Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply and what is the deadline for applications?

First decide which full time university you wish to apply to. You may want to speak to a number of universities to help you decide. Once you have decided on your full time university, contact them directly to apply to the scheme. You can apply at any time but Open University courses start twice a year in October and February. We recommend that you apply to the partner no later than early August for starting in October and early November for starting in February.

 

What qualification will I get and who will award it?

You will gain a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry or BSc (Hons) Physics from the full time partner university, just as if you had studied the whole course with the full time partner. Some partners may also offer related science courses such as Engineering Physics.

 

Will I mix with other students while studying with the OU?

The extent to which you keep in touch with other students is entirely up to you. Some students opt to have very little contact with others. Others make full use of the range of activities available, which include: attending tutorial support sessions organised by your tutor; organising a self-help study group (online or face to face); contacting your local Open University Students Association (OUSA).

Many of the full time partners are planning events and opportunities for you to meet other students from your full time partner university.

 

Can I get a student loan or other financial support ?

The government and The Open University fund a range of financial support services to help you with the costs of studying with the OU. The support varies with the amount of OU study (credit) you are taking in a year. Most students on the 2plus2 scheme will be taking 70 credits per year. Click here to find out what financial support is available while you study with the OU.
Please contact your full time university to discuss what financial support is available when you start your full time study

Will I cope with the Maths courses?
You can check how you would cope with the Maths courses by clicking here. If you want to speak to an OU advisor call 0845 300 60 90. If you have any further questions please contact us.

Will I cope with the Science courses?
You can check how you would cope with the Science courses by clicking here. If you want to speak to an OU advisor call 0845 300 60 90. If you have any further questions please contact us.

Do I need Maths and English GCSE?
Speak to your chosen partner university to find out their requirements. If you do need to gain a Maths or English GCSE qualification you may be able to do this for free by contacting Learndirect (0800 101 901).

Can I take more than 2 years to study the OU courses?
You normally need to successfully pass each of your courses within 2 years of starting your study with the OU. Any changes to this schedule need to be agreed by The Open University and your chosen full time partner university.

Is the Open University a 'proper' university?

Yes. The Open University (OU) is Britain’s largest university, with more than 200,000 people studying its courses every year.

Seventy-five per cent of the FTSE top-100 companies are sponsoring, or have sponsored, their staff on Open University courses and qualifications.

The OU has an excellent reputation for Student Satisfaction. It has been at the forefront of the National Student Survey rankings since they were introduced in 2005 (see this story on the BBC News site).

In 2004, the Sunday Times declared the OU to be in the top five UK universities for teaching.

Can I study with 2plus2 from overseas?
2plus2 is available in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and the following European study areas:

Aland Islands, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Vatican City State.

All teaching is in English. If you have any concern please visit the Open University Skills for OU Study page and also talk to your chosen partner university.

Most students outside the UK, and those resident in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man, will have to pay a higher fee because the UK fee includes a government subsidy restricted to UK residents and students with British Forces Post Office addresses.