What Is The Open University and How Does Its Distance Learning Work?

Updated

The Open University (OU) is a UK public university built around distance and open learning. It is designed mainly for adults, working learners, and people who cannot attend a campus full-time. You study mostly online and at a distance, and you can usually choose full-time or part-time study. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses and qualifications, plus options linked to employee development and research. If you want a degree or qualification while working, caring for family, or living far from a campus, the OU model is worth understanding — but it demands strong self-management.

Who The Open University Is For

The OU suits learners who need flexibility rather than a traditional campus routine. Typical students include:

  • Adults returning to study after time away from education
  • People in full-time or part-time work who want to study alongside their job
  • Learners with family or care responsibilities
  • Students who live far from a conventional university
  • Employers and employees looking at development-linked study

It is less suited to people who want a daily campus experience, frequent in-person classes, or a highly structured school-like timetable.

How Distance Learning Works

The core model is supported distance and open learning. You study mainly away from campus, using online materials and remote support, rather than attending lectures in person every week.

Study materials and online learning

Course content is delivered through online learning materials and resources. You work through these at your own pace within the course schedule. Because study is distance-based, you are expected to organise your own time and keep up with deadlines.

Tutor and learner support

Support is a central part of the model. It typically includes:

  • Tutors who guide your study
  • Online forums where you can discuss work with other students
  • Learning materials provided for your course
  • Regional study centres, where available

The exact mix depends on the course and where you are studying.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary by course. There is no single format across the university, so you should check the specific course page to see how you will be assessed — for example, through assignments, projects, or exams.

Courses and Qualifications

The OU offers flexible full-time and part-time study across:

  • Undergraduate courses and qualifications
  • Postgraduate courses and qualifications
  • Professional and career-related qualifications
  • Research opportunities
  • Employee development options

Because study can be part-time, it is possible to build a qualification over a longer period while working. The right route depends on your goal: a full degree, a postgraduate qualification, or a shorter professional course.

Entry Requirements and Open Access

One of the defining features is open access. Many courses do not require traditional A-level results, which makes the OU accessible to adults without a conventional academic background.

However, open access is not universal. Some courses do have prior study requirements or assumed knowledge. Before applying, check the entry requirements on the specific course page — the requirement can differ significantly between an introductory undergraduate course and a specialist postgraduate one.

Fees, Funding, and Location

Tuition fees and funding depend on your country, your course, and where you live. The OU does not apply one flat cost across all students and all programmes.

This means you should confirm the cost and any available funding on the individual course page before committing. Do not assume a course is free or that funding is automatic — those details are course- and location-specific.

Is The Open University a Good Fit?

Your situation OU distance learning may suit you if… It may not suit you if…
Work You need to study around a job You want daytime campus classes
Location You live far from a campus You want a traditional campus environment
Entry background You lack standard A-level results Your target course has specific prior requirements you do not meet
Study style You can manage your own schedule You need frequent in-person structure
Commitment You are ready for part-time or full-time distance study You cannot sustain independent study over time

The main trade-off is flexibility versus self-direction. The OU removes the need to attend campus regularly, but it places the responsibility for pacing and motivation largely on you.

Practical Next Steps

  1. Identify whether you want an undergraduate, postgraduate, or professional qualification.
  2. Check the specific course page for entry requirements, assessment methods, and study intensity.
  3. Confirm the fees and funding rules for your country and course.
  4. Decide whether full-time or part-time study fits your work and family commitments.
  5. Confirm what tutor, forum, and study centre support is available for your chosen course.

The key point: the OU is a distance-learning university with open-access roots and flexible study, but the details — cost, entry rules, assessment, and support — vary by course and location, so verify them on the course page before you apply.