Since its creation in 1969 the OU has built an enviable reputation as a world leader in distance education, and has supported over 170,000 postgraduate students on taught masters and PhD programmes.
We have awarded more than 90,000 postgraduate qualifications, including more than 43,000 masters degrees.
We currently offer over 30 taught masters degrees, including:
- our internationally recognised MBA,
- a range of professionally recognised computing qualifications,
- an MA in English,
- and our MSc in Development Management.
Why the OU?
For quality and relevance – a postgraduate degree from the OU provides a degree that attracts attention; it helps you to stand out in the job market and develop your career. You can build certificates into diplomas, and diplomas into degrees, and many of our qualifications are professionally accredited.
For flexibility and innovation – with the OU you can study as you work, study at your own pace, and take your studies with you as you move. The Open University is the only university in the UK dedicated to distance learning.
For value and expertise – with our distance-learning experience and renowned expertise we can offer masters degrees from £3000. See ‘What can I expect to pay?’.
What our postgrads say
In a recent Higher Education Academy survey of postgraduate students in the UK (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, 2009), OU students particularly praised:
- the ongoing and timely feedback they received from their tutors,
- our top-quality teaching materials, and
- the flexible nature of our part-time study.
How does it work?
You can study a standalone course, or you can work towards a postgraduate certificate, diploma or masters degree.
You can complete a taught masters degree at the OU in as little as two years but, if you prefer, you can spread your masters over a longer period.
More about postgraduate study at the OU.
A welcome from Alan Tait, PVC Curriculum and Qualifications
Our mission is to provide high-quality university education to all who wish to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential. This drives everything that we do. The quality of our research and teaching speaks for itself:
- In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) over 60% of our research was rated as internationally excellent or world-leading, with noticeable strengths in Computing, Art History, Sociology, Literature, Art and Design, and Development Studies. This places us in the top 50 universities for research in the UK.
- The OU is one of only two universities in England to have been awarded the leadership of four Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning by the Higher Education Funding Council for England, with a partnership in a fifth.
Research degrees
If you’re looking for a PhD, or other research degree, click through to our Research Degrees prospectus.