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Accessibility statement
Open University international student typing out a document on a laptop
Studying with The Open University means you can earn a respected UK university qualification without leaving home. Wherever you are in the world, you can learn online through digital resources, guided activities, tutorials, assessments and dedicated tutor support. It's a flexible way to study on your own terms, and one you can fit around your existing work, family and other commitments.
Most of your study takes place online through your module website, which acts as your day-to-day study portal. There, you'll follow a weekly study planner that guides you through your learning materials, activities, and assignments, and connects you to your tutor, student forums, and live learning events. Module materials are mostly online – including reading, audio, video and interactive activities – and some modules also include printed books or set texts that are posted to you. You can download materials through the OU Study app to read or listen to offline, so you can keep studying even when you're away from a reliable internet connection.
Our students tell us their tutor's support is the most valuable element of their study. Whether you're new to university or returning for postgraduate study, your tutor is there to guide you through your modules with support, feedback and tutorials.
For each module you study with us, you'll be assigned a tutor. Before your module starts, your tutor will get in touch to welcome you and explain when and how to contact them, and how quickly they'll reply.
Many of our tutors also work in academic or industry roles outside the OU, bringing the latest thinking and real-world insight to your studies. Postgraduate study tends to be a little less hands-on than undergraduate study, but you'll still have a dedicated tutor for every module.
Your tutor will:
Your tutor should always be the first person you speak to if you need academic advice or guidance. They're there to work with you and understand the specific challenges you're facing.
Tutorials usually take place online and are set up by module tutors. Most are one or two hours long, and some may be recorded so you can watch them later if you can't attend live. Your tutor can tell you more about how to access recordings.
Attending tutorials is optional rather than compulsory, but we'd recommend joining where you can. They're a great way to deepen your understanding, ask questions and connect with other students on your module.
The time it takes to complete your qualification depends on which course you choose and how many credits you study each year. The figures below give a rough guide, based on how most of our students study with us.
With the OU, you can vary your pace from year to year – studying more or fewer credits depending on what's going on in your life. You'll sign up to each module individually, so you only commit to what you're studying that year.
You can choose to study undergraduate qualifications part-time (typically 60 credits a year) or full-time (typically 120 credits a year), depending on how you'd like to balance your studies with your other commitments.
Qualification
Qualification
Part-time (60 credit/year)
Part-time (60 credit/year)
Full-time (120 credits/year)
Full-time (120 credits/year)
Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
2 years
2 years
1 year
1 year
Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
4 years
4 years
2 years
2 years
Bachelors/Honours degree (360 credits)
Bachelors/Honours degree (360 credits)
6 years
6 years
3 years
3 years
Most postgraduate qualifications are part-time only, with students typically studying around 60 credits a year.
Qualification
Qualification
Typical duration
Typical duration
Postgraduate certificate (60 credits)
Postgraduate certificate (60 credits)
1 year
1 year
Postgraduate diploma (120 credits)
Postgraduate diploma (120 credits)
2 years
2 years
Masters degree (180 credits)
Masters degree (180 credits)
3 years
3 years
These tables give a typical pattern, but individual qualification descriptions show the most accurate timings for the specific course you're interested in.
The hours you'll need each week depend on how many credits you're studying at a time. As a rough guide:
Recommended hours include working through your weekly study planner, reading, consolidation activities and tutorials. Wider reading around the subject may take time on top.
Assignments give you the opportunity to showcase what you've learned and build a foundation to improve on. The types of assessment vary by module, but typically include a combination of the following. Your module website and assessment guide will explain exactly what's due and when.
Depending on the module, you may complete Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs, marked with feedback by your tutor), automatically marked Computer-Marked Assignments (CMAs), an End-of-Module Assessment (a longer final piece, usually replacing an exam), a dissertation (for some masters degrees), or an exam sat remotely, proctored or in person.
The OU is super flexible. I've been able to complete my studies wherever I've been in the world. I've been able to progress academically and gain career experience at the same time.
The flexibility of the OU was crucial to my studying. Without it, I wouldn't have been able to cope. I studied part-time in my first year whilst I found my footing… Once I realised that I enjoyed the independent learning aspect, I stepped up to full-time.
Level info