Support and services for students

Students on their Open University journey can access a wealth of dedicated support and services to help them achieve their ambitions, and play an active part in our community. 

Care experienced

Care experienced students are provided with specific support to study with us. We know many have faced challenges in accessing higher education and managing studies amid busy lives.

Careers and employability services

From study registration and up to three years after, the OU’s Careers and Employability Services can help you discover how to make your OU study work for you.

Carers

Carers receive specific study support, and have the flexibility to fit studying around their caring commitments. Our resources and support can help carers get into learning.

Gender-based violence

We encourage students to disclose if they experience gender-based violence, and to feel confident that they will be supported.

Mental health and wellbeing support

Students’ mental health and wellbeing is a priority at the OU: discover the help available. We support over 10,000 students who have told us they have a mental health difficulty.

Student voice

Find out ways that students can engage with us, helping to inform decision-making and impacting on the experience we provide, as well as connecting with fellow learners.

Students in secure environments

Our undergraduate modules are studied in 16 secure facilities across Scotland - prisons and hospitals - with tailored support and materials supplied.

Students with disabilities

More disabled students choose the OU than any other UK university. 28% of OU in Scotland students share a disability. We strive to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone.