The Open University, established by Royal Charter on 23 April 1969, is the leading university for flexible, innovative and world-leading research in the United Kingdom and in over 100 countries worldwide. Uniquely placed to understand the needs of part-time students, combining their learning while earning, our innovative, award-winning distance teaching credentials have seen over 2 million students receive an education, otherwise denied to them at campus-based universities. Interested in seeing more? Take a look at our prospectuses.
The Open University’s mission: open to people, places, methods and ideas sets us apart from other universities globally. The OU alumni and current student community is a movement of millions. We are enormously proud to promote educational opportunity and social justice. The Open University’s mission is to be open to people, places, methods and ideas.
We promote educational opportunity and social justice by providing high-quality university education to all who wish to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential. Through academic research, pedagogic innovation and collaborative partnership we seek to be a world leader in the design, content and delivery of supported open learning.
The Open University’s Students First - strategy for growth (pdf) is the means by which we will continue transforming lives through education, building on our success and delivering our mission in a changing world. Our Annual Reports provide a record of our work, events, projects and financial highlights year by year.
The Open University’s Academic Strategy articulates how we shall achieve the Students First objective of Academic Excellence in pursuit of the University’s mission. It articulates how the academic community will contribute toward achieving the Students First Vision of reaching more students with life-changing learning that meets their needs and enriches society.
Most of our undergraduate courses have no formal entry requirements. We believe that the qualifications our students have when they leave are the only ones that matter. We are committed to promoting equal opportunities for all, and close monitoring makes sure that we live up to our ideals.
The OU has more disabled students than any other university in Europe. The flexible nature of OU study and our experience in harnessing enabling technologies to support learning means over 23,000 people with a wide range of disabilities – including mental health issues – choose to study with us each year.
We work in partnership with national and local organisations to open up higher education to underrepresented groups, reaching out to potential students in their communities – and ensuring that, once on board, these students receive the support they need to succeed in their studies. Our Access modules are designed to help people find out what it’s like to study with the OU, build study skills and gain confidence.
We work in partnership with other organisations to deliver courses, collaborate on new curricula, validate programmes and share expertise. The focus for all these collaborative ventures is our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas – promoting educational opportunity and social justice by providing high-quality university education to all.
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I'm a mature student, nearing the end of my first 2 modules in Mathematics. I was very apprehensive about being able to cope but the teaching guides are excellent and interesting with a good balance of theory and application, also the online support is excellent with online tutorials, online screencasts and live online forums where students can post queries and receive help from other students and tutors. Also each student has a personal tutor to further explain things we don't understand. There is an excellent online week by week planner. There are online practice quizzes which were the greatest help for me to show where I needed more work. I study best on my own at my own pace so this has been perfect for me. I can't wait for my next 2 modules!!
I'm halfway through my degree now and absolutely loving it. It's hard work but the OU has everything there to help. It has definitely been worth every hour of studying and is an excellent investment into my future.
By Smit (Aug, 2018) |
In general: study Material is 20yrs behind, often a lack of interest from tutors and the university itself. UK students are prioritised compared to international ones. Definitely overvalued. Often you are NOT informed about important facts. I would never recommend this university to anyone.
By Hajnal Márton (Apr, 2018) |
really disappointed by to OU. they constantly preach a diverse and personal learning style but it all seams very "my way or the highway" to me. tutors are not great and the material is contradictory and vague. for a subject like engineering in renewables it just isn't practical to feed a student nothing but Math problems for 3 years and expect them to be able to repair a wind turbine at the end of it. the only practical hand on work is in a 1 week long crash course at the other end of the uk.
I'm sure the OU is great for some people studying law or other less practical subjects but for engineering I think you would be better off going into an apprentice program.
you are left well and truly on your own with the course work. asking tutors for help will see you waiting stressed out for a reply for days and finally when it comes in its just copy/paste from the student help guide.
very impractical, very impersonal and poor curriculum. I have since been put off my ambitions to become and engineer and am looking for something else entirely. the whole OU thing kind of spoiled it for me.
By shawn conway (Jan, 2018) |
I can't fault the open university in my opinion. I don't understand some of the bad comments people have wrote because my experience has been great! The recourses and help are there if you need it and you always know what's going on. I would definitely recommend the open university if you would prefer to have flexibility and are doing other things on the side of studying.
By ellie johnson (Aug, 2017) |
OU is one of the best learning opportunities out there today for any one willing to learn and for EU members-creation of a funding institution to grant loans and help them pursue their dream even at old age, is something overwhelming!
If you feel you're smart brain you're still young and very ambitious and can afford your tuition, OU is probably not for you.
By George (Aug, 2017) |
The learning materials are good as were my first impressions, but the OU staff are terrible! The student support is next to none and it can be very difficult to get a response to an e-mail, or even a phone call. I eventually made a complaint which was completely mishandled by OU staff. I would suggest OU as a last resort only.
By Garry Macqueen (Aug, 2016) |
The most unbelievable learning experience of my life. I did my second degree with the OU and have never worked with a more dedicated, supportive group of professionals, nor as engaged and wonderful a group of students ... hundreds of us. I've made lifelong friends and continue to give my own time to this amazing organisation after graduation, despite it being railroaded down the crass (misguided) commercial direction that current UK government policy is forcing it down as it tries desperately to destroy the OU and the principles of open access, equality and diversity on which it was founded.
By David Byrne (Aug, 2016) |
This was the most expensive mistake I have ever made. The students supports are a joke and the tutors I had didn't care one bit. I would advise anyone to stay away from the OU.
By Jacob (Aug, 2016) |
Excellent way of learning, dedicated tutors who are always ready to help. The best route to take in developing a new career. Good opportunity to change your life.
I enjoy everything about it.!
By Lilian Wachira (Aug, 2016) |
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The Open University in Buckinghamshire offers an unparalleled educational experience, where dedicated staff inspire remarkable growth in every student.
By S.S. (Mar, 2024) |