Study at the OU

Explore the prospectus

Around 600 courses can count towards more than 250 qualifications. With specially designed introductory courses, you can gradually build towards your first university-level qualification, towards a degree and even beyond.

• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research degrees
• Short courses
• Vocational qualifications

Getting started with an Access module

The OU offers a range of Access modules that have been specially designed to help you find out what it’s like to study with the OU, get a taste of a subject area, develop your study skills, and build your confidence. They are perfect for new learners with little or no knowledge or experience of studying and use the same top-quality teaching materials and study support we’re famous for. They’re also fascinating and fun to do!

Read more about getting started with an Access module.

International students

If you want to study for an undergraduate qualification and you are living outside the UK and Republic of Ireland, visit our international prospectus.

New to the OU?

Answers to your questions about what it's like to study with the OU: our world-class distance learning method; help with fees; support for disabled students; studying while you're overseas or caring; how you get a qualification; getting credit for successful study elsewhere.

• OU study explained
• Distance learning explained
• Ways to pay

Support for your study

The OU will support you all the way: with financial help, with the study skills you need to succeed in higher education, or advice to help you develop or maybe change your career. And there is a wide range of services for disabled students.

• Financial support
• Skills for study
• Careers advisory service
• Services for disabled students

Open qualifications

With an Open qualification – a CertHE, DipHE or degree – you choose what you want to study. This is one of the most flexible programmes of study in the UK, letting you build a qualification that’s unique for you.

• Open qualifications