Today (18 August) is A-level results day, bringing with it a wave of emotions across the UK and the beginning of the university clearing process.<\/p>\n
The Open University\u2019s (OU) mission of being open to all perhaps never feels more applicable than when students across the UK receive their A-Level results.<\/p>\n
The OU continues to provide a positive, alternative route to gaining a degree for many young people which is open to all and doesn\u2019t require a certain set of results.<\/p>\n
This year, the National Student Survey (NSS) announced that the OU ranked in the top 6<\/a> across all four nations for student satisfaction, coming 1st<\/sup> in Scotland and Northern Ireland and with an overall satisfaction rating of 86% across the UK.<\/p>\n Although the past couple of years have presented challenging circumstances, the OU has maintained its mission, to be \u2018open to people, places, methods and ideas\u2019. We have taught over 2 million students worldwide, the majority of which are in full time employment, offering a unique and flexible approach to learning and support.<\/p>\n Despite strong performances from other institutions, the OU exceeded all Russell Group members in its results.<\/p>\n Studying for a degree with the OU can work out less expensive too; the full-time equivalent tuition fees at the OU in England are \u00a36,456, compared to the typical \u00a39,250. The OU also has a significant amount of support to help disadvantaged students achieve success.<\/p>\n Many students work whilst learning, to allow them to progress their careers at the same time as gaining new skills, proving a cost-effective way to study.<\/p>\n Professor Tim Blackman, Vice-Chancellor, said:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe Open University\u2019s mission is to be open to everyone and results day is a prime example of this – we can provide opportunity, excellence and flexibility regardless of your A-Level results.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThanks to the alternative route the OU offers, more students study with us than with any other university in the UK, receiving high-quality teaching and support that you can fit around your life and responsibilities.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n You can step up the career ladder at the same time. Students can study at home or at work, on the move or on the beach \u2013 reading, watching and listening, doing activities and assignments, taking part in debates and discussions. Our course materials are available in a variety of different ways such as via video, podcast and interactive apps.<\/p>\n Throughout their study, OU students get regular support from a dedicated tutor and Student Support Team. In addition to this, there is a vibrant online community of OU students, meaning that though students are learning online they are able to get together with other students online, at group tutorials and through informal study groups.<\/p>\n There are a number of ways you can start your studies with The Open University:<\/p>\n Undergraduate degrees<\/a>: a wide range of subject areas available either full time or part time<\/p>\n Access courses:<\/a> designed to develop your study skills and give you a taster of the OU\u2019s method of learning<\/p>\n Credit transfer:<\/a> where previous study counts towards an OU qualification<\/p>\n Massive Open Online Courses: which you can now use, in some cases, as credit towards a qualification<\/p>\n Degree Apprenticeships<\/a>: We offer Higher Apprenticeships and Degree Apprenticeships across the UK delivered by blended learning, to allow greater flexibility for employers and apprentices.<\/p>\n OpenLearn<\/a>: our free online learning platform, has courses and materials you can use for free, including Badged Open Courses<\/p>\nHow our students study<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Support from tutors<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Flexible ways into study<\/strong><\/h2>\n