Students in secure environments

Over 40 people in 14 secure facilities across Scotland – prisons and hospitals – currently study Open University undergraduate modules.

Tailored, supported studies

Our specific prospectus (.pdf) sets out options for studying with us in secure environments, and we provide specialist information, advice and guidance for our students. 

• From applying and registering, right through to exams and graduation, we tailor the on-course support that is available during your studies.
• Modules on offer do not require collaborative elements, placements or residential schools. 
• As students have no online access, we create printed packs of module materials to send to you by post. 
• Students are allocated a tutor and have one-to-one tutorials either face to face or via telephone, depending on the tutor’s location or the requirements of your individual establishment. 
• We connect with our students through the prison Learning Centre staff. Your assignments are submitted to Centre staff who then submit them to us on your behalf. 
• Students sit exams in the prison Learning Centres. 

We work with partners

Study in secure environments is made possible by the Higher Education Access Scheme. This partnership initiative is unique to Scotland and includes the Scottish Prison Service, Fife College, two private prisons and the OU.

Projects being developed

The Open University in Scotland is a member of the Scottish Prison Service National Advisory Group on prison education. Joint projects with the Scottish Prison Service include development of digital access and piloting postgraduate study in secure environments.

Find out more: 

Further information on studying in secure environments