Open University - OU (reviews)

All of the modules in the BSc (hons) Health Sciences degree program covered important topics that society cares about, from anatomy to molecular biology, so it was very comprehensive. The assignments were fair and presented clear and straight-forward instructions. I didn’t have a problem with any of the marking. The classes were all online, using a very practical platform and overall each session was very easy to follow, with many opportunities to chime in and present questions live. The teachers were mostly friendly, helpful and responsive to all needs. In my experience they all were understanding if I had to extend the deadline.

The online portal and platform were probably the best part for me, with access to thousands of resources and online module material.

What I wasn’t satisfied with was the lack of practical training and also the lack of examination centres. The home experiments were few and far between, and even though they taught a lot about scientific method and practice, the practical learning stopped there. So I felt it was unfair and left very little to show in my curriculum, which really narrowed my chances in the job market, even for entry-level jobs. It hardly helped my career prospects at all, sadly.

The way I would improve this is by arranging proper work experience placements for all Open University students and enable more brick-and-mortar examination centres.

Finally, the student life is very comfortable as my course was fully online and there were many international students in my class groups.

Would I recommend this course? Yes, but not for those who are serious about doing field work, such as working in a lab-based environment.

I have to confess I had my doubts about the Open University program, as I was not sure if they would be supportive enough since it is mainly online content. Now I can say all of my fears are gone; ever since I started my degree (Business Management and Languages) my tutors have been very helpful and attentive to any issue or doubt I might’ve had within the modules.
The content is rich, divided by weeks with plenty of activities both online and in the books, so you can work out how many hours you want to commit every week. There are also tutorials that spread over a certain period of time so you can book the one that suits you best, which I found perfect since I work weekends and some days during the week. There is also a Tutor Group Forum for any query you might have; students are also very supportive and attentive. We basically help each other with our work. Since most of the students are also full-time or part-time professionals, tutors are very understanding about extensions in case you need them.
I recently changed my degree from Languages to Marketing, and the advisors couldn’t be more helpful. I was guided through the whole process and also advised about my student finance.
Truth is that students need to be committed and responsible; after all, it is mainly an online degree but with the tutors and tutor group forum it is worth it.

I have really enjoyed studying at the open university. The advantage of studying at an Open university is that you can study anywhere and anytime you want. The studies are very flexible. On the other side, you need to be really disciple and manage your time wisely. You have to study everything on your own and be independent. I have expanded my knowledge of business management through my bachelor’s. Module books are well written and the online material is good, especially good where videos or other visual material is part of the study. Tutor input has been great – all three of my tutors have been helpful and accessible.

I am currently studying at the OU Business Management and Economics, the professors are good but the lessons are pointless. I have attended two or three lessons during my academic year, I can’t find them helpful at all, I do my own research and watch videos in Youtube which I find more helpful than the lessons If I am honest.

I find it very hard to understand the books, the information is not very clear, I found myself buying separate economic books.

The pros are the flexibility, you can study on your own path, from everywhere, the degrees are slightly cheaper than other universities, and at the end of the day, the value of the degree is exactly the same as any other university.

I am enjoying studying at the OU, even if I find it hard sometimes.

I love studying at OU, the materials both online and the books are easy to understand, the essays all build on it so it`s pretty hands-on. I can organize my own studying schedule which helps a lot since I`m a mom with a toddler.
The only downside is some tutors aren`t helpful but you always have the chance to change tutor.
I`m grateful I can study at university from my own home in my free time and hopefully have a better future than without it.

Great opportunity for students seeking flexible and efficient studying. Easy to adapt and set your own targets for reaching the study goals and assignments. Helpful and attentive tutors are always available to listen and help.

When leaving college I had no idea what I wanted to do, I had studied ICT and always wanted to get into Psychology but didn’t have the grades at the time and when I did it was too late for me, I went into work not really knowing what I wanted to do with the rest of my life until I found the OU, I was able to apply for the course of my choosing and within a couple of months I was starting to study, I still can’t believe it to this day! I hope to in a few years to finally achieve and live my dream of being a Psychologist, Thank you OU! onto my second year here I come.

The OU is a very flexible university that allows you to tailor your degree to suit your life circumstances. I feel very lucky to be able to do this, and to choose modules that best suit me from a variety of different subject areas. Because I am able to do that, I found that it enabled me to discover my interests far better than a brick uni degree would have done. I have found most of my modules excellently put together, and my tutors extremely helpful and supportive.

For me, working remotely suits me perfectly, but I can see that for some people it wouldn’t be ideal. Sometimes it’s also rather difficult to engage socially with fellow students, but especially in later years, communities of students are easier to find and engage with.

Overall, my experience with the OU has been massively positive.

I would encourage anyone thinking about university to visit The Open University website, the engagement from start to finish is excellent. The ease with which you are able to navigate the site is fantastic.

The Open University is the perfect solution for whoever is working or taking care of small children. The online facilities are easy to use, there is an online library, programs to have lessons, study with other students or give part of the exams online. The support from the community of students, professors and career advisors is great. The Open University is welcomed everywhere when looking to start a new work or project. The price is also competitive as it cost less than many other universities also is not necessary to budget for the travels and meals as to have face to face lessons is just an option. Is always handy to send an email or post in the dedicated forums in case of any doubts. All sounds great but I will say that differently from other universities it takes a lot of determination to archive the goals. I finished my degree while working full time in three years, so it’s possible but it takes a lot of determination and a lot of independent studies. On the other hand, it will give with time more self-confidence. The only downside I will say that is the choice of professors. While some are brilliant others are less present, not answering emails or not happy to be contacted. Overall I will say that in the case someone needs to work or take care of someone this is a good choice as it economises the time spent in travels or taking courses.