For further information about how our courses work, visit What will it be like?
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service. Email or call +44(0)845 300 60 90
Where can I study?
The short answer is: ‘wherever you are’. As a distance-learning university our world-class, supported 'Open Learning’ methods enable you to study where it suits and when it suits you.
It’s ‘open’ because you learn in your own time and place, and ‘supported’ because you’re never alone. Over 70 percent of OU students are working full or part time during their studies. Many others are caring as they study. Studying with us does take real self-discipline, but our courses are designed to be flexible so you can work at a pace that suits you. We’ll help you fit your studies round your life.
Of course, some courses (particularly in education, health and social care and social sciences) focus on UK issues and take their examples from UK settings.
How does studying work if you’re outside the UK?
Just like students in the UK, you will get course materials in the post for home study, and you’ll access some materials online.
Your tutor will support you by post and (depending on your course and tutor) by phone, online forums or email. Other possible support includes:
- face-to-face tuition
- informal support groups with other students
- our online library service, Open Library
Residential schools and examinations
For some courses and qualifications, you may need to go to a residential school. These are usually held on the UK mainland and you are responsible for making sure that you can get to them.
Not all of our courses have an exam. For those that do, we have at least one examination centre in each of the following European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Channel Islands, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Isle of Man, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
If your centre is a long way from you, we may be able to arrange for an exam close to your home, but there will be an extra charge and you will need to explain why it is too difficult for you to attend an ordinary examination centre.
How much will it cost?
Fees are higher outside the UK because UK Government funding subsidises students who live in the UK, and because the University needs to cover the extra costs of operating and supplying services outside the UK.
Fees are given in the course descriptions, in the online prospectus.
If you move into or out of the UK while you are studying
You will need to contact us if you move into or out of the UK during a course:
- There may be a change to your course fee. The UK government subsidises courses for UK residents.
- If you are moving out of the UK and you will not be able to return to the UK for your examination then you’ll need to ask for an overseas exam and pay the appropriate extra fee. See the information about overseas examinations on the Assessment website.
More information about studying where you are:
Share This Page