Studying at The Open University
Fit study around your life
Accessible study resources and expert tutor instruction mean you’ll have the flexibility to study when and where you want. Whatever your circumstances, gain a recognised university qualification. Achieve your goals through part- or full-time study with The Open University.
The OU’s mission
We’re experts in distance learning and online courses, having already helped over 2 million people reach their potential. Our flexible learning is respected by employers and is easy to fit around your other commitments.
The Open University’s mission: open to people, places, methods and ideas, sets us apart from other universities around the world. The OU alumni and current student community is a movement of millions. We are enormously proud to promote educational opportunity and social justice.
Getting Started
Where you start in life shouldn’t limit where you go. If you’re determined to succeed and prepared to work hard then we can help you get started.
The main reason we are called The Open University is that we are open to everyone. There are no formal academic entry requirements, we are open to all. Our students are diverse, 30% of our new students are under 25, yet our oldest are still studying in their 90’s. Every year we help thousands of people achieve extraordinary things.
Click the button below to check your eligibility for 100% tuition coverage and register for study with the OU.
Please don’t register on the OU website.
Access courses
You want to study but feel you are not quite ready to start a degree?
The OU offers a range of Access Modules which are unique introductory courses designed to help ease learners back into the disciplines of education, building knowledge and confidence, and preparing the learner to undertake a full diploma or degree as a next step.
We offer 3 modules, each covering a general broad set of disciplines; Arts & Languages, Social Sciences and STEM. The courses are ‘long and skinny’ in the sense that they last 30 weeks, but the level of required study each week is relatively low at 3-4 hours per week.
These modules are supported by online tutors, who support the learner not just on the subject material but also acting as a coach around the process of learning. The courses include elements working on improving basic skills in maths & English and can be supplemented by other more focused courses of these skills if required.
The Access modules are an accredited higher education award and represented 30 credits. They do not contribute towards an undergraduate degree but are an ideal foundational element for an unconfident learner whose previous education may have been poor, or who has been away from education for a number of years.
Access Modules are chargeable, the price varying across the UK nations due to government funding policies. However the OU fully subsidies these modules so they are free to learners of low-income households (under £25k – other conditions apply).
Approximately 4000 students are currently studying these programmes with the OU, most students go onto study at undergraduate level on completion.
Couriers or an eligible family member now have access to flexible education with 100% tuition coverage.
Open University distance courses
We’re experts in distance learning and online courses, having already helped over 2 million people reach their potential. Our flexible learning is highly respected by employers.
Social Sciences – Shaping our Society
Social sciences offer a varied and fascinating insight into the world around you. Our courses help you understand how society is made and remade. From consumerism and capitalism to social justice and the welfare state. We offer many qualifications in disciplines as such Psychology, Environment, Criminology and International Studies.
Business and management – Unlock your Potential
The OU are proud leaders in the delivery of flexible and accessible business and management education, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to take your career to new heights. We offer several degree pathways including leadership practice, marketing, innovation and enterprise and you can specialise business with other subjects such as computing.
Open Qualifications – Design your own Qualification
Not sure what subject to study? Are you interested in multiple areas? With the OU’s Open Degree qualification you can choose your own modules, expand your horizons and learn new skills. Our modular study allows you to explore new subjects, create your own path and find your true passion.
Arts and Humanities – Learn and Live
We offer a wide range of courses focusing on numerous subjects including English Language, English Literature, History, Philosophy and Creative Writing. Over 50,000 students are currently studying across the arts with us, with more than 10,000 studying English. We are internationally recognised for our teaching approach and our Music department is highly rated.
Engineering, Design and Technology – Innovating for a Better Future
The OU are proud leaders in the delivery of flexible and accessible business and management education, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to take your career to new heights. We offer several degree pathways including leadership practice, marketing, innovation and enterprise and you can specialise business with other subjects such as computing.
Law – A Flexible Legal Education
Law is a fascinating subject in its own right and a prerequisite for anyone wishing to practice as a solicitor or barrister. Our undergraduate law degree is the most popular in the UK. We are a pioneer of part-time distance learning in law, and are currently teaching over 9000 students across 45 countries. We invite you to join them.
Health and Social Care – Transforming Society
Its hard to imagine a more dynamic fast changing sector than health and social care in the UK. Innovations in policy and procedures, new standards for treatment and care provide constant challenges and opportunities for health professionals. Whether you are new to the sector, or looking to progress your career, we offer courses to fit around your working and family commitments.
Computing and IT – The future is Digital and it’s all yours
Dream of doing more in Computing and IT? Believe in yourself. Whether you want to upgrade your existing IT career or you are planning a complete career reboot, you will be in high demand as one of our computing and IT graduates. Start your own tech company or just boost your confidence, we are here to help you succeed.
Languages and Applied Linguistics – Open your World
In our ever increasingly interconnected world, there’s never been a better time to study languages. Open up global job opportunities and immerse yourself in other cultures with our languages qualifications. Our subjects include Chinese, French, German, Spanish, and a wide variety of English courses for academic and business purposes.
Find a course that interests you
BSc (Honours) Computing & IT
This degree will help you to become a confident user and manager of information technologies; administer and manage network or database systems; and develop software solutions. Computing and IT skills have become fundamental to the way we live, work, socialise and play; they can open up the world of technology and an array of exciting career opportunities. This degree will give you a sound grasp of the principles of hardware-based, software-based, or systems-based technologies, and the ability to apply your knowledge and skills in a broad range of industries and organisations.
BA (Honours) Health and Social care
In today’s fast-changing care sector, professionals at all levels need to be proactive and flexible to succeed. This degree provides a sound and critical understanding of health and social care policy, theory and practice, and the skills you need for effective practice in a diverse, multidisciplinary environment. You’ll also understand how ethical, legal, social, economic and political factors influence the provision and development of services; and gain the critical and analytical skills that underpin evidence-based practice.
BA (Honours) Business Management
What do marketing professionals really do? How can you use marketing in non-commercial contexts for social good? What new challenges and opportunities arise on the online and global stage? In this specialist route available in our BA (Honours) Business Management (Q91) degree, you will develop an interdisciplinary perspective on the management of business organisations and build specialised knowledge and skills in marketing practice.
Studying with the OU
How long will my course take?
Flexible study means you can vary how long it takes to complete your course, as you fit it in around your other commitments.
You’ll study your course on a module-by-module basis, so you sign up only for what you’re going to study that year. If you have other commitments (such as work, family caring etc.) we recommend you sign up for one 30- or 60-credit module.
For more information on how long it takes to study, discover Flexible study with the OU.
How will I study?
Your study will either be entirely online, or a combination of online and printed modules. If you have additional requirements, we offer alternative formats, which you can request before beginning your first module.
You’ll also have access to our online library, which gives you worldwide access to trusted, quality online resources.
To find out more, explore Getting started with OU study.
How will I be assessed?
When your module starts you’ll have access to its unique assessment guide, which will detail what you need to do on each assignment.
Rest assured, you’ll also have a module tutor to help you with your studies. So if you’ve got a question about an assignment, they’re there to give you a hand.
Find out more by exploring the Assessment types section of the OU website.
Support and the OU community
Each module you study will have a dedicated forum used by students. These are moderated by module tutors, who can join in if they need to.
You’ll also have a subject-specific Student Support Team. They can help with general questions about your study, support you if you’re struggling, or if you need to talk through your options.
For students with additional needs, we’re committed to providing accessible study materials, specialist equipment, tailored assessments, residential school support, support accessing tutorials, and financial help.
For more information on what’s available, visit Support and the OU community.
Tutors and tutorials
For each module, you’ll be assigned a tutor. They’ll mark your assignments and provide feedback, guide you to the right learning resources, and provide individual guidance to each student.
Learn more about our tutor system by exploring Tutors and tutorials.
Couriers or an eligible family member now have access to flexible education with 100% tuition coverage.
Couriers eligible family members now have access to flexible education with 100% tuition coverage
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