The Open University - OU
speciality: Sociology

Studying virtually at The Open University has been perfect for me as it allows me to study and attend lectures around my schedule, I also get to apply for internships, jobs, skills bootcamps and volunteering positions with little worry if I’ll be able to fill the hours required. The Computing & IT course is a mix of practical work (coding) and general knowledge of computers and the IT world. Business Studies focus a lot on using facts and your opinion to create short essays. The tutors are very supportive and will try to help you any way they can. Assignments are marked within a week with detailed feedback and recommendations on what session to re watch and sections of the text books to re-read.

The open university is a great option for someone who needs flexibility. It allows part time, entirely flexible work which is entirely dependant on the individual and works around the individual. It allows people to prioritise other things, like work and family and still be able to pursue a degree in a career they feel passionate about. Another key thing about the open university is the fact you don’t need any qualifications to enroll this allows people to access university regardless of their past and allows a really inclusive feel. My only criticism which isn’t really a criticism is that you need to be self motivated, this is a really important thing to consider before enrolling due to the very independent nature of this university. Overall, i have had a very positive experience thus far.

If you’re someone that didn’t quite get the best start in your school life, (dropped out of school, got into serious trouble for one reason or the other, had to take care of your kids as a teen parent, etc) but are still looking for a way to get a degree, try the Open University (or the ‘OU’ as they sometimes call themselves).

They allow complete remote study/distance learning and examinations in the first year, but do require you to attend centres during some examinations as your chosen course progresses (it’s homeworking for the most part of the course depending on how you apply specifically).

Try it out!👍

The Open University is a brilliant university. I’m in my final year of an Open Degree which I have tailored to become a BSc in Social Science. The course content has been top quality and up to date. My tutor have been supportive and readily available to answer any questions that I might have. My deadlines were clearly laid out at the beginning of each year, which means I can schedule my life and work around college and get ahead on any assignments that I need to. I highly recommend the Open University for anyone who is looking to get a degree but doesn’t have the time or money to dedicate to a traditional university.

I would recommend the OU for anyone who has always wanted to study but never thought they would be able to. There is so much support available from tutors and students you never feel alone even though it is distance learning. I couldn’t recommend highly enough!

I love learning through the Open University. It is very convenient for me to study in spare time and really develop my career. I enjoy majority of learning is through reading and online materials as I am quick and find classroom learning difficult if I am further ahead than others.

I studied Social Science with the OU over the course of 5 years during which time I lived in 3 different countries. My materials arrived at home and I had all the resources I needed including a very supportive tutor and classmates. There are handy chat rooms to discuss any issues you have and the course material is amazing in depth, I learned analytical skills that I use in daily life and this course changed the way I see the world around me – I will certainly take another course again in the future.