Everything you need to know about getting started

How to apply

See our ten steps to starting your OU study.

The application process is slightly different if:

• you have studied before, find out about credit transfer
• you want to build your confidence before starting your qualification, find out about Access modules

Funding your study

There are lots of ways to fund your study, from student loans to employer sponsorship.

Funding your undergraduate study

Funding your postgraduate study

Fees and study costs

Studying with the OU is great value for money, to find out how much your course will cost, take a look at the fees information on the qualification or module page.

Find your course

Support whilst I'm studying

When you are studying with us, you have access to:

• A tutor who you will meet with either online or face to face
• A student support team specialist in your area of study
• A community of fellow students to work with

Find out about support available

Support for students with a disability

If you have a disability, long-term health condition, specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia) or a mental health condition, find out how the OU can support you in achieving your study goals.

Younger students

If you are under 18 and thinking of studying with us, contact us for specialist advice.

Learners in prison

Whether you want to make a fresh start when you leave prison, widen your experience, prove something to yourself or simply become better informed, studying with the OU will provide a fresh challenge or help you build on existing knowledge.

Contact our team via email [email protected].

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career.

Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Entry requirements

Most of our courses are open entry, meaning you don't need any specific qualifications to study. If there are entry requirements you can find these on the qualification or module page.

Find your course

Am I ready for university level study?

In order to study with the OU you will need to have:

• Basic computer skills – check your computing skills
• A reasonable standard of spoken and written English – check your English skills

See our ten steps to starting your OU study.

If you're still not sure if you are starting at the right level, contact us.

About your course

When you have chosen your course, you can find the following information on the qualification or module page:

• How your course is accredited
• The learning outcomes of the course
• If you are studying a qualification, the modules that are required
• The regulations for your course
• Specific accessibility arrangements
• Career relevance

Find your course

How will I study?

Our blended learning combines online, face to face and printed materials to deliver study that fits around you.

Find out what's it like to study at the OU

You’ll usually be assessed through a combination of assignments and exams. Each module has different assessment methods, you can find more on the module page.

Find your course

Essential documents

For all the policies you may need to reference whilst studying the OU, including our withdrawal policy, conditions of registration and what to do if you have a complaint see our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Contact us

If you'd like more information we’d love to hear from you, so contact us.