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Accessibility statement
Student taking part in an online webinar
If you think distance learning means studying alone, think again. When you study with us, you'll gain access to the UK's largest student community.
Whatever your needs may be, we’re here to support you.
Each module you study will have dedicated forums. While you’ll mostly use them to discuss topics about your module or complete group work, you can always use them to ask for a bit of input when you’re stuck. Module tutors will engage with and moderate the forums as well, so they can join in if they need to.
You’ll have access to a subject-specific Student Support Team. If you have any general questions about your study, or are struggling and need to talk through your options, they're there for you.
We’re committed to making study accessible to all, whether you have a disability, health condition, mental health difficulty, or a specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia). When you sign up for a qualification or module, we’ll ask you to let us know about any additional circumstances that may impact on your studies. The support we can offer you will depend on the modules you choose to take, but our services include:
You can find more information about our support on our disability support page.
Open SU is the union for Open University students. Led by a team of enthusiastic student leaders, it exists to represent, support, and connect the student community. You’ll automatically become a member, and there’s no fee.
Open SU is on a mission to make a positive difference for all OU students. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
To find out more, visit oustudents.com.
Listening to your views and creating opportunities for you to get involved in OU decision-making help ensure the student experience is the best it can be and meets your needs. We offer you the chance to make a difference and develop new skills – from surveys to student panels to working directly with staff on new curriculum and services.
You can find out more, including the impact previous student feedback has had, on our Student Voice website.
The Open University’s Student Charter sets out how we work together as an academic community. It highlights our expectations of both students and staff and our commitment to enabling high-quality learning and ensuring every student is supported.
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The OU study experience
Studying with the OU became a lifestyle — I felt that I was a part of something. I wasn't necessarily expecting this to be the case with online learning, so it was a pleasant surprise!
There are so many communities within the OU, it's so important to find the people that encourage you. Within the Students Association we've got loads of clubs and societies that students can get involved with and I think that helps.
To anyone who is thinking about coming to study at the OU, I would say that you should definitely do it. At the OU, you'll find a community of people who are passionate about their subjects. They are passionate about the OU Social Mission and also passionate about giving students the best possible experience.
You can follow us and join in the conversation on Facebook and X. Or you could join one of the many informal Facebook groups set up by students.
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Follow us on Facebook
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Follow us on X
Student Hub Live is a series of online interactive events open to the whole OU community. You can put your questions and comments directly to guests in the studio.
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Visit Student Hub Live
Whether you’ve completed your studies or you’re just beginning, there are lots of like-minded staff, students and alumni to connect with on LinkedIn.
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Follow us on LinkedIn
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