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Six reasons to study at The Open University

The Open University in Northern Ireland office building in Belfast

The Open University (OU) offers a route into higher education for anyone with a desire to learn. There are no entry requirements for the majority of our courses and we’re here to help you achieve the qualifications you deserve.

If you’re considering OU study then we’ve 6 reasons below why it could be the best decision you ever make.

 

1 – Student Satisfaction

People love studying with The Open University. For the past 18 years we’ve been voted the top University in Northern Ireland for overall student satisfaction. With over 5,500 students in Northern Ireland, that means our students are happy with Open University study.

2 - Support

We have a dedicated team of people based in Northern Ireland who are there to support you over the phone or by email. The OU is a leading expert in supported distance learning, and no-one understands how adults learn better than us. From tutors to course mates or support staff to the wider student community; you are never on your own with the OU.  

3 - Flexibility

Our unique and flexible methods mean you don’t have to put your life on hold to get qualifications. Depending on your own commitments, students can take as little as three years or longer if needed. With the majority of our students fitting their studies around a job, you have the opportunity to study while you earn. You can study at home, in the workplace or on the move. Our course materials are online, downloadable, and flexible, from printed materials to phone apps, and can be accessed from pretty much anywhere.

4 - Affordability

OU study is not just an investment in a better future but also a more affordable way to study. Nearly half of Northern Ireland students receive financial support towards their fees. The fee for a typical 60-credit module is £1,074 which means a full honours degree (360 credits) comes in at £6,444 over the full course of your studies (normally completed over six years). When compared to other full degrees in Northern Ireland (which cost an average of £13,890 for NI and ROI students) we’re more than half the price. Our experienced team can advise on the financial support options available to you, particularly around the part-time and postgraduate loans schemes available.

5 – Employability

An OU qualification helps progress your employability and increase your earning potential. Many of our modules and qualifications are accredited by leading professional bodies and developed to industry standards. Nearly three quarters of our students are already in work while they study – developing their skills and knowledge to apply them to their jobs, or to develop their careers.

6 – Research Excellence

We combine our teaching with research excellence. In 2021 the Research Excellence Framework assessed 82% of our research as having a world-leading or internationally excellent impact. In addition, a world-leading programme of research into teaching strategies and educational technologies ensures that our materials are effective, up-to-date and world leading when it comes to distance learning.

 

If you are interested in studying with The Open University then find out more at: https://www.open.ac.uk/

 

For media enquiries please contact:

Christine Murphy, Communications Manager

Tel 028 9053 6219