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A typical 60-credit module is studied over 8 consecutive months with scheduled breaks included. During study weeks you’ll need:
We recommend these hours to allow you enough time to engage with learning materials, attend or watch tutorials and meet assignment deadlines.
Most of our courses allow you to study modules together. We recommend starting with part-time study, particularly if you need to plan your time more carefully due to work or caring responsibilities. At the start of each academic year, you can choose to adjust your study rate or continue at the same pace.
In most cases, you can take up to 16 years to complete a degree, 12 for a diploma and 7 for a certificate, so if your priorities change, you also have the freedom to take some time out.
If you have work or caring responsibilities you will need to plan your time more carefully.
Find out how current students manage their time
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All of our teaching is delivered in English. You’ll need a reasonable standard of English reading, writing and listening skills.
⁠Find out if your English is good enough
To build confidence with online learning, we offer a range of self-led study skills courses and resources to support you. They include:
They’re free and range from 15 minutes to 24 hours.
⁠Find a study skills course
An Access module will help you refresh your learning skills and build your confidence. It will also introduce you to a range of fascinating subjects, so you can discover where your natural strengths and interests lie.
You could even be eligible to study for free!
Find out about Access modules
To anyone considering studying an Access module, I would thoroughly recommend it for boosting your confidence and getting your brain back into learning mode. It helps you appreciate how capable you really are.
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You’ll need a laptop or desktop computer with reliable internet access to study with us. You can do some activities on a smartphone or tablet, but a laptop or desktop computer is essential.
We recommend you have somewhere quiet to study. Ideally, in a designated space where you can keep your learning materials and other study items organised and to hand.
You could get help towards the cost of things like internet fees and a desktop computer or laptop. To be eligible, you must be:
⁠Find out more about Study-Related Costs Funding
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We are committed to offering disabled students access to all our qualifications and modules and the support and facilities they need to take part in every aspect of university life.
You do not have to be registered disabled to declare a disability to us. So, even if you do not think of yourself as disabled, if you have a long-term health condition, specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia), or a mental health difficulty, then The Open University considers you entitled to a reasonable adjustment to support your study.
⁠Find out more about support for students with disabilities
Compass research on behalf of the OU, 2020.
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