The Open University | Courses and Qualifications

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Accessibility statement

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Think university isn’t for you? Find out what you’re capable of with the experts in online learning. Our career boosting qualifications are designed to fit around your life, with all the support you need to succeed.

Explore what’s possible when you learn with us. The future is open.

Explore what’s possible when you learn with us. The future is open.

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There are hundreds to choose from, whatever your interest. Open up a world of opportunity, from business to psychology, science to social care and there's our unique Open degree, which lets you study any subjects in any combination.

Find your course

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If you’ve been away from education for a while, our Access modules will help you prepare for further study. Our optional Access modules are designed to ease you back into study, with fast-track options that can be completed in just 18 weeks. Many OU students say studying one of our Access modules helped them feel better prepared for a full qualification and built their confidence. You may even be able to study for free¹!

Access modules

While the qualification you achieve is the same as one from a campus-based university, our top-quality qualifications cost 18% less². And it’s all made even more affordable with loans, bursaries or pay-as-you-learn instalments. We’ll do our best to help you find a way of paying that suits your circumstances.

Fees and funding

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Our flexible approach means you can study at your own pace and learn around your job, your family, your life. Decide when and where you study with online access to all your materials and tutorials to connect with tutors and fellow students, wherever you are.

Flexible learning

We believe that with the right support, preparation and guidance, many people are capable of succeeding in higher education. That’s why there are no formal entry requirements for most of our undergraduate courses.

Getting started

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With a dedicated tutor for every module, you’ll receive expert advice and regular feedback. Our courses are designed to equip you with key skills, preparing you for an ever-changing world and making you more employable than ever.

Tutor support

Find your course

Access modules

Over 80% of our students fund their studies with a tuition fee loan. Plus, with a non-repayable maintenance grant, you could get up to £4,500 funding (eligibility rules apply) towards your living costs depending on your household income and study intensity.

Fees and funding

Flexible learning

Getting started

Tutor support

Find your course

Access modules

You could get a fee grant of up to £1,230 if your household income is under £25,000. You can also fund your studies with loans, bursaries or pay-as-you-learn instalments.

Fees and funding

Flexible learning

Getting started

Tutor support

Find your course

Access modules

If you earn less than £25,000, you could fund your OU qualification with a part-time fee grant and top-up funding from the OU (eligibility rules apply). If you aren’t eligible, we offer a range of funding options to make learning more affordable, such as bursaries and pay-as-you-learn instalments.

Fees and funding

Flexible learning

Getting started

Tutor support

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If your education suffered because of your start in life, there are access courses you can take. Don’t be scared if you don’t have A levels or even GCSE’s, I didn’t and now I’m a practising lawyer. The OU not only boosted my career prospects, it made me more confident, articulate and allowed me to change my lifestyle. I owe everything I’ve achieved in my career to the OU.

I’m the first person in my family to achieve a degree and it’s given me a second chance. It makes me feel really proud.

Studying at the OU has boosted my confidence and I have discovered that I have determination to achieve my personal goals despite some obstacles.

¹Eligibility rules apply.

²Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 2025/2026 academic year.