BA/BSc Open degree
- On this page
-
Over 40 per cent of OU students who graduate do so with an Open degree. It’s a statistic we’re proud of – the BA/BSc Open is one of the most flexible undergraduate programmes in the UK, and exemplifies our distinctive and often life-changing approach to learning more than any other qualification. With this degree you have the freedom an opportunity to achieve a uniquely tailored qualification. You can study any subjects you like, in any combination, enabling you to:
- tailor your degree around your interests and career
- enjoy the intellectual challenge of a wide variety of disciplines
- let your mind take you where it leads
- try something completely new
- focus on one main subject, but have the freedom to mix in modules from other areas
- use successfully completed credit from previous university-level studies elsewhere
- change direction as your interests develop and your horizons expand.
Highly regarded by employers for its breadth and valued by students for its flexibility, an Open degree equips you with a wide range of expertise, skills and capabilities that are much sought after in today’s highly competitive job market. It’s also fascinating, mind broadening and completely relevant – because it’s unique to you.
How to apply
To study for this qualification, you will need to choose a pathway from the list below.
Our qualifications have up to three start points in the year, October, February or April.
You should apply in good time and if you are seeking financial support or applying for credit transfer, check our application
timetable on the How to register page.
Our qualifications are available to residents of the UK and many
other European countries. Read Where can I study? to see the list of countries from which we accept direct
applications.
Key facts
| QD |
300 or 360 credits |
|
There are no formal entry requirements to study this degree.
|
|
Our fees depend on where you are ordinarily resident. We have a range of funding options to help you with
payment. When you apply to study we will tell you the fee and funding options that are
available to you. Before you apply you can read What you can expect to pay.
|
Pathway to your qualification
View the pathway description to see the stages of study, and from there apply online.
Career relevance and employability
The flexibility of the Open degree makes them relevant to a wide range of careers and industries. Many graduates choose to enter careers that are not directly related to the subject(s) they studied and this is reflected in the fact that around 70 per cent of graduate jobs are open to graduates of any discipline. What makes Open degree students stand out is the rich view of the world they develop, the perspectives they encounter and the range of skills they develop from having studied a diverse range of subjects.
Whatever your choice of modules, the Open degree will help you develop key transferable skills including:
- adaptability and flexibility
- problem solving
- communication and literacy
- numeracy
- information technology (IT)
- analysis and reporting
- critical analysis.
There’s more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OU’s Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards an Open University qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible, and before you register for your chosen qualification. If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete your qualification with us.
Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.
Classification of your degree
On successful completion of 360 credits you will be awarded either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science honours degree.
Whether you qualify for a BA (Hons) Open degree or a BSc (Hons) Open degree will be determined by the number of credits you have from modules suitable for a BA or for a BSc.
Your honours degree will be classified either as first-class honours, upper second-class honours, lower second-class honours or third-class honours. The class is determined by the grades you achieve from OU modules above Level 1.
At the end of your studies you will receive a detailed record of modules you have studied and the results. You will have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
Open degree without honours
You may, if you wish, complete a 300-credit Open degree without honours: it takes less time and costs less than an Open degree with honours. However, bear in mind that for entry onto postgraduate-level modules and for many graduate career paths you will need an honours degree.
Of these 300 credits 120 will be at Level 1, 120 will be at Level 2 and 60 will be at Level 3. You must also include at least 120 credits that are unique to your Open degree and have not already been counted in any other OU qualification awarded to you.
Whether or not you qualify for a BA Open degree or a BSc Open degree will be determined by the number of credits you have from modules suitable for a BA or for a BSc.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Qualification Regulations, Module Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Qualification Regulations
Module Regulations and Student Regulations
The Module Regulations and the Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for
Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available
on our Essential documents website.
If you have a disability
Choosing the qualification that’s right for you is very important. Depending on your disability, long-term health condition, mental health disability or specific learning difficulty, you may need to consider any challenges posed by:
- the learning objectives: for example, to gain an honours degree in a language you must be physically able to speak the language
- how the modules are taught: for example, some of our science qualifications require that you complete laboratory work
- any work-based competency requirements.
Choosing the right qualification can be a complex mix of the subject requirements and the support you may need. To help you assess whether the qualification you are interested in will work for you, further advice is available from:
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study for this qualification. For most OU qualifications a
Microsoft Windows (new since 2006), Apple Mac (OS X 10.5 or later) or Linux computer should be adequate.
However, some qualifications require more specific IT equipment, in which case you will need additional
software to use an Apple Mac or Linux computer. A detailed technical specification for your modules will be
made available when you register. Please note, technical specifications do change over time to match computer
developments and the way we teach.
Not sure if you’re ready? Try a short introductory Openings course
If you would like to try Open University study before you commit to a qualification, our
Openings courses could be the right place for you to start. These introductory-level courses
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. There is also financial
support available for these courses. Read more about our Openings courses.
Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.
For more information about distance learning at the OU read Study explained.
Share
This Page