Get started with an Access module

Boost your confidence with an Access module

An Access module is a great place to start if you want a gentle introduction to Open University study – you may even be able to study for free.

Designed specifically for OU students, an Access module can help you to find out more about your interests and where you want your learning to take you.

There are three Access modules to choose from, and they start in February, May and October. They’re usually 30 weeks long, and most students study for about nine hours a week.

If a fast track option is available, you can complete your Access module in just 18 weeks by increasing your study time. We recommend that you apply early to guarantee your place.

Designed to inspire you

You’ll explore a range of broadly related subjects within one module. That means you’ll have the time and space to discover where your natural interests lie before settling on your ultimate qualification goal.

You're in control of your starting point

We’re different to other universities because we’re open to people based on their potential rather than their prior qualifications. Most of our courses have no formal entry requirements and our students come from a diverse range of educational backgrounds. So, we offer a choice of starting points depending on how confident you are in your study skills.

You can either dive straight in at Stage 1, or you might prefer a gentler start with some extra preparation, in which case, an Access module is ideal. You just need to live in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Republic of Ireland, or have a British Forces Post Office address.

Distance, not distant

You won’t be alone. When you study an Access module you’ll have:

• One-to-one tutorials with a dedicated tutor, who can tailor their approach to your individual needs. Your personal phone tutorials take place at a time that suits you, and you’ll get written feedback on your work.
• A student support team staffed by specialist advisers, able to help with any issues you might experience while studying with us.
• The opportunity to share ideas with other students through our online forums.

No exam

To study an Access module, you just need a phone and access to a computer with a good internet connection, that’s it. Your work on the Access module will be assessed through four short written assignments and some activities online.

The best piece of advice I could give to a potential OU student would be to do an Access module. This prepared me perfectly for my bachelors degree in Environmental Science which I completed with the OU over six years. I enjoyed studying so much with the OU that I have now returned to complete a master’s degree in Environmental Management.

Emily Bond, Access student

Skills development built in

Our study materials will develop not only your knowledge, but your skills and confidence too. They’re designed specially to help with things like:

• Refreshing your study techniques – it might have been a while since you last studied, or you might prefer getting to grips with online and distance learning at a gentler pace. Whatever your circumstances, an Access module is excellent preparation for the next step of your student journey with us.
• Using computers – if you’re not confident with computers, an Access module gives you lots of help and advice as it guides you through tasks such as: internet searches, online quizzes and talking to fellow students through our online forums.