The UP Open University (UPOU) is one of six autonomous units of the University of the Philippines System. While the UPOU is mandated to offer open and distance learning programmes and courses, the five other units operate mainly on the residential or in-campus mode.

The UPOU is mandated to provide a more democratised access to UP education by implementing curricular programmes in the distance mode. It has the following goals:
- Offer degree and non-degree programmes that are responsive to the needs of the learners and the society of which they are a part through open and distance learning
- Develop a system of continuing education to sustain professional growth and promote lifelong learning
- Develop and adapt delivery systems appropriate to the distance learner
- Provide leadership in the development of open learning and distance education expertise in the country and in the appropriate use of information and communication technologies for education
- Make instructional packages accessible to the public through collaborative arrangements, institutional agreements and other appropriate mechanisms.

Degree programs currently offered are:
Diploma in Science Teaching (DST)
The DST is the first formal programme offered by the University by distance education since 1988. With biology, chemistry and physics as its major areas, it is designed for the training of secondary school science teachers. Students enrolled in the programme are served by 27 learning centres strategically located all over the country.

Diploma in Agriculture (DA)
The DA is designed to enhance the effectiveness of the extension force in pursuing agriculture and rural development work. Specifically, it caters to the professional advancement needs of agriculture extension workers and faculty of agricultural colleges.

Diploma in Research and Development Management (DR&DM)
This programme is aimed at producing a critical mass of top and middle level professional R and D managers who could effectively weld together scientific culture and professional management.

Diploma in Computer Science (DCS)
This programme addresses the need for advanced training of personnel in information systems. It aims to train people to efficiently design, implement and maintain software systems that handle large amounts of data.

Diploma in Mathematics Teaching (DMT)
The DMT provides an opportunity to many mathematics teachers at the secondary level who desire to improve their background in mathematics and learn effective strategies for teaching the subject.

Diploma/Master of Arts in Language Studies Teaching (D/MLST)
Through these programmes, educators and education practitioners can upgrade their competencies particularly on the role of language and literacy in basic education. Two majors are offered for the programme - language education and reading education.

Diploma/Master of Arts in Social Studies Education (D/MSSE)
These programmes are designed to upgrade teachers' competence in teaching 'Sibika at Kultura' and 'Hekasi' in elementary schools and 'Araling Panlipunan' in secondary schools. These programmes also enhance appreciation of cultural heritage among the young.

Diploma/Master in Social Work (D/MSW)
Through these programmes, social workers would be able to increase their competencies in social work techniques and procedures.

Master of Public Health (MPH)
The devolution of the health service to local government units has highlighted the need for capability building among health practitioners in the countryside. This programme provides opportunity for health service providers to upgrade their skills.

Master of Hospital Administration (MHA)
This programme is the University's response to the clamour and need of hospital personnel to pursue an appropriate masters degree. Through this programme, physicians, nurses and other allied health personnel and key administration support staff can have a chance to upgrade their knowledge and competencies.

Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN)
This programme prepares qualified nurses for clinical specialisation and leadership in any of the major fields of Adult Health Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Maternal and Child Health Nursing, and Nursing Administration.

Master of Professional Studies in Development Communication (MPSDC)
This programme provides communication professionals with firmer foundations in development communication theory as well as provide them with the necessary skills in development communication work.

Master of Public Management (MPM)
This programme for policy makers, public managers, administrators and practitioners addresses the need for upgrading of their administrative skills and professional competencies.

PhD in Education (major in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics Education)
This programme aims to upgrade the capabilities of the Regional Science Teaching Centres and other teacher education institutions in the country.

Associate in Arts (AA)
The Associate in Arts programme is designed to provide undergraduate education to learners, 20 years old and above, who are qualified but unable to enrol in a residential programme due to individual circumstances. Anyone who completes the programmes can continue toward a baccalaureate degree. Course developers and the teaching staff of this programme are faculty members of various units of UP.

Diploma/Master in Environmental and Natural Resources Management
These programmes are designed to upgrade human resources in the field of environment through a ladderised programme. Students with no requisite environmental science background can enrol in the diploma and work their way up to the masters level; qualified applicants may be admitted directly to the masters programme. The programme takes a multidisciplinary perspective and offers two major fields - Upland Resources Management and Coastal Resources Management.

Cultural Studies: Philippine Culture I (formerly Filipiniana Online)
CS 250 is an overview of Philippine literature, theatre, arts and popular culture. It features the pioneering, as well as the most recent researches and critical studies of noted specialists on Philippine culture. The course, offered for 16 weeks via the Internet has a forum-like structure that allows asynchronous discussion among participants and the professor, and four Philippine culture specialists. The participants receive a Filipiniana Reader and Filipiniana CD as part of the study package.

The Learning Centre in Hong Kong was established under the aegis of a non-government organisation, the Bayanihan Centre. Courses are on a non-formal scheme. Courses are: New Enterprise Planning (NEP) and Personal Entrepreneurial Development (PED) and non-degree courses on Language and Social Studies Education.

Other programmes include non-formal courses in entrepreneurship, fish processing and environmental education.

Programmes soon to be offered are: Diploma in Land Use Planning, Diploma/Master in Architecture and Diploma in Women and Development