSSW holders, students shall have an option to take specialization on these three areas: (1) social
Diploma in International Health
Program Description
International health is a field focusing on public health across regional or national boundaries. It seeks to (a)
understand health problems in a global context; (b) compare factors that affect the health of people in resource-poor
and transitional economies around the world; and (c) develop means of disease reduction and health protection and
promotion for these population.

Prospective students:
 Medical and other professionals working in the field of health and development like nursing, dentistry,
veterinary medicine, allied medical professions, social work and related fields.

 Intended for both entering and mid-career health professionals who are looking for graduate-level education
and training that will prepare them for supervisory work in government health departments, local and
international non-government organizations engaged in health and development work.

 It is particularly relevant to those who would like to pursue an academic career in international health.

 Students with international and cross-cultural interests may apply their knowledge in an appropriate area of
international health studies, while also developing a particular area of expertise.

Program Goals
The program aims to develop international health professionals who are able to:

 Design health programs that address significant global health problems and issues (e.g. pandemics,
industrial accidents, disasters, health effects of environmental change) that are informed by a critical
understanding of the global political, economic, environmental, and cultural systems and how these relate to
health and development.

 Implement services that work in a global context for health promotion and development in accordance with
international and local policies, directions, and ethical standards.

 Evaluate health development programs and strategies across different settings, both local policies,
directions, and ethical standards.

 Engage in effective collaboration with important international organizations as well as non government
organizations for the improvement of health, taking into account the interplay of political, economic,
environmental, and cultural factors in different development settings especially in middle- and low-resource
countries.

 Contribute to the continuously evolving discipline of international health through research generation.

Admission Requirements
Applicants must submit:

 An official transcript of records;

 A certified true copy of the college diploma;

  An updated curriculum vitae;

 A certificate of training or employment describing the nature of the applicant’s work.

Professionals who wish to enroll in the Diploma on International Health must be:

 graduates of approved medical schools or graduates with professional training in nursing, dentistry,
veterinary medicine, allied medical professions, social work and related fields, with at least a baccalaureate
degree in science;

 have at least one (1) year experience or previous training in the field of public health as evidenced by a
certificate of training or employment describing the nature of the applicant's work; and

 meet other criteria set by the Admissions Committee.

A student who completes the unit requirements for the DIH program may opt to proceed to MIH upon complying with
the admission requirements for MIH.

A DIH graduate may opt to graduate with the degree and seek admission into the Master’s program within three
years of earning the DIH. Beyond three years, the DIH graduate must pass the qualifying examination for admission
to the Master’s program.

Mode of Instruction
Courses are delivered on a semestral basis using various technologies where appropriate. The virtual classrooms run
in MyPortal, the learning management system of the UPOU. This is where class announcements are made, course
materials uploaded, discussions held and assignments uploaded.

Courses

Core Courses (12 units)

Course Number of
Course Title Course Description
Code Units

International Health Introduction to health, social, cultural, and

IH201 3 units
and Development economic development issues

Global Disease Overview of emergence, epidemiology

IH202 Epidemiology and and control of common diseases that have 3 units
Control global impact

International Health
Overview of international health laws and
IH203 Laws and 3 units
regulations
Regulations

IH204 Health Research Principles of and methods in the design, 3 units

 ethical implementation, and utilization of
Methods
health research [Prerequisite IH 202]

Major Courses (12 units)

Course Number of
Course Title Course Description
Code Units

Health Promotion Introduction to theories, models, and

IH211 3 units
Theory principles of health promotion

Health promotion practice with regard

Health Promotion
IH 212 to priority public health conditions and 3 units
Practice
global health priorities

Application of health promotion

Health Promotion for
concepts and principles in addressing
IH 213 Equity and Sustainable 3 units
problems of global health, equity, and
Development
sustainable development

Health Promotion
Principles and styles of leadership, and
IH214 Leadership and 3 units
management skills in health promotion
Management

Health Service Overview of frameworks and models

IH221 Development and for health systems development and 3 units
Management management

Analysis of governance and policy

Healthcare Policy and
IH222 frameworks for improving population 3 units
Governance
health

Human Resource Analysis of key issues in health human

IH223 3 units
Management in Health resource management

Development of health financing

IH224 Health Financing systems and institutions in resource- 3 units
poor settings
Program of Study
The Diploma in International Health program can be completed in two years with a six unit load per semester
following this program of study:

Year 1 Year 2

Core Course 1 Core Course 3

First Semester
Core Course 2 Cognate

Major Course 1 Major Course 3

Second Semester
Major Course 2 Major Course 4

Total Units 12 units 12 units

For more information on new and continuing FMDS students, academic and FMDS calendars, as well as forms,
please visit thislink.

For admission related details, please visit UPOU website.

Master
DiplomaofinPublic Management
International Health
Program Description
Program Description
The Master of Public Management (MPM) Program of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies, UP
International
Open University health
(UPOU)iswas
a field focusing
first offered onthe
during public health
second across
semester of AYregional or The
1997-1998. national boundaries.
institution of the It
seeks to (a) understand health problems in a global context; (b) compare factors that
Program was initiated and led by the then UP College of Public Administration (UPCPA, now the UP National affect the
College of Public
health of people Administration and Governance,
in resource-poor or NCPAG),
and transitional the country’s
economies foremost
around theacademic
world; andinstitution in public
(c) develop
management, education, research and extension.
means of disease reduction and health protection and promotion for these population.
The UPCPA, with the support of the Civil Service Commission, had aspired to assist in democratizing education by
Prospective
offering programsstudents:
in distance mode. Distance education (DE) as an approach to learning aims to provide academic
preparation to enhance the skills of practitioners who have no time to attend the University or cannot leave their
work place due to tasks in the office or in the field. As such, the UPCPA took the challenge by offering DE programs.
 Medical
The College invited and other
faculty fromprofessionals working
the UP System offering in the
Public field of health
Administration and
courses development
as course like
writers and tutors,
nursing,
and ensured qualitydentistry, veterinary
in the offering medicine, allied medical professions, social work and
of programs.
related fields.
Currently, the Program offers three specializations: Local Government and Regional Administration (LGRA), Public
Policy and Program Administration (PPPA), and Voluntary Sector Management (VSM). The Program seeks to
 and
expand Intended
developfor both
other entering
areas and mid-career
of specialization, health professionals
such as Organization Studies, and who
Publicare looking
Fiscal for
Administration, in
the future.graduate-level education and training that will prepare them for supervisory work in
government health departments, local and international non-government organizations
Program Goals
engaged in health and development work.
The Master of Public Management (MPM) Program is designed for policy-makers, administrators, and managers of
 It is particularly relevant to those who would like to pursue an academic career in
public, private, and non-governmental organizations; practitioners in local government and administration; and other
international
individuals health.
interested in good governance, and public policy and administration.

 Students
The fundamental goal of the
with MPM Programand
international is tocross-cultural
professionally upgrade themay
interests management skills knowledge
apply their and educationin
ofan
administrators and practitioners, in the pleasure of their own time and place.
appropriate area of international health studies, while also developing a particular area

of expertise.
In particular, the program aims to: Provide a high level of competence in public policy, governance, and
administration;
Program Goals
 Prepare students to become better public managers, administrators, government or volunteer workers
and/or advocates of social change, administrative, reform, and national development; and
The program aims to develop international health professionals who are able to:
 Equip them with skills and knowledge needed in managing and developing organizations that work for the
 Design health
welfare and programs
interest that people.
of the Filipino address significant global health problems and issues (e.g.
pandemics, industrial accidents, disasters, health effects of environmental change) that
Admission Requirements
are informed by a critical understanding of the global political, economic,
environmental, and cultural systems and how these relate to health and development.
Applicants to the MPM Program must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution, and
at least two years’ work experience.
 Implement services that work in a global context for health promotion and development
in accordance with international and local policies, directions, and ethical standards.
Those seeking admission must also take and pass the MPM Graduate Admission Test (MPM-GAT) which are
usually administered twice a year.
 Evaluate health development programs and strategies across different settings, both local
Documents to be submitted
policies, include
directions, andtheethical
following:
standards.

 a. Duly
Engage accomplished application form for admission. If the applicant is a former UP student, he/she
in effective collaboration with important international organizations as well as
must indicate his/her student number in the form.
non government organizations for the improvement of health, taking into account the
interplay of political,
b. Official economic, environmental, and cultural factors in different
Transcript of Records (1 original and 1 photocopy) bearing the school dry seal and imprint,
development
and thesettings especially
Registrar’s inink,
signature in middle- and
and with low-resource
acceptable remarks.countries.

 Contribute
c. Two to the ofcontinuously
letters evolving
recommendation discipline
from: employer/ of international
supervisor, health
former professor, through
former program
researchadviser
generation.
(the UPOU Form 1a to be used for this purpose is attached to the printed application form
or can be downloaded online from the UPOU website).

Admissiond. Requirements
Two identical 2”x2” photos and two identical 1”x1” photos, with your name and the program
applied for printed at the back of the photos.
Applicants must submit:
e. A 500-word essay (refer to item #30 of the application for admission form)
 DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION

This application shall not be processed unless the following documents in hard copy format are received by the Office
of the University Registrar, UP Open University, Los Baños, Laguna within the deadline for admission for your
preferred term of admission.

Undergraduate Program

1. Print copy of the accomplished online application form.

2. High School Form 137 with school’s dry seal if you are a high school graduate applicant, or Philippine
Educational Placement Test (PEPT) passer;

OR An official and original Transcript of Records (TOR) indicating date cleared by the concerned
UP Unit, if you are a former UP student;

OR An official TOR from the last school/college/university attended, if you are a former college
student of another higher education institution.

* Senior high school graduating students should take the UPCAT.

3. Proof of payment of application fee (non-refundable).If payment was made other than through
online payment, please upload a scanned copy or digital image of the proof of payment.

4. Two identical 2” x 2” photos and two identical 1” x 1” photos, with your name and the program applied
for printed at the back of the photos

5. Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate

6. Photocopy of government issued IDS with photo

Additional Requirements for Foreign Applicants

Graduate Program

1. Print copy of the accomplished online application form.

2. Original and photocopy of valid Transcript of Records (TOR) from all schools attended. The TOR
should bear the school dry seal and imprint, and the Registrar's signature in ink, and with
acceptable remarks (please see Attachment A for the list of remarks in a TOR that will make it
valid as a transfer credential).
 3. Two (2) letters of recommendation from any of your: a) employer/supervisor; b) former professor;
or c) former program adviser [please use UPOU Form 1a].

4. Proof of Payment of Application fee (non-refundable). If payment was made other than online
payment, please upload scanned copy of digital image of the proof of payment)

5. Two identical 2” x 2” photos and two identical 1” x 1” photos, with your name and the program
applied for printed at the back of the photos

6. 500-word essay essay explaining why you are applying for admission to the curricular program
you have indicated and to the UP Open University.

7. Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate

8. Photocopy of government issued IDS with photo

Additional Requirements for Foreign Applicants

Additional requirements for DIH applicants:

1. Certified true copy of college diploma;
2. An updated curriculum vitae;
3. A certificate of training or employment describing the nature of the applicant's work.

Additional requirements for DCOMM applicants:

1. Statement of Intent in the form of a 2,000-word essay outlining the applicant’s research plan of
action, which includes the proposed research framework, problem (in question form) or topics.
2. Portfolio of written work comprising the applicant’s written work (e.g., publications and studies
undertaken wherein the applicant is the sole or senior author, media productions, scripts, etc.).
3. English language proficiency report indicating that the applicant, who is not a native speaker of
English and who did not take previous academic coursework in English, has passed a valid English
proficiency examination (e.g., International English Language Testing System – IELTS, or Test of English
as Foreign Language – TOEFL).
4. Proficiency in the use of computers and the Internet, which may be an actual demonstration of
proficiency in the use of computer technologies, the Internet, and other information and communication
tools essential for undertaking independent research.
5. Special Needs Statement that would include but not limited to physical and mental conditions that
might require special attention or support service.

Certification Program (PTC)

1. Print copy of the accomplished online application form.

2. Photocopy of valid Transcript of Records (TOR)

3. Proof of Payment of Application fee (non-refundable)

(If payment was made other than online payment, please upload scanned copy of digital image
of the proof of payment)

4. Photocopy of NSO Birth certificate

5. Photocopy of government issued IDS

 6. Two identical 2” x 2” photos and two identical 1” x 1” photos, with your name and the program
applied for printed at the back of the photos

Additional Requirements for Foreign Applicants

Additional Requirements for Foreign Applicants (effective starting 2nd Semester/Trimester AY2017-2018 in
pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 7722, Executive Order 285 s. 2000)

1. Five (5) copies of the Student's Personal History Statement (PHS) duly signed by him, both in
English, and his national alphabet accompanied by his personal seal, if any, and containing,
among others, his left and right thumbrprints and a 2x2 inch photograph on plain white
background taken not more than six months prior to submission.

2. A notarized affidavit of support including bank statements or notarized notice of grant for
institutional scholars to cover expenses for the student's accommodation and subsistence, as well
as school dues and other insidental expenses;

3. Scholastic Records duly authenticated by the Philippine Foreign Service Post located in the student
applicant's country of origin or legal residence;

4. Photocopy of data page of the student's passport showing date and place of birth, and birth
certificate or its equivalent duly authenticated by the Philippine Foreign Service Post.

University’s Examination Services

Effective First Semester/Trimester of School Year 2017-2018, examination concerns of UPOU students will be
handled by the University’s Examination Services. It is a new system that will provide standard services to all
students based locally and abroad. Local students can direct their inquiries
to examservices.local@upou.edu.ph c/o Ms. Glenda del Socorro while offshore students can
email examservices.offshore@upou.edu.ph c/o Ms. Erlinda Manarin for their examination concerns.