The Open University

The Open University (OU) was the world's first successful distance teaching university.

Born in the 1960s, the OU was founded on the belief that communications technology could bring high quality degree-level learning to people lacking the opportunity or desire to attend campus universities.

It continues to be the United Kingdom's only university dedicated to distance learning.

We have around 150,000 undergraduate and more than 30,000 postgraduate students.

The Open University's style of teaching is supported distance learning.

Nearly all students are studying part-time. About 70 per cent of undergraduate students are in full-time employment. More than 50,000 students are sponsored by their employers for their studies.

11,000 people are currently studying for OU Higher Degrees.

Most OU courses are available throughout Europe. Some of them are available in many other parts of the world. More than 25,000 OU students live outside the UK.

The OU is ranked among the top five UK universities for the quality of its teaching.

Visit the Open University home page