England.  Change location
Student reading in tent looking out across a forest
Shortlist CourseShortlist Register nowRegister Request ProspectusProspectus
Course type
Degree  

Degree

  • Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.
  • Internationally respected, universally understood.
  • An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.
  • Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.
  • Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits
360  

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Part time – 6 years
Full time – 3 years
Time limit – 16 years
Study method
Distance learning
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements
Ask a question

BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree

Course code: QD

Some of the key questions in the world today require expertise from a range of subjects. Multidisciplinary study has always been at the heart of the Open University, and the BA/BSc (Honours) Open, or Open degree, allows you to bring together different areas of study in a completely flexible way to develop knowledge and skills. It's a degree with a difference. Free from the restriction of a subject-specific specialism, you can set the direction of your learning. Choose from over 250 modules across 16 subject areas, to create a bespoke qualification to match your interests, and help stand out in the job market.

"The flexibility of creating your own path is simply amazing. I am super thankful for the opportunity to create a degree adapted to my needs and interests. It's ingenious." Susanna van Tonder, BA/BSc (Honours) Open

  • Create your own multidisciplinary degree
  • Choose modules from a wide range of subject areas
  • Develop a unique skill set to stand out to employers
  • Flexibility to adapt your study plans to match your evolving aspirations
  • Count previous university study towards your qualification
Course type
Degree  

Degree

  • Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.
  • Internationally respected, universally understood.
  • An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.
  • Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.
  • Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits
360  

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Part time – 6 years
Full time – 3 years
Time limit – 16 years
Study method
Distance learning
Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

Ask a question

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits. For your BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree you can:

  • study a broad range of subjects; or
  • specialise in one subject area, and pick from a wide range of subjects to complete your qualification; or
  • specialise in two subject areas, dividing your time equally between both.

If you’re interested in exploring some predefined subject-based routes through the qualification, expand the Routes through the degree section below.

Prepare for OU study with an Access module

We offer two starting points depending on how confident you are or how long it’s been since you last studied. Choose to dive straight in at Stage 1, or if you’d prefer some extra preparation, you can get started with an optional Access module. See Entry requirements for more details.

You’ll start Stage 1 with 60 credits from a wide choice of introductory modules. This can include Making your learning count (YXM130), a 30-credit module which gives you the chance to count study from a variety of subjects towards your qualification. All introductory modules are worth 30 or 60 credits, and have been carefully selected to develop your subject knowledge and study skills in preparation for further OU study.

To complete this stage, you’ll choose a further 60 credits from a wider selection of our other Stage 1 modules. Many students focus broadly on one discipline, such as science or the humanities – but there’s nothing to stop you studying modules from entirely different subject areas.

Key introductory Stage 1 modules

ModulesCredits
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Choose from this list of Stage 1 key introductory option modules60

All Stage 1 modules

ModulesCredits
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Choose from this list of Stage 1 option modules60

Having completed Stage 1, you may have formed some ideas about the direction you want to follow – if so, you can start to focus on one or two subject areas and explore some of the topics you will have encountered at Stage 1 in more depth. Equally, you can continue to be inspired by different subjects, especially if you have previous knowledge or experience. Either way, after you've completed the 120 credits required for Stage 2, you will have enhanced your critical thinking and analytical skills.

All Stage 2 modules

ModulesCredits
You'll choose 120 credits from:
Choose from this list of Stage 2 option modules120

Stage 3 is focused on the study of specialist topics and issues. During this stage you will develop significantly as an independent learner and acquire high-level thinking skills in preparation for graduate-level employment or postgraduate study. To complete the 120 credits of study required for Stage 3, we strongly recommend that you build on previous studies to get the best from your learning experience with us.

All Stage 3 modules

ModulesCredits
You'll choose 120 credits from:
Choose from this list of Stage 3 option modules120

We’ve developed over 40 optional suggested subject routes you can follow. You don’t have to build your qualification from scratch if you don’t want to.

Each route shows you which modules you could choose to make up 180 credits of study - the equivalent of half a degree - to focus on a subject area. If you’d like to study two specific subjects, you can combine 180 credits of subject-specific study from one route with 180 credits of subject-specific study from another. The subject(s) you study won’t be included on your degree certificate or in the name of your degree.

Details of our most popular routes are shown below, including:

  • Art history
  • Biology
  • Business and management
  • Childhood and youth studies
  • Computer science
  • Design
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • Environmental sustainability
  • French
  • Health and social care
  • Law
  • Mathematics and statistics
  • Psychology
  • Sport and fitness.

Art history

ModulesCredits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Exploring art and visual culture (A226)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Art and its global histories (A344)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules60

Biology

ModulesCredits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Science: concepts and practice (S112)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules 60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Cell and molecular biology (S296)30
The biology of survival (S295)30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Biological science: from genes to species (S317)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules60
S112 is not a key introductory module. If you’re interested in studying this route, you’ll need to have completed 60 credits of key introductory modules in another subject.

Business and management

ModulesCredits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
An introduction to business and management (B100)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Shaping business opportunities (B207)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Strategic management (B302)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules60

Childhood and youth studies

ModulesCredits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Introduction to childhood studies and child psychology (E104)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Exploring childhood and youth (E232)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Issues in research with children and young people (EK313)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules60

Computer science

ModulesCredits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)30
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Object-oriented Java programming (M250)30
Algorithms, data structures and computability (M269)30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Data management and analysis (TM351)30
Interaction design and the user experience (TM356)30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules60

Design

ModulesCredits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century (U101)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Design essentials (T217)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Innovation: designing for change (T317)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules60

Economics

ModulesCredits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
You and your money (DB125)30
Economics in context (DD126)30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Essential economics: macro and micro perspectives (D217)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules 60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Doing economics: people, markets and policy (DD309)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules60
DD126 is not a key introductory module. If you’re interested in studying this route, you’ll need to have completed 60 credits of key introductory modules in another subject.

Engineering

ModulesCredits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192)30
Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193)30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules 60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Core engineering A (T271)30
Energy and sustainability (T213)30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Nanoscale engineering (T366)30
Renewable energy (T313)30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules60

Environmental sustainability

ModulesCredits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules 60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Energy and sustainability (T213)30
Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules 60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Renewable energy (T313)30
Environmental management 2 (T319)30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules60

French

ModulesCredits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Introduction to French studies (beginners) (L102)30
French studies 1 (intermediate) (L112)30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
French studies 2: language and culture of the French-speaking world (L222)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
French studies 3: language and culture of the French-speaking world (L332)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules60

Health and social care

ModulesCredits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Introducing health and social care (K102)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Critical issues in health and wellbeing (K219)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules 60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Leading, managing, caring (K318)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules60

Law

ModulesCredits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Criminal law and the courts (W111)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules 60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Public law (W211)30
International, environmental and space law (W260)30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Trusts law (W311)30
Law, society and culture (W340)30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules60

Mathematics and statistics

ModulesCredits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Discovering mathematics (MU123)30
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules 60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Mathematical methods (MST224)30
Analysing data (M248)30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Applications of probability (M343)30
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules60

Psychology

ModulesCredits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Exploring psychological worlds: thinking, feeling, doing (D110)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Living psychology: from the everyday to the extraordinary (DD210)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Advancing social psychology (DD317)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules60

Sport and fitness

ModulesCredits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Introduction to sport and fitness (E117)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Applying sport and exercise sciences to coaching (E236)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Exploring contemporary issues in sport and exercise (E314)60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules60

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 14 March 2023.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree uses a variety of study materials and may have the following elements, depending on the modules you choose to study:

  • studying online – some modules have a mixture of printed and online material, and others are entirely online. Online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
  • online day schools/workshops and/or field schools
  • using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
  • working in a group with other students
  • using and/or producing diagrams and/or screenshots
  • practical work
  • finding external/third party material online
  • using technology for research purposes involving access to catalogues and databases online
  • working with specialist reading material such as works of art and musical manuscripts
  • continuous and end-of-module assessment in the form of essays, short answer questions, and in some cases an examination
  • using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
  • engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills throughout your degree
  • using specialist software (for example the Sibelius music writing package)
  • using an online Laboratory or Design/Engineering Studio

For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support to find more about what we offer.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

  • Knowledge and understanding
  • Cognitive skills
  • Practical and professional skills
  • Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.

For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our BA (Honours) Open or our BSc (Honours) Open.

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

You'll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

Designation of your degree

Whether you receive a BA (Honours) Open degree or a BSc (Honours) Open degree will depend on the modules you choose:

  • For BA (Bachelor of Arts) designation, at least 180 credits must come from modules suitable for a BA (module codes starting with A, B, D, E, K, L, M, U, W or YXM).
  • For a BSc (Bachelor of Science) designation, at least 180 credits must come from modules suitable for a BSc (module codes starting with B, D, E, K, M, S, T, U, W or YXM).

Of these 180 credits, at least 120 must be at OU level 2 or above, and at least 60 of these must be at OU level 3.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualification 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.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website. 

Compare this course

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you'll need to succeed. If you're not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you're ready for study success

Planning your module choices

You’ll begin your BA/BSc (Honours) Open with one of a range of introductory modules which will provide you with a foundation in your chosen subject(s) and help develop general study skills. You may want to focus on one subject – such as science or the humanities – but there's nothing to stop you from studying modules from entirely different areas. You can explore our suggested routes through the degree under the Course details tab for inspiration.

For certain subject areas - such as biology, economics, or psychology - you may need to include specific modules at Stage 1 or have completed previous study so that you’re prepared for Stages 2 and 3. But don’t worry, we’ll help you choose the right module at the right stage.

For the following subject areas, we also have online tools that will help you decide if you’re ready:

We’re here to help. If you would like assistance with planning your qualification and selecting your modules, take a look at our suggested study routes or contact us to speak to an adviser.

How much time do I need?

  • Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
  • This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

  • feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
  • support from a dedicated team throughout your study
  • detailed written feedback on your work.
The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Arts and languages Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the arts, humanities and languages. It's perfect preparation for your study with The Open University as you'll develop both your subject knowledge and your study skills. From the perspective of its central theme, ‘popular protest’, it explores a range of subjects, including art history, English, English language studies, history, and popular music, all through its central theme of ‘popular protest’. The module also offers an opportunity to explore other subjects, such as modern languages, classical studies, religious studies and creative writing.

View full details of Arts and languages Access module

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics. It’ll help develop your study skills in advance of your OU qualification, and you get to explore a number of STEM subjects including science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.

View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module

Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module provides an excellent introduction to studying with The Open University; you'll get to cover a wide range of subject areas, including psychology, childhood and youth studies, health and social wellbeing, sport, education and social sciences.

View full details of Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

How much will it cost in England?

We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spread the cost.

  • Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis – you won't have to pay for the whole of your qualification up front.
  • A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. Added together, they give you the total cost.
  • Most OU students study part time at a rate of 60 credits a year.
  • Our typical fee for 60 credits is £3,462*.
  • Our typical fee for 120 credits, which is equivalent to a year's full-time study, is £6,924*.
  • This means, at current prices, the typical total cost of your qualification would be £20,772*.
  • This qualification also includes option modules that are higher and lower than typical cost. If you choose to study one or more of these modules, the total cost of your qualification will differ to that stated above.

*The fee and funding information provided here is valid for courses starting before 31 July 2024. Fees normally increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.

Additional costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

If your income is not more than £25,000 or you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after you start studying.

Field schools

This qualification has modules (S206/SXF206, S209 and/or S295) with optional field schools. For each school, you must pay an additional charge. You must also pay for your travel to and from the venue.


How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work, or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website, with:

  • a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
  • course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
  • module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
  • details of each assignment and their due dates
  • a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
  • online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

See how our module websites work.

Tutor support

Student, Ffion, describes why she chose the OU and how she is using her degree to progress herself further in a career she loves.

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

  • mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
  • guide you to learning resources
  • support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms, and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

  • Usually a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

  • You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
  • They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
  • Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

  • The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
  • Modules with an end of module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

  • Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
  • You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
  • Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
  • If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.

Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

  • our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
  • other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
  • the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
  • free Microsoft Office 365 software
  • IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Having a course that was really varied and studying in a style that worked for Nick, was key to him launching his own business and becoming an entrepreneur.

Skills for career development

86% of graduate employers are interested in abilities rather than specific subjects studied, and the BA/BSc (Honours) Open is an ideal way to showcase your abilities across a broad range of skills and get ahead in today’s highly competitive job market.

"The flexibility of the Open degree helped keep things new and exciting. Plus, studying all these different topics means I now have a skill set that’s unique to me.”
Luke Simmons, BA (Hons) Open

The employers we work with know that diversity of knowledge brings great strength, and OU students are highly respected. They’re regularly described as ‘self-starters’, ‘adaptable’, ‘diverse’, ‘determined’ and ‘ambitious’. An Open degree on your CV shows not only your knowledge about a subject but also highlights to current or future employers that you are flexible and agile, having studied across a range of subjects.

By studying our BS/BSc (Hons) Open, you can develop a diverse range of transferable skills, expertise, and capabilities, including:

  • Initiative, self-management and resilience
  • Commercial awareness
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Digital literacy
  • Numeracy
  • Problem-solving

Career relevance

The flexibility of our BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree makes it relevant to a wide range of careers and industries. It can help you to develop in your existing employment or be a passport to a whole new career. Its flexibility particularly suits people with multi-faceted work roles; and anyone needing to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding to manage changes in their current job or future career path.

Exploring your options

When you complete your degree, our experienced careers team in the Careers and Employability Service can help you present your BA/BSc (Hons) Open to employers, including:

  • explaining how you achieved your desired degree
  • how to present the valuable skills it has given you
  • highlighting the subjects studied by including your module choices in CVs and applications.

For up to three years after you finish your studies, you’ll have full access to The Open University’s Careers and Employability Services for a wide range of information, advice and guidance. This includes online forums, a website, AI interview simulation, our vacancy service as well as the option to email or have a phone or video consultation to a Careers Consultant.

Some areas of the Careers and Employability Services website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.  Once you are a registered student you will also be able to access the information on the Open Programme’s Qualification site.

You can also visit the graduate careers website Prospects for hundreds of job ideas.

Register for this course

Start dates
Credit transfer: apply by 10/08/2023
Credit transfer: apply by 07/12/2023
Credit transfer: apply by 08/02/2024

Request a prospectus

Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.

Request prospectus