Find a course

Our high quality Open University courses can fit around your busy life. Choose when and where is best to study, at a pace that suits you, with our supported distance learning. Most undergraduate courses have no entry requirements - the OU really is open to everyone.

Types of study

Search for an undergraduate or postgraduate course or browse by subject here or explore the full list of qualifications or stand-alone modules.  

Our courses include:​

• Our Open degree, enabling you to pick modules from a wide range of subject areas to build your own unique certificate, diploma or degree
• Postgraduate study, from diplomas and certificates to Masters and research degrees
• Microcredentials, online professional development short courses, designed to help you gain in-demand skills and academic credits. We offer the opportunity to study fully-funded microcredential courses in a variety of subject areas for career progression.
• Short courses, in a range of subjects that can help you gain a new skillset, discover a new hobby, or offer continued professional development in your career
• OpenLearn study - on the OU's free online learning site you will find over 900 free courses, including ones on topical issues

We offer qualifications specifically developed for Scotland’s workforces, sixth-year students at Scottish schools, and credit transfer pathways for college students which reduce the time needed to do a degree. We have resources and support to help get carers into / back to learning, and for students in secure environments.

Can I do it?

Whether you need help with finding the time, an Access module to ease you into university study, support with a disability or need to test your English or computing skills, we can help you reach your goals.

Credit transfer

If you’ve already completed some higher education level study at another university - or at a college, such as a Higher National Certificate or Diploma (HNC/D) - it may be possible to count it towards your Open University qualification through credit transfer.

Funding

Over half of all new students in Scotland qualify for financial support, with most of those whose income is £25,000 or less using a Part-Time Fee Grant to cover the cost of their undergraduate module fees in full. Postgraduate loans are available to Scotland-based students for some postgraduate studies.

How to apply

Information about the registration process.

Support on your studies

Our ‘Off to a good start’ video is an example of the support available to new students. It provides some tips for people embarking on OU studies: these include using online forums, contacting your tutor or study advisor, and accessing online study skills resources.

Careers and employability

Find out how study choices relate to different careers and employability areas, and why this is important when making decisions both before, and during, your studies.