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What are courses?

At The Open University we offer a huge range of more than 570 courses. These courses are ‘modules’ of work that you can study on a standalone basis, or combine towards a certificate, a diploma or a degree.

Our typical courses are 60-point courses that will need about 16 hours a week of study over about nine months. You can study them individually or, alternatively, the 60 credit points you earn on successful completion can contribute towards a qualification, such as the 360 credit points you need for an honours degree. You can find out more about them in our online prospectus.

However, we have many other types of courses, specifically designed to cater for different students with different needs and interests - courses that are long and short, intense and less so, ranging from basic to very challenging.

Choosing the right course

The right place for you to start depends on what and how much you have studied before. Choosing the right course helps you identify the type of course you should be starting with.

• Openings courses
  These are introductory courses, usually 10 credit points, specially designed to help you develop your learning skills and build your confidence. Exam-free, and with lots of study support, they are perfect for new learners.
  
• Short courses
  Short courses are stimulating and popular courses that vary from gentle to intense. Usually 10 or 15 credit points, and mostly Level 1, but with a few Level 2 and 3 options that would be demanding if you haven’t studied previously.
  
• New courses
  Preview some of our newest courses.
  
• Continuing Professional Development courses (CPD)
  CPD courses are flexible online courses to help you develop skills, knowledge and ideas that you can immediately apply in your career. Normally 30 hours’ worth of study.
  
• APEL courses
  Courses that allow you to get credit points for relevant previous experience.