England

Please tell us where you live so that we can provide you with the most relevant information as you use this website.
If you are at a BFPO address please choose the country or region in which you would ordinarily be resident.
Accessibility statement
An image to illustrate why choose The Open University for postgraduate study.
Our world-leading research, expert teaching and dedicated student support make The Open University a leading choice for postgraduate study. With flexible online learning and the guidance of a supportive academic community, you can gain a respected qualification while fitting your studies around your job, family and other commitments.
We are the acknowledged leaders in contemporary distance learning. You study part-time, earning while you learn – at home, at work and on the move to suit the demands of your lifestyle and circumstances.
You can access our world-class teaching materials at your desk and on the go. Our superb digital library is open 24 hours a day, and everything we teach is grounded in the research for which we’re internationally renowned.
You’ll have a personal tutor to guide your learning, provide feedback on your written work, and deliver online tutorials. They’ll support you throughout the course, and you’ll be able to stay in touch by phone or online.
We’ve put together a series of short guides that’ll help you get to grips with:
I did a lot of research as I wanted a course with ‘real world’ networking relevance ... The Open University Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Networking was precisely what I required. I now run my own company; I often work with highly qualified individuals holding higher degrees. Having passed the diploma and having done so with a distinction has given me a massive confidence boost. I fully intend to continue with my education and look forward to completing my masters degree.
The skills and knowledge acquired through postgraduate OU study bring tangible benefits to you and your employer. An OU qualification means you can rise to a challenge, see it through, prioritise tasks, and manage your time. You’ll apply your learning directly to your own context, and learn the independent, critical-thinking skills prized by organisations across all sectors, nationally and internationally – giving you a competitive edge in the real world of work, whatever your career goals.
The OU’s expertise in helping students integrate theory into practice was very important.
With the OU, you’re never alone. Someone logs onto our network every 0.5 seconds, and over 1,000 online tutorials are held weekly. Online forums are alive with people like you; the opportunity to discuss, debate and socialise together doesn’t stop when you log off. Our students regularly gather to attend local study groups, and we have an active student association – Open SU.
When you graduate, you’ll have access to the OU Alumni Association, one of the largest and most supportive networks of its kind in the world. Nearly 100,000 alumni keep in touch around the globe, tapping into the diverse, talented and influential peer groups that are part and parcel of an OU education.
At the residential schools, you meet people from other parts of the world, which really adds to the experience.
Tried and trusted – 82% of the OU’s research is ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent according to the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) assessment.
Invest in your future – we’re rated as one of the top three universities for employability and can support you with careers guidance, networking and more.
Gain a qualification employers respect – 72% of FTSE 100 companies sponsor their staff to study with us.
Be inspired – OU postgraduate tutors are subject-specialists, with many of them practising professionally in their fields.
Reach your potential – we produce more CEOs and managing directors than any other UK university.
Boost your career – 87% of our alumni say studying with us helped them achieve their career goals.
Level info