The Open University has always been about radical ideas and innovation. In fact, we were considered way ahead of our time when we started as the UK’s first distance learning university in 1969.
And things have come on in leaps and bounds since then. Gone are the kipper ties and facial hair, and in their place – a young and lively student community, an inspirational teaching staff, some of the world’s best multi-media teaching materials and world-leading research.
It’s no wonder we’ve become the UK’s biggest university.
We come to you
Although we have over 350 study centres dotted around the UK, most of your study will be done at home. All the study materials you require will be sent to you by email or post, or will be available for you to download. Your tutor will then be available for you to contact either by email or phone whenever you need them.
You can also stay in regular contact with your classmates through our lively online community. Use our chatrooms to share ideas and plan nights out, or work on group assignments with our conferencing software.
A degree without the third degree
It’s your life and we promise we won’t tell you how to live it. Instead we’ll offer you all the support and tools you need to get a highly regarded degree in your own time, and in your own way.
Study full time, part time, or take things step by step. It’s completely up to you.
Unhappy at your current university?
Why not think about transferring to us? The process is very straightforward and any coursework or exams that you’ve been given a grade for might be able to count towards your degree here.
If you’ve not done as well as you’d hoped at your current university, then don’t worry either. Your previous grades won’t affect your progress here. All we ask is that you come to us with an open mind and a desire to learn.
Meaningful qualifications
Our degree programmes are highly regarded by both academics and employers – a pretty important endorsement when it comes to getting a job at the end of your studies.
As with degrees at other universities, you’ll be asked to complete coursework, assignments or exams for each course that you take with us.
You’ll usually email your completed assignments to your tutor for marking when they’re complete, and any exams you’re due to take will be held in local venues such as colleges or sports centres.
