Will I get a recognised degree? What’s the student experience like? How long will it take? We asked OU students to help us answer some of the most common questions about The Open University – and to debunk those myths.
Read their answers and then step into your future by starting your own OU journey. Register by 5 September for courses starting in October 2024.
1) Will I get a ‘real’ degree?
Absolutely. Rest assured that OU qualifications are globally recognised for their quality and the same high standards you’d expect from other universities. Except with us, you get the flexibility to learn in a way that suits you.
We’re known as leaders in distance education and recently achieved overall Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. We’re also proud to be in the top 1% of business schools worldwide and produce more CEOs and MDs than any other UK university. So you know you’ll be in excellent company.
“My OU studies have hugely enhanced my chances of getting the kind of job I want. The OU teaches you so many skills that are essential for life and the workplace – time management, autonomous working and flexibility.”
Amy, Health Sciences graduate
“Studying with the OU is the best choice I’ve made so far. It’s a new way of studying that a lot of universities are trying to adopt, but the OU has been doing it for over 50 years while everyone else is trying to catch up. What I’d say to potential students is to choose the OU because they’re the masters of distance learning and you’ll be in safe hands.”
Joe, Psychology student
2) Is there a student community?
Yes, in fact when you join the OU, you’ll become part of the UK’s biggest student community.
Studying online doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the student experience. Far from it. There are plenty of ways to stay connected, from weekly online forums, tutorials, social media groups, clubs and even local meet-ups. There’s even a Freshers Fortnight run by our Students Association to help welcome you to the OU family. So you can get involved as much or as little as you like.
“Studying via distance learning isn’t a lonely experience. I’ve made life-long friends through the OU and spend my spare time travelling the country visiting them. It’s been refreshing to find likeminded people, who love books as much as I do!”
Khudayja, English Literature & Creative Writing student
3) Will I get a tutor and support through my studies?
At the OU, there’s always someone in your corner. You’ll get a dedicated tutor for every module who’s there to offer support, advice and personalised feedback.
Plus, our specialist support teams are only ever a click or call away. And if you’ve got your eye on a new career, our experts can help you boost your CV and connect you with employers through our regular internships and career fairs.
“My tutors were absolutely amazing. They would give me tips and tricks about how to study and make sure I had the resources I needed. The OU student community was also fantastic. My advice to anyone thinking about studying with the OU is just do it, give yourself the opportunity to try something new. You are capable of more than you think.”
Lea, Master’s in Psychology & Combined Social Sciences graduate
“With the OU, the support is all there. Take tutorials for example. That’s an environment that I would have shied away from in the past, but everyone was so welcoming and understanding, I felt comfortable enough to ask questions. OU study has given me the freedom to learn in a way that fits with my neurodivergence.”
Tarryn, Open degree student
4) Will I have enough time to study?
Studying is a big commitment, but OU courses are designed so that you don’t have to put your life on hold to get the qualification you deserve.
Our flexible approach means you have the freedom to study when and where you like, around your job, family and life. You’ll get your own online study planner to help you stay on track every week and plan your time. Plus, you can always speak to our Student Support Teams who can help provide helpful resources and advice to help you succeed.
For most courses we’d recommend around 16 hours of study each week – try our online Time Planner to see how you can fit in learning around your schedule.
“With the flexibility of the OU, it helps me keep on top of everything I need to do. I can run my business and study at the same time, from my laptop at home and you can also access everything on your phone. I can also speak to my tutors and they’re always so understanding.”
Carly, Business Management student
“Being able to work and study at the same time was something I never thought possible. Then I found the OU. Six years of studying alongside building a career is no easy task. In fact, it’s one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. But it’s hands down the best thing I’ve ever done. The key positive for me is being able to study without having to stop progressing my career. I would highly recommend exploring the OU to anyone in a similar situation.”
Kieran, International Studies graduate
5) Is an OU degree cheaper?
Studying with the OU could help you save money compared to a brick university. That’s because you have the flexibility to earn while you learn and pay for one module at a time.
And with different loans, grants and bursaries available, many OU students don’t pay a penny upfront. It all depends on where you live and your personal circumstances. Use our Finance Finder to discover your options.
“For me, the biggest benefit of the OU is that I can earn whilst I learn. With bills on the rise, I have friends who don’t know how they’re going to cope with the cost of living away from home. By the time I finish my studies, I’ve estimated that I will have saved around £10,000 in comparison to my friends that attend brick universities. This is due to the cheaper fees at the OU and not needing a maintenance loan.”
Kianna, Business Management student
The future is yours for the taking
Get the flexibility to learn while you earn and gain a recognised qualification on your terms. Don’t miss out – register by 5 September for courses starting in October 2024.
Choose your course now.
