Always fancied doing a degree but never found the time? Or do you need one to take the next step in your career? The Open University could be for you

Learn where and when you like

What?

As you probably already know, the Open University (OU) offers distance learning and adult education without forcing anyone into a classroom. What you might not expect is the range of courses and levels of learning available; there are over 600 courses to choose from covering around 250 qualifications including undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma study as well as lengthier research opportunities and professional skills certificates.

Arts and humanities, engineering, law, psychology, education, health and social care, maths… the list of options goes on and on and if none specifically suit you, you can build your own degree with the Open degree plan which lets you mash a selection of modules together.

Who?

To register for a course you need to be over the age of 16. There is an open admissions policy too so very few courses have entry requirements – it’s not like your usual universities which demand a certain number of A-levels and GCSEs. The OU treats education democratically so if you do want to train, learn and reach your potential, they won’t block your way with requirements.

If it’s been a while since you knuckled down to organised learning and you aren’t quite sure if you are up to launching straight into a degree, you can take a preliminary Openings course. These are short taster packages designed to give you a flavour of the degree you’d like to do, boost your confidence and get you back into the educational swing of things.

Where?

Thanks to the university’s Open learning programme, the courses and assessment objectives are planned to fit in and around your life; that means you can study anywhere you like – the garden, the bath or the beach on holiday – absolutely anywhere.

When?

No 9am lectures for you. Just as you can study wherever you like, you can do it whenever you like too. Each course will require a certain number of hours of work a week but flexibility is what makes the Open University so unique; you organise your time and fit in learning around your job and family commitments.

How?

Throughout your degree you will be supported by experienced distance learning tutors and will also have access to the online student community for help, tips, advice and chat.

Depending on the course you choose you’ll still have to sit examinations and submit coursework, but if you are concerned about the financial side of studying as well, there is a great deal of help provided.

Why?

The Open University always ranks highly in student satisfaction polls with previous alumni including the likes of paralympian Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, novelist Roddy Doyle, comedian Lenny Henry, presenter Mylene Klass and most recently, actress Romola Garai who graduated with a first in English literature at the end of last year.

The OU is always looking at new ways to help its students and make learning facilities accessible to all. It uses YouTube and iTunes U to disseminate learning materials while its OpenLearn website makes materials free and accessible to everyone who can get online. Plus, its Open Research Online site makes over 15,000 research publications free and available for everyone.

Contact:

Download a prospectus at www.open.ac.uk where you can also contact individual departments by email if you can’t find the answers you’re looking for on the FAQ pages. You can also write to The Open University, PO Box 197, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BJ or call on 08453 006090.