Compare our qualifications

If you want to study with the OU but you’re not quite sure you are ready, an OU Access module is the ideal way to prepare. You may even be able to study for free.

Who is it for?

Access modules are available to all but designed for learners without education beyond secondary level.

What will my team learn?

As an employer, if you are looking to test the water with the Open University, access modules can be a great way to:

• Build your team's confidence and study skills
• Try out the OU’s style of learning
• Get a taste of the subjects we offer

What is the commitment?

Most access modules take around 30 weeks to complete and require around 9 hours a week studying time.

Provides integrated, in-work training in applied professional subjects to degree level.

Who is it for?

Learners in employment looking to gain the technical expertise to better perform their role, or progress with their employers support.

What will my team learn?

It develops employees’ professional knowledge and skills whilst they’re working in your organisation, enhancing their performance and expertise.

What is the commitment?

Apprenticeships take between 2 - 6 years to complete and learners spend averagely 80% of their time on their day-to-day role and 20% completing learning activities.

For learning a new professional skill in-depth through self-directed study.

Who is it for?

Anyone in your organisation looking to improve their technical knowledge and skills in a specific area. Some prior professional knowledge may be required.

What will my team learn?

As an employer, microcredentials are a great way to build up your team's skills. Each microcredential carries credit that can be used for further study with the OU.

What is the commitment?

Most microcredentials take around 10 - 12 weeks to complete.

Builds on qualifications achieved at secondary level. The Open University offers undergraduate qualifications across multiple sector-specific disciplines.

Who is it for?

Learners requiring formal qualifications in order to progress and can help support your organisation through increased staff retention and engagement. Depending on experience, there are some opportunities were learning credits can be transferred.

What will my team learn?

Upon successful completion of their studies, learners will have achieved a certificate, diploma or bachelors degree depending on the chosen route.

What is the commitment?

Undergraduate degrees can take between 2 and 6 years to complete, however with our Open Qualifications it is possible to create an entirely bespoke qualification to suit you organisation's and learners requirements.

Postgraduate qualifications allow learners to deepen their understanding of topics they’ve already studied or study a new specialism in their field.

Who is it for?

Learners within your organisation who have already completed their studies to an undergraduate level.

What will my team learn?

As an employer you’ll benefit from the application of cutting-edge, research-informed thinking to your business challenges.

What is the commitment?

Typically 2 years to complete part-time, but this can be flexed depending on requirements.

Develop your team's skills and experience in the workplace through practical-based learning and assignments.

Who is it for?

Learners within your organisation in a relevant role to the subject matter required.

What will my team learn?

Gaining a NVQ certificate, your learners will be better qualified to do their job better and have gained the experience to potentially progress within your organisation.

What is the commitment?

Time taken to complete a VQ is dependent on the subject selected for study.

Education is for all and OpenLearn is our platform containing hundreds of free modules and courses to support the teams in your organisation.

Who is it for?

Anyone can use OpenLearn to study and improve their knowledge in wide range of subjects.

What will my team learn?

Through self-directed study, learners will widen their knowledge and increase their experience. Some short courses are badged for external recognition as well.

What is the commitment?

OpenLearn modules can take anywhere between hours and weeks to complete but this bite-sized learning approach is a great way to begin your team's learning journey with us.

CPD courses are an opportunity to learn and apply new skills as quickly as possible.

Who is it for?

Suitable for beginners or those with some experience.

What will my team learn?

As an employer, CPD courses are a great way to rapidly build new skills within your team. There are 40+ courses to choose from across business management, digital marketing, digital transformation, and more.

What is the commitment?

Most CPD courses are available to start at any time and require around 10-50 hours of self-directed study to complete.