Founded in 1969 with a genuinely radical idea, the Open University set out to make a respected degree available to anyone, regardless of their previous qualifications. Today it remains the UK’s largest university by student numbers, and its flexible, distance-based model has become the template that much of modern online higher education still follows.
This guide explains how studying with the Open University actually works, what it costs, and whether it fits your circumstances better than a traditional campus course.
What Makes the Open University Different
Unlike most UK universities, the Open University has no general entry requirements for the large majority of its undergraduate courses. You do not need A levels, a specific grade profile, or even a prior qualification to start most degrees, which makes it a genuine second-chance route into higher education.
Study happens entirely online and part-time by default, with course materials, tutorials and assessments accessible whenever suits your schedule. You are supported throughout by a dedicated tutor, alongside access to careers advice and an active online student community.
How Open University Degrees Are Structured
Rather than paying one fee for a fixed three-year course, Open University study is built around individual modules that you complete one at a time, gradually building credits towards a full qualification.
- Pay module by module. You pay for each module as you take it rather than a lump sum upfront, which spreads the cost and lets you pause between modules if life gets in the way.
- Flexible pacing. A full honours degree typically requires 360 credits, which most students complete over five to six years part-time, though faster and slower paces are both possible.
- Design-your-own options. Open Degree and Open Masters pathways let you combine modules from different subject areas into a qualification tailored to your own interests and career goals, rather than following one fixed programme.
What Does It Cost?
A full undergraduate honours degree with the Open University costs in the region of £23,000 in total, spread across the modules that make it up rather than charged as a single upfront fee. This is broadly comparable to studying at a traditional English university, though the module-by-module structure makes budgeting considerably more manageable.
Eligible UK students can access the same tuition fee loan system used by traditional universities, meaning you may not need to pay anything upfront at all. Additional funding, including scholarships and support for study-related costs, is also available depending on your circumstances.
Is the Open University Respected by Employers?
A significant proportion of the UK’s largest companies have sponsored their own staff to study with the Open University, which reflects the strong reputation these qualifications hold in the workplace. Its degrees carry the same recognition and academic weight as those from campus-based universities, since they are validated to the same national quality standards.
For many students, an Open University degree earned while working demonstrates exactly the discipline, time management and self-motivation that employers value, often more visibly than a traditional degree taken straight after school.
Who Is the Open University Best Suited To?
| Situation | Why It Fits |
|---|---|
| Working full-time | Study fits around your job rather than requiring you to give up income |
| Caring responsibilities | No fixed timetable or campus attendance required |
| No traditional qualifications | Open entry means your circumstances or exam results do not close the door |
| Career changers | Study a new subject part-time while remaining in your current role |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating the self-discipline needed without fixed lecture times or campus structure
- Choosing modules purely by interest without checking how they build towards a completed qualification
- Not budgeting realistically for the years it takes to finish part-time, since motivation can dip over a longer timeline
- Assuming financial support is unavailable, when many students are eligible for the same loan system used elsewhere
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any qualifications to study with the Open University?
No. Most undergraduate courses have no formal entry requirements, making it accessible regardless of your previous exam results or qualifications.
How long does an Open University degree take?
Most students complete a full honours degree over five to six years studying part-time, though the flexible, module-based structure allows you to speed up or slow down as your circumstances change.
Are Open University degrees recognised by employers?
Yes. A significant number of major UK employers, including many FTSE 100 companies, actively sponsor staff to study with the Open University, and its degrees carry full recognition alongside campus-based qualifications.
Can I get financial support to study with the Open University?
Many UK students can access the standard tuition fee loan system, alongside university-specific scholarships and additional support depending on individual circumstances.
The Open University proves that a respected degree and a demanding life do not have to be mutually exclusive. If distance learning appeals but you want to compare it against other flexible study routes first, our guide to distance learning in the UK covers the wider landscape beyond the Open University alone.
