Business and Industry

Developing Scotland’s workforce through skills and innovation

Create a workforce fit for the future and unlock potential within your business through working in partnership with The Open University (OU) in Scotland. From upskilling and reskilling to improving retention and progression – we’re here to help you futureproof your organisation.

The OU works with leading employers and organisations to build partnerships that last. We’re committed to working together to understand your objectives and how we can help you achieve them.

Our flexible distance learning model means that your staff can fit their studies around their work and personal lives. We have a wide range of learning options available, from short courses to standalone modules to full degree programmes, which means that there is something for everyone, no matter where they are in their career journey.  Our industry-relevant expertise helps bring real-world insights and practical knowledge to our learning and development solutions. 


People in suits standing talking to each other in an office

We work with organisations to understand their challenges and provide solutions to skills shortages through our vast array of learning and development programmes.

Our proven track record of delivering supported, online, distance learning could help your organisation.

Find out how OU in Scotland can support you.

A woman shaking hands with someone after an interview

Our vacancy advertising system Opportunity Hub has a fantastic range of benefits to support your student and graduate engagement and recruitment work.

Many OU students are at different stages in their careers which means that you can advertise opportunities at all levels, from internships up to senior roles.

Find out how OU in Scotland can support you.


Two people clasping hands

Scotland's healthcare providers are benefitting from OU nursing programmes, enabling their staff to become qualified nurses.

Social workers across Scotland have trained through the OU's highly regarded social work qualifications.

Find out how OU in Scotland can support you.

Couple on a exercising together on a bicycle and in a wheelchair

The Open Societal Challenges programme at OU is a research initiative that aims to tackle some of the most important challenges of our time through impact-driven research. The Programme focusses on the themes of Tackling Inequalities, Living Well, and Sustainability.

Engaging with communities, charities, and businesses is at the core of our ethos. We are committed to support research co-design and participatory research drawing on the OU’s unique expertise and strengths in this area.

Our objective is to work with communities so that our research builds the power and capacity of local communities to sustain meaningful change.

Find out how OU in Scotland can support you.


Image of Anastasia Dicks with the quote Each course is something to add to my growing CV. It allowed mt to learn while working, building my experience.

Read Anastasia's full story.


Open Enterprise Network

Tailored for Scotland-based Open University students, staff, and recent alumni (graduated within the last three years), the Open Enterprise Network offers the support, knowledge, and connections you need to turn ideas into success.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a growing freelancer, or an established business owner, the Open Enterprise Network is here to help you thrive.

Find out more about the Open Enterprise Network.


Business and industry organisations who have worked with The Open University in Scotland include:

Highlands and Islands Aiports Ltd. logo
National Trust for Scotland logo
Scottish Water logo