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How much will study at the OU cost?

The cost of OU study is dependent on a number of factors - where you live, what type of qualification or module you are studying and the number of credits you plan to study. You can find more information on the cost and how you can pay at what you can expect to pay for undergrauate study, and ways to pay for postgraduate study.

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How can I pay for an OU qualification?

We offer a range of payment methods to help you pay for OU qualifications and modules. You can choose a payment method to suit you and ensure your study is affordable. You can find more information on paying for your OU qualification on our Ways to pay for a qualification website.

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How do I apply to study at the OU?

You can choose to register for a degree, a foundation degree, a diploma of higher education, a certificate of higher education or a module to study as a standalone course. You will find information, advice and guidance in our online prospectus here and once you have decided what you would like to study, you can usually complete your registration online.

If you are interested in studying towards a qualification we will help you to make the right choices. Once you have selected a subject and pathway online, our 'Choosing with confidence' website provides tools to help you understand how OU study works and the options available to you. When you are ready, you can register for the qualification, select your modules and arrange payment.

To register for a standalone module, choose the subject you want to study and your module. When you are happy that you have chosen the right course for you, you can click the register button online. If you want to study a module as a standalone course, you don't need to start at Level 1 but you do need to have adequately prepared yourself for OU study in some other way and you will find information on our website to help with your choices.

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What are the entry requirements if I wish to study at undergraduate level?

For most qualifications or modules, there are no formal entry requirements, although if you have not studied before you may find it helpful to do some preparatory work before starting undergraduate study, in order to develop a suitable level of study skills. You can do this independently or working with a tutor on one of our Openings courses.

A few qualifications or modules have entry requirements, for example some are for people who are working in specific jobs, and some are only for postgraduates.

To find out if the qualification you are interested in has specific entry requirements, look at the qualification key facts on the Study at the OU website.

We strongly recommend that students new to Higher Education, Open University study or to a particular subject area start at Level 1.

You may find it helpful to talk through your study options with us. Please contact the Student Registration and Enquiry Service on 0845 300 60 90 to be put in touch with an adviser.

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Will my previous study count towards an OU qualification?

You may be eligible for credit transfer towards certain OU qualifications if your previous study was:

• at the UK higher education level
• formally assessed
• essentially academic
• undertaken in the preceding 16 years.

If we make an award of transferred credit for your previous study it will reduce the number of modules you need to study with us to gain an OU qualification.

The Credit Transfer website explains which types of previous study, including certain professional and overseas qualifications, are eligible towards our qualifications; how much transferred credit you can count towards specific OU qualifications; and how to apply for credit transfer.

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Should I start with a standalone module or register on a qualification?

The OU offers a wide range of highly respected undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications - degrees, foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates - or standalone modules which can be studied individually and which could earn you credits towards a degree.

There are a number of factors that may influence your study choices and your funding options may be affected by your decision. There is further information on what you can expect to pay and the funding options available on our website Study Explained. You may also wish to consider how much time you have available and the level at which you want to study.

For more information on choosing the right course, you can visit our website Choosing the right course. You may find it helpful to talk through your study options with us. Please contact us on +44 (0) 845 300 60 90 to be put in touch with an adviser.

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