The Open University - OU
speciality: English Language & Literature

I think the Open University is a fantastic institution but sometimes I feel that the student support offered could be better. I’ve had experiences where I have had to unfortunately step back a little bit from my work and the support in getting back on track has been next to non-existent. This is one major area in which I think the university could improve.

I did my degree with the Open University. At the time I had two young children and a job, but this was not a barrier. I feel very lucky to have done this before Cameron’s government introduced sky-high fees which also included the OU, defeating its’ entire purpose. Other than that, I would recommend it for those needing something outside of the typical student experience.

I love the flexibility of being able to study at University level with distance learning. I am in my third year of an English Literature degree and I love being able to study alongside working full time. I also love that there are no entry requirements for my degree, so I’m not penalised for the fact that I didn’t do as well as I wanted to in school. I’m doing much better in University than I did in the school environment so my lack of GCSEs is not a reflection of my academic ability and I like that my University acknowledges that. I feel very well supported during my studies with loads of resources and additional help available if I need it. My only concerns are that my tutors are not always easy to get hold of. There is a 10 day service level for getting a response from a tutor and I feel this is too long. Especially studying via distance learning, I would like to be able to contact my tutor more easily. I also feel that the marking is somewhat unclear, I get feedback from my tutor when they’ve marked an assignment but there is no clear guidance available to students about the marking criteria so I wouldn’t know if I’m being marked fairly or not, I’m just reliant on what my tutor tells me. It’s not a concern for me as I am happy with my marks but just an observation. Overall, I am having a great Uni experience and would recommend the OU to anyone.

I studied with the Open University for three years, full time whilst holding down a full time job. Being 24 when my course started, being able to simultaneously work whilst studying was a non negotiable for me. The Open University is a gateway to allowing people to have it all rather than nothing and as society; particularly post covid, moves more towards remote and flexible working, I can only assume its appeal and popularity will grow.

Of course, there are some disadvantages with distance learning, not being able to build the same kind of rapport with students and teachers and that lack of one on one interaction may be difficult for some. You of course don’t get any of the social benefits that you do with attending a traditional university and the advantages of bouncing ideas with your peers is lost. I do think the Open University would benefit from creating study groups in person more, based on location and encouraging more of a social study for those that want it, although I understand the difficulties with creating something on that scale when the primary focus is online working.

For me, however, the positives far outway the negatives. I gained so much from being able to devise my own study schedule and make that fit around me. I could study in the comfort of my own home and I think it made me a much more disciplined learner as well as improving my time keeping and organisational skills. I wasn’t at the mercy of someone else’s schedule and having that flexibility to study as and when I wanted, allowed me to better my work, life (study!) balance. Of course, it was an added bonus not having to travel and being able to study in my pyjamas! Lastly, I didn’t have to waste time waiting to see a tutor and could just email across any queries and would usually have a prompt response. Would I recommend the Open University? 100%