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As someone who has certain limitations in day to day life, it is wonderful that I am able to study entirely from home (or a cafe of course) and still gain the full university experience with student unions and clubs as well as career fairs and the ability to interact with my fellow students.
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As someone who has certain limitations in day to day life, it is wonderful that I am able to study entirely from home (or a cafe of course) and still gain the full university experience with student unions and clubs as well as career fairs and the ability to interact with my fellow students.
The Open University Reputation
The Open University is an online university, with some physical locations based in the South East England county of Buckinghamshire. 140,215 students are enrolled at The Open University:
- 139,960 of these students come from the UK
- 115 come from EU countries
- And 140 are students from non-EU countries.
(Source: HESA 2022/23)
The graduate outcomes for The Open University, show that six months after leaving university, 83% of graduates are in work or further study. The typical graduate salary six months after leaving The Open University is £24 - £27K a year.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Data Survey 2023 for 2020/21 graduates)
Updated: 4th October 2024
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As someone who has certain limitations in day to day life, it is wonderful that I am able to study entirely from home (or a cafe of course) and still gain the full university experience with student unions and clubs as well as career fairs and the ability to interact with my fellow students.
world renowned for public health.
I have liked studying through the OU
For me it has all been good. I started with cert higjher education then BSc psychology and now doing MSc psychology. Tutor's have been great and courses fine to. Problems seem to arise when stuents want to change or cancel courses SO DON'T. I can't moan about my scoring/reults either. Avoid social media groups - I'll say no more.. Keep about two weeks ahead of your study planner. Plan your study ant tell those to you that you need space.
Amazing and flexible place to study
The online Univeristy is a great way to balance work like and Univeristy, no travel is needed and all of your uni work can be done online which saves so much time and travel
I am currently studying towards a degree with the OU and i am in my second year and studying full time. I can say that if i had known what i know now i would have just avoided the OU and gone to a typical university and just worked around my life commitments somehow. The level of support for students leave much to be desired the tutors take days to respond to query emails/text ect if they reply at all that is i have had replies to TMA queries after i have already submitted TMAs because the cut off date and time was sadly not as lacks as tutor communication. Before i ever signed up for my degree i read through the over view ect for each year of the course and what it would entail and i can categorically say that what it said i would be doing is far reaching from what i am actually doing, it also stated that the degree was 100% assignment based and made a point of saying no exams.....year 2 and there's an exam at the end of one of my modules. It also states basic math is needed... i pers
Tutors are great, is a really good option for young professionals
The open university has been a fantastic platform for me and has opened many doors already. I am able to study flexibly in my own time and the support I receive is great!
Open University do not care about your education. Only collecting your fees. I have been really disappointed by the lack of teaching quality on the Postgraduate course I started. Yes I passed the assessments, but was I learning? No. If you are only after specific qualifications or letters after your name then by all means trudge along. But for the extortionate cost you pay you will definitely not get value for money in terms of learning outcomes and support. A significant amount of the effort is geared towards assessment, which is not the same as learning. Tutors appear to be spread too thin, the feedback given is generic and unhelpful to actually learning, just scoring higher on tests. There are so many free online courses that have similar/ superior content to the Open university. There is no need to waste your money on their expensive courses. For £1600 for one module I got: 1 book, website access and 3 faceless 1 hour tutorials. Go elsewhere.
I am on my second year studying for a (BA) in Business Management and Economics. I cannot complain about the OU at all. The study material is very well developed to support students throughout the learning process, providing books, live and recorded tutorials and video/audio resources available 24/7. I also found that the tutors are generally extremely helpful.
Love my professors, and my lectures are all very interesting.
Decent university for being online. Allows work and study
AVOID !! The worst university ever! No help at all, tutors just re read what you already know from the material and no further explanation, nothing! I wouldn't even recommend the OU to the enemy. As per money, not much difference than a brick uni and at least at a brick uni you do get help,lots of help unlike with the OU.
I love this university, it's the best decision I have ever made.
I'm currently in my second year studying towards a Primary Education degree and i regret becoming a student. The tutors offer no help and don't even run tutorials very often. The tutorials you do have are completely pointless and only go over what each of the assignments are going to be about. I could easily find that information by reading the assignment information myself, which is readily available on the OU website. The tutors offer no assistance and are only there to mark your work. They offer no assistance if you're struggling. I never hear from my tutor and receive no help from them. It is entirely down to you to teach yourself the course material and if you don't understand it... well, tough. My assignments are constantly being returned late (i'm talking about 2-3 weeks late) and the excuse is always COVID-19. We're expected to stick to a strict timeline for getting our assignments in, but tutors can bend the rules if it suits them? WASTE OF TIME!!
Once respected, now in decline. If you're lucky you'll get a halfway decent tutor but roll the dice for incompetent, disinterested or supercilious. Random grading decisions and don't waste your time appealing, they never budge. I got 53% for a TMA I actually thought I did quite well in, the next one I somehow scored 100%? The choice of courses has shrunk and the quality has degraded. 8 years in, 7 modules completed. Not recommended at all.
In my three years studying with them, I have always found not only a very well structure and guided approach but, also a supportive atmosphere where is easy to navigate through the modules and receive help when needed. If the person is willing to study that's the best place for it, as it allows you to keep developing yourself professionally at the same time.
I studied M.A History with the OU and it was a huge disappointment. I quit halfway through the two part course. I had studied previously with the OU in 1999 and it was a great experience, interesting, sociable (regular tutor group meet ups) and multimedia (tv programmes etc). This time it was almost entirely on line. The 'teaching' came via a teaching forum (a mess of tutor/student comments) a few flaky Adobe Connect sessions and two day schools (of one day each). The course materials consisted of two binders containing hundreds of pages of dull, uninspiring, printed text. I had to buy all the required text books myself. The final piece of work (the EMA) was a very complex and exacting piece of work which I found impossible without any face to face supervision. The course cost me £4K. A LOT of money for me. On the plus side my tutor was as helpful as she could be. When I quit she admitted that students were being short changed on the course.
What used to be a very good uni has been ruined by greed. Higher fees every year yet reduced standards of education and now no books whatsoever! Words cannot describe how frustrating it is to be a student, where you are simply just a number! I studied Maths and with 30 credits to go I am looking for any other possible alternatives to finish my degree. No support to students as they cannot handle the amount of students they are taking on - pure greed, I would actively discourage anyone who wants to study with them. There are far better university’s out there.
Dreadful. Been a student now for 4 years and they are as useless now as they have always been. They address nothing, fail to respond to mails sent, and have excessive amounts of admin staff, who form what I can tell do very little other than say Not my job. This place needs a damn good shake up and sorting out. My advice, make OU last resort not first. All tutors part time and most fail to help you in any worthwhile way, as they are restricted from doing so. Archaic systems that fail continually not Mac friendly really old fashioned attitude to learning
I created my online profile and selected the courses to enrol on and I checked the next week and my courses had been taken off and now I have to wait until June to book onto the courses I wanted to do. I also wanted to pay for my courses by direct debit monthly as I am working alongside the course and they said that this was not possible. I am extremely disappointed as I was looking forward to starting this next step. If anyone has any advice or similar experience to me please feel free to comment.
My experience is based on my return to the OU after a break of eleven years and to say I am disappointed is an understatement. It is nothing like it used to be in the old days no residential summer schools like I did in France and Spain in 2004 and 2005. No books! Those excellent and so helpful study groups no longer exist because tutors are spread far and wide so theres a lack of joined up learning with your local module fellows. Students union, or association whatever it is now, once had helpful and knowledgible people on board now its edicts have become left-leaning and seems happy to prop up whatever the university does rather than challenge it. If you need help from one of the union members you get automated replies to your email telling you they have an outside job and not to expect a reply too soon. Sorry for bothering you guys! I found more support from other students in FB than from the OU or OUSA. Exam cancelled this year, my grade was ok but not resigning in 2021.
As a graduate from two Russell group universities, I am utterly disappointed at the teaching, support and feedback through the postgraduate modules I have so far completed. Terrible course content, with indifferent tutors, who appear to have very little subject knowledge or interest. I started the masters in engineering, as I require it to become chartered. I strongly regret choosing the OU
Utter rubbish! Complete waste of time and money. Computing & IT degree is a complete rip off!
I’m recognising my potential with the open university that I didn’t think was possible
The open university cancelled exams and then gave a mark significantly lower to all the assignments. This has meant that students are not being judged on their ability , but on the ability of previous years students. In a red brick university over 70 gives you a first , in open university a first is Over 85 % . This is unconscious bias on behalf of working adults black , white , asian and disabled students
I would like to reply to the claims that 1-star reviews are from failed students who are bitter. I have 3 degrees and an MA and work as a Lecturer in Further Education. 3 years ago, I decided to complete another undergraduate degree with the OU, and for the first 2 years, I scored between 2.1-Distinction (including exams). However, this year's tutor could only regurgitate information from the coursebooks with no critical thinking of her own, made some serious mistakes in her marking and when I asked for what marking criteria she followed, she was unable to provide a coherent answer. I have been in education for 15 years and I have never come across such inconstistency and inability to mark/give feedback properly. I have also been subjected to my tutor stating that she had given me a pass 3 because I had not used the examples that she wanted, but yet she commented on my bibliography being excellent. Do not waste your money. Many high-ranked UK universities do distant learning!
I have just completed a Bsc (Honours) in Maths and got a first. I went to Uni at 18, but I didn't work and I ended up dropping out. I am now employed full time but as I don't have a family I had time that I was wating playing computer games. Starting and completing this degree has provided a structure to my life that had previously been missing. One year had melted into the other to the point that I couldn't remember if something was 2 years ago or 5. That all stopped when I started with the OU. Now.. an assesment could take 20+ hours. The books. At the start I could average 10 pages/hour, this reduced to 1 page/hour in parts by the end. I found the process of learning like trying to break through a brick wall by repeatadly headbutting it. But, with youtube (Khan academy gods), online tutorials, the books (excellent), and time it eventually "clicks" and hey ho. Degree. :D If you have TIME, an interest, and the money. Go for it. Next, a full time masters at a Brick uni maybe?
The Open University is a brilliant institution and one I am proud to have studied with. The flexibility and support they provide has enabled myself and thousands of other attain qualification that may have alluded us due to other commitments in our lives. Do let others talk you into believing the OU degree is not worthy - it is and so are you. If you have your own personal dream, bring it to life with the OU. I did and I am proud.
I am currently studying a BA (Hons) Open with a focus on Classical studies. I have recieved amazing support from previous tutors, and extensions when needed. The open university is perfect for those who are already working in an established career but want to gain a degree at the same time. I currently work in higher education but I fancy a career change however I need a degree to do so. The module materials are very detailed, and informative. The course is broken down into weekly readings, activities and working on or towards assignments. For my modules I have TMA's, EMA's, iCMAs and also an exam. I have experience with attending both a brick university (de montfort university) and distance learning and both have negative and positive such as disliking a tutor, boring sections of work, etc. This is the same at all higher education institutions. Highly recommend this university as an academic institution and also to provide new opportunities to learners regardless of background.
Thanks to the Open University, I am now a maths teacher. They gave me a chance to better myself and I took it. My dream has come to fruition.
I was so nervous to begin a course as an adult but every single member of staff that I have been in contact with me had been incredibly kind, patient and helpful. The entire experience had been an absolute pleasure and I would highly recommend OU to anyone wanting to continue their education.
I absolutely love every bit of my study at OU. BSc (Honours) Computing & IT and Business.
Incredibly adaptive and supportive university team with a wide range of modules. The Open degree in particular makes you feel like a child in a sweet shop when trying to choose your next module due to the range available. Felt really supported during my studies.
The Open University is really supportive and helpful. If you have the will power and determination to study from home then I recommend The OU. They don't judge you and you don't have to have previous qualifications to study with them and this opens doors for so many people, especially the older generation who have children but want to chase their dreams.
The OU is an ideal university for people who, for many different circumstances, cannot or do not want to go to a brink uni. I have found the tutors supportive and the work interesting and challenging. The fact that study fits around my life suits me perfectly and if and when I’ve needed help, I have received it with respect.
Excellent value for money, study at your own pace without losing income, fits round work, kids, caring responsibilities...very well respected by employers...an OU qualification demonstrates time management skills, grit and determination, self motivation, the course content is very interesting and thorough, and if you haven't studied for a long time it really eases you in, there's a great community on social media, in forums and a few societies, as well as face to face lectures (at weekends) to supplement learning...cannot recommend it highly enough!
I haven't started yet I start in October and it's an amazing way for people to learn and get a great education I have 4 young children so getting to an actual uni is out of the question, OU is definitely a great opportunity
Opportunity to study online in your own time. Interesting and engaging content. Tutors some better than others but overall engaging and positive.
Great content delivered with innovation and friendly tutorial support. A first rate distance learning institution. I'm proud to be an OU student.
I have a busy lifestyle and would have never been able to consider a degree without the OU. 4 years in now and all my tutors along the way have always been willing to go above and beyond to give assistance when I needed it.
Best learning experience ever. This is my eighth year with them as I love to keep going! First time with Masters this year. Flexible and supportive. If you have commitments, it is the best resource learning practice available , highly recommended.
The Open University is a stupendous institution. Of course, if you do not wish to undertake distance learning then it is not the right choice for you. But if this is something you require or are considering, I cannot recommend them highly enough. Tutors are readily available, engaging with students and highly helpful. Module content is rich and well taught. Textbooks are of strong academic quality and are provided well in advance via the post. The online system through which most of your learning will take place is expertly laid out and easy to use. OU degrees tend to be cheaper too! I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at the OU so far and heartily encourage anyone considering distance learning to consider them.
Have studied with OU for three years. Definitely get back what you put in. It has given me an opportunity to follow a career path i couldn't have otherwise due to decisions i made when i was younger. Have always felt very supported and understood by my tutors.
Great place to study especially for anyone who can't get to a brick uni. The quality of tuition is excellent and the tutors are knowledgeable. Not for anyone who needs to have their hand held throughout their learning though.
Open University is as good as the amount of work you put into it. For me it has been amazing
I studied my bachelor's degree part time over 6 years while working. No other university in the UK offers a similar experience to work towards a fully accredited degree while earning money. The tutor support I have received has been excellent. You will only get out what you put into this degree, therefore if you are not self motivated and if you don't enjoy self-directed study/research, you might struggle. Having so much control over my studies has given me more confidence and discipline. I can honestly say I have loved every minute of my time with the Open University
The Open University provides me with the ability and comfort of studying comfortably in am environment I am familiar with. The tutors are always available whether personally or in student forums and there are groups relating to allsorts that you can join. OU PETS a particular fave of mine.
By far the most impressive university I've ever studied with. High quality study materials, excellent tutors, great online tutorials and most importantly, thorough and personal feedback on assignments. I'm doing my second OU degree now, because the experience is just wonderful. I highly recommend the OU.
It is a good institution for adult education. The degrees are REAL and valid in UK and Abroad. The level 3 modules are challenging and require lots of study, resilience and motivation, but if you study hard and with the help of really good tutors, you can achieve your goals. The student support team also helps you during your journey at The Open University and the student association is very well organized.
With the OU, you get out what you put in. Self-deiscipline is required in order to be successful and I have found tutors and the librarians to be extremely helpful I've required them. Whilst I have preferred some modules over others, they all have a clear purpose and I know where they fit into my degree and why they are important. The online community is second to none.
Left school with no qualifications, now I’m coming to the end of my degree and I couldn’t be happier with the support received from the ou! Amazing
Completed my bachelor's and now continuing with my master's. Brick uni is not possible for me and o have always found the OU staff and tutors to be more than helpful. It does sometimes take longer than hoped but issues are always resolved
A fantastic university. The library services are top notch and the online system is easy to use and a huge part of the OU experience. The campus at Milton Keynes is beautiful and the library team couldn't be better. If they don't have it, they will find it! The community are close and supportive with a number of clubs run remotely by students, you just have to sign up. OU students are supportive and because they are from all ages, regions and backgrounds there's a wealth of knowledge amongst students you just don't get at a brick university. The careers service is simply outstanding, and support continues after graduation. It's a university that truly does believe everyone deserves a chance and the support to reach your goal, and the Student Union advocates fiercely for students by being heavily involved in the university and different stages of decision making. Students genuinely do change the university and because of that the OU is adaptable and cutting edge distance learning.
Amazing experience for flexible learning. Very supportive tutors and student support staff. Lots of ways to het involved in the Students Association
I would recommend the OU to anyone. I now have a law degree. I achieved this while raising children andstep children. Also have birth to 2 children while doing degree. Wouldn't have been able to do that at a brick uni. Staff were very supportive.
I can't recommend the Open University enough. It has changed my life and changed the life of many people around me. Before I started OU I worked in a call centre, now 20 years later I have a professional career and a PhD. The course materials are of the highest quality, most of the tutors are brilliant, and its so flexible.
Best decision I ever made. Fits so perfectly with my home life, the teaching is great and I have learned so much. Would highly recommend The OU to anyone who is considering higher education
After 5 years of tough studies, I have completed my BA successfully. I found the materials very up to date with life situation practical case studies and scenarios drawn upon historical and contemporary events. Toturs are far more than available and supportive all throughout the course within reasonable time. The online study forum provided enabled all us students to brainstorm, discuss, add our thoughts and understanding as well as to review and respond to to our peer students. This has been an excellent platform that left no one behind as many of the OU students work or have some other sort of commitments giving the the chance to add their parts at their own path. However, one thing to note is that studying at the OU is highly demanding and requires lots of dedication and efforts particularly if you are studying full time. Nevertheless, its worth it as all worth time and money you pay. Good luck!
A complete lack of consistency between tutors and guidance for assignments. Complete feedback each year and no action taken. For £3k p.a. I would expect much better. If you have a choice, don’t pick here
OU Is a fabulous way to study for a degree at your own pace. Excellent tutors and materials and great range of courses available. Will be completing my degree next year and have thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of it.
Builds a lot of skills such as independent review and self determination as you don’t have someone on you during ‘school hours’ driving you to do it and that’s more employable than a lot of skills picked up from any uni
I’ve completed one degree with the OU (Life Sciences) and I am now in the process of completing another (Mathematics). I’ve also completed a degree at a brick uni, and I can say that my experience with the OU is comparable to that of my brick uni. Yes, you don’t have the daily routine of lectures/seminars to go over material, but the written materials you are provided (no buying textbooks!) cover everything you need to know, and are clearly written and provide numerous examples and exercises to work through. Tutorials are provided to go through any problems/extra examples, and in my experience, tutors are extremely knowledgeable and eager to help, and provide numerous opportunities for contact if you are having any problems. I think the problem that people have with the OU is that they aren’t prepared for independent study. I can also say that the social side of the OU has improved massively over the last few years, with many more clubs and societies being formed over social media.
Works around the rest of my life, meaning I can work and raise my family whilst I study. Tutors are very supportive and you can choose online tutorials or attempt classes in person.Although you don't need to do either. You can also register with any university in the country so you can use their library and resources. I found year one very helpful to ease me back into studying after a long break. The open university has made it possible for me to get my degree. Its hard work and you need to be good at time management but I do recommend it.
The Open University is brilliant. The tutors really want to help you as much as possible. The course material is fantastic and made understandable. You can do your degree at a rate that suits you, combine it with work or staying at home looking after children. It has evolved rapidly to cope with changing technologies, is probably the most affordable university in England at any rate. The students association, equivalent of the students union does incredibly well considering how remote a lot of students are. You can have as much or as little interaction with other students as you wish. Having studied both with the OU and conventional universities, I know which I think is best and it is definitely the OU.
I have studied in a brick uni in Spain and this is my second degree. I love the OU because it lets me study while I work full time. The modules are engaging, you get tons of support from your tutor, student union, other students and all staff. There are options to do tutorias online and face to face, the books and online materials are great quality... in a disabled student and I feel so cared for... they have adapted many things/deadlines to my disability and I wish I could study endless degrees with them. I can’t recommend it high enough to everyone! Also employers like the OU because it shows you have great transferable skills!
Studying with the OU has completely changed my life. With no A levels under my belt ‘brick’ unis we’re not an option for me, but the OU gives everybody the chance to fulfil their dreams if you’re prepared to work hard to get where you want to be. Thank you OU❤️
I LOVE the OU. It isn't for everyone but absolutely perfect for me. The tutors are very helpful. Student support sort queries efficiently. The modules are interesting and the courses are very flexible. The online community on Facebook and the forums is welcoming and helpful. If like me you didn't think BRIC uni would suit, this is definitely the way to go!
Disappointed - I was expecting much more from the OU. Not a great learning experience. Engagement is practically nil - it’s only the student lead FB groups that give you any feeling of community. Learning/module materials very poor. Some very good tutors but not enough interaction and it’s a lottery whether you get one or not. Students services however are fab and very helpful! Hopefully with the change in learning activities more institutions will provide ongoing distance learning undergraduate programmes so we have a choice and the OU is not the only option.
Love open university. It’s given me the opportunity to further myself whilst also being home with my children.
A fantastic university providing opportunities for further education for everyone, particularly for those like myself who are unable to attend conventional institutes, in my case, I work full time and have a family. Simply put, with the Open University, you get out if it what you put into it. You have to set your own time aside each day to study and complete tasks and assignment. It's all on you, you are given a lot of assistance in every aspect of what is required and how to achieve your aims. The material provided is engaging, and you have access to a wealth of information. The tutors are very helpful, and go out of their way to assist and help you in your studies. The negative reviews should be taken with a pinch of salt. They seem personal by people who probably didn't put the effort in and are unhappy about not getting what they want without having worked hard for it, and not taking responsibility for their failure. If you put the effort in, the rewards are there for you.
I give 5 stars even to the campus and facilities section. This is basically an online campus with a library, forums, career advice, clubs, etc etc. It depends how much you explore and use the facilities and as in all things the effort and positive attitude of the student helps to make the experience exceptional. This is a university for people who have a life, kids, jobs and responsibilities but still have the desire and ambition to get a degree. I have had amazing tutors, meeting fellow students at day school and tutorials. The modules are challenging and full of information. There is an expectation to do independent research. The text books are the basics and lead you to do further study. Support has been more than I expected and I haven't had any problems with enrolling etc.
It fits in well with my home life and means I can study without worrying about paying for childcare. I've only had an issue with one tutor so far but when I told student support they acted immediately and I had a new tutor within a week. I would recommend the OU to anyone looking to study but doesn't mind missing out on that brick uni experience.
Having actually been to campus for conference and Freshers I can tick these boxes. But as a distance learning university it feels odd having to comment on halls when the main attraction of the OU is that you can do it at home alongside your job.
The OU has been great for me, it meant I could study part time, work and raise my child. The degree content was challenging and interesting. The Tutors I had were great, helpful and had a realistic view on juggling study and outside life. I made some great friends throughout my degree, mostly through tutorials, which were held in my nearest university. I would never have been in a position to get a degree without the flexibility of the OU. I would absolutely recommend, although it is studying alone at home, I never once felt isolated. There are social events run by students in various areas, however if you are looking for a huge social life, then a brick uni would suit you better. For me and my life, the OU was perfect. Rating the OU in terms of stars is not a fair reflection on most of those categories. There is no campus, as such, you study in your own home.
Great resources, timetables great because I can choose my own and its easy to fit around a job.
Didn't live on campus as it's distance learning however this university has supported me in gaining my BSc hons when brick uni left me feeling and feeling incompetent. The tutors are generally helpful material well designed. Yes the grade boundaries can be confusing but by level 3 they make sense. Level 1 can seem basic but it's a great i triduction to higher education
This is a distance learning university but the support is there should you require any. This is independent learning and my personal time with the OU has been great. I thoroughly recommend the flexible way in which study can be undertaken to fit alongside other commitments.
World class distance learning from the best remote delivery model
Life changing learning, world leading online and distance education. The OU resources, books and tutors are fantastic. The one star reviews are from people who didn't do well and have an axe to grind.
As a long distance learning facility, the OU is second to none. The courses are very well put together and the tutors are passionate about their subjects, and are always willing to go the extra mile to help you. Great value for money, easy to understand modules and you can go at your own pace whilst earning a living at the same time...what's not to like? Because it's distance learning it's not like a brick university so all these mickey mouse reviews comparing it to one are quite wide of the mark IMO.. I can't recommend the OU highly enough!
I love the OU because I can get a Degree without having to go to classes everyday. As I suffer from social anxiety, this is perfect for me. I am also working part-time at the moment, so I can study at my own pace.
Has given me an opportunity to learn at degree level, which is something I couldn’t have done with my measly A Levels. I’ve had good tutors, I love the content and the fellow students are very friendly!
The quality of the materials were excellent. The essential and recommended reading was a particular highlight.
The Open University is a world leader in accredited online courses and doesn't get the credit it deserves. Standard universities aren't suitable for everyone, eg those with a full time job and commitments, being disabled, or a busy parent etc. The OU opens opportunities for people who otherwise would have no other way to pursue their career goals. I'm extremely happy with my experience so far. My tutors have been friendly and helpful, my tutorials have been enlightening, and student support are only a phone call away. My modules have been challenging and very interesting, I feel I've learned a lot in my first 2 years alone and I'm excited for the years to come. Many students from standard universities see The OU as lesser, reviews sometimes are ignorant and unfair. Remember, your OU degree will be looked upon very favourably by employers as it shows determination, self motivation, the ability to juggle responsibilities and work to deadlines without your hand being held.
Just finished my History BA degree. Cannot fault the support, choice of modules and materials. Would be happy to continue my study with the OU for a Masters
I love the OU! It has made it possible for this busy mum of 3 to study part time and gain my second degree. First time round I went to a brick uni, had a ball, drank a lot of vodka, joined every club, learnt a bit. This time round I’m taking the studying much more seriously, it’s a very different experience and hard to compare to brick unis and rate using these categories (there are no halls for example). I have completed 2 years so far and have found the course challenging in places but my tutors have been very supportive. I have met other OU students through social media and although I’m not physically at university, I do very much feel a part of a community. I’d recommend the OU to anyone wanting a flexible option which they can fit in around existing commitments.
The first few * reviews aren't actually applicable to the OU. I have now been with the OU for one year. I love the fact it is 24/7 if you wake up in the middle of the night and have that eureka moment great. If you want a lie in - no problem. Personal life gets in the way, and yes it does on occasion, I can catch up. I can study remotely, either at home, in the car, in a park etc... I highly recommend this university, as my first module was purposely designed to introduce academic studying e.g. writing essays.
I have found the open University an invaluable way of doing my maths degree at the same time as working. Online education is the way forward IMHO. My qualification has changed my life.
Outstanding. I gained my first class BPS accredited BSc in Psychology in 2015 and went on to do my MSc in Mental Health, finishing in 2019. It has given me everything I need to gain entry to my brick uni PhD starting in Sept. if the OU had offered a Mental Health PhD, I’d have stayed with them. They expect a huge amount from you and there is no spoon feeding like with brick unis. Grade boundaries are higher so you have to work your butt off for those top results. But the rewards are huge and it is massively caring community of people willing to support you. They get 10/10 from me plus my eternal gratitude.
Offers a massive selection of courses, the ability to study just about anywhere and at your own pace. Costs 2/3 what regular tuition fees do, and you don't have to pay through the nose for some infested pit of a student house you share with people you hate.
I've never been to a physical building for the OU (as its online), but the facilities online are incredible! You can find anything you could possibly need all from the comfort of your own home - they have excellent careers advice, a great online library and more resources than I could properly delve into in my 6 months of studying with them! The courses are brilliant and so much variety! They have a great number of named courses, and if they don't suit you, or you cant decide you can essentially build your own with an open degree! All of the tutors I've had so far have been so helpful and an absolute pleasure, the online tutorials are very informative, student support are brilliant if you ever need them! Studying with the OU was the best decision I ever made - if you're self motivated enough to get the work done without someone breathing down your neck, do it! I'd recommend the OU to anyone and everyone!
An amazing institute giving leaning and new skills to many people, as seen in the millions of alumni
I can’t praise OU enough for dedication and extensive support. Tutors have been amazing and will go out their way to accommodate your needs. I have been praising OU ever since joining in 2017.
The open university has been truly amazing for me so far, I'm currently about to finish my first module S111 and I will be carrying on to study BSc Natural Sciences (astronomy and planetary sciences). The course material is fantastic and easy to work through, my module has been completely online and everything is found your student portal, it's provided in a fortnightly schedule so you know approximately how much time to spend on each section which I think is excellent. The best thing about the Open University is the support you get from fellow students, the online forums and unofficial Facebook groups, I've been blown away by how supportive everyone is of even the smallest accomplishments. The Open Uni is not for everyone, self pacing and discipline is hard but that shouldn't reflect on the university, I can't wait to carry on my studies in October this year :D
The Open University has enabled me to complete a degree with 2 children, working full time and moving house multiple times. You can take up to 16 years to do it, or do it in as little as 3 years. It really allows you flexibility for whatever life throws at you. Student support are usually very helpful and most tutors provide excellent support via email, on the phone and in forums. Studying with the OU makes you into a different kind of graduate, one that is able to manage time effectively, and have high self motivation. Great qualities that you can take forward and are valued by many enployers
Good flexibility with online learning
One of my greatest academic experiences. Great quality staff and material. Good memories lasting for life.
If you're prepared to work hard the OU will enable you to succeed
Entering into my final year with Open University and have found the studying experience to be very positive. Lessons and assignments are clearly laid out for the year with both face to face and online tutorials for each assignment. I hv mostly found Tutors to be very helpful with just the odd one not being constructive. As a single parent working full time the home learning is perfect for me. My employers (further education college)are also very encouraging of this form of study for me and see my degree equal to that of a brick university. I would not hesitate to recommend this form of study to someone else.
I’ve studied with the OU since 2007 first for an access course, then for an undergrad BA honours and then a few standalone modules. The tutors are high quality - mostly also working in brick Unis and the course materials are brilliant.
If it wasn’t for the Open University, my dream of getting a degree would be just that, only a dream. I’m an older student, single mom, who has to work but thanks to the OU I’m achieving my dream. I am currently coming to the end of my 5th of 6 years of study, and I’m absolutely loving it. It’s been a tough journey but incredibly worthwhile with so many new skills developed. Employers have always been incredibly impressed by the determination, discipline, self-motivation and initiative necessary to take on a distance learning degree. The OU has always supported me every step of the way. It’s a wonderful community with an awesome Students Association that listen and are incredibly proactive in their support of fellow students. Distance learning is hard, but if you’re driven and dedicated, the OU will help you achieve your goals and dreams.
There are various clubs and societies that you can join as well as meet ups etc in many different areas. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. I didn’t think with distance learning that I could make friends but I have made lifelong friends :) Best decision I ever made was joining the OU!
Enrolling with the Open University was the best choice I ever made academically. Being able to work, volunteer, be a parent, still live at home and have the flexibility to study around all those life commitments. Online, live tutorials were spot on for what I've just studied. Additionally support is available through the online library, student student, and various student events online and offline. This all compliments the online study (Amount online depends on the module) that is set out in an easy to understand way, broken down into blocks and week through out the academic year. As an OU student, I have developed and shown to my employers skills in time management and self motivation. Personally, with the whole package from learning resources, tutoring skills and student support, I have gained more than a qualification. My confidence has increased, and those post-nominal letters a little boost too. That happy, I'm signing up to do it all again with another qualification!
The best decision of my life to start a degree with the OU. Life changing experience,. I’ve had unbelievable support along the way from staff and other students. Made lots of friends and found a completely new career.
The only good reason to study with the OU is if you haven't got the required grades to get into a brick university. There are no lecturers, just tutors who teach you nothing just go over the book that you receive for the module. The reviewer who claims it's harder because you need 85% instead of 70% to achieve a pass obviously doesn't realise it's like comparing Celsius to Fahrenheit - they mean exactly the same thing they're just a different scale. The OU is a joke, avoid it all costs. Join a library, you'll learn as much and save yourself the money.
So far, I have found the content engaging and the tutors very helpful. The marking of assignments is very thorough. There are plenty of social groups online and the virtual lab and labcasts are great. Overall, my experience has been very positive.
I wish I had looked at the reviews before I joined the OU this time. I did modules many years ago when there was a weekly tutorial and summer schools with your group and we made friends and were very well supported. This time it’s been incredibly disappointing. It is very difficult to make contact with tutors and you usually have to wait five days minimum for a response. The course material is superficial and the website is clunky and unnecessarily difficult to use. I wish I’d saved my money.
- Unreliable tutors (there are exceptions of course) - Outdated modules Avoid at any cost if there are options. I could write a book with all the things I am really upset with. Only good thing with OU is that you can study at your own time and is cheap. I knew what to expect when I started but unfortunately I didn’t have any choices.
I wouldn't listen to the 1 star reviews, they are mostly failed students who are bitter that the results didn't go their way. Open university requires a huge amount of dedication, and if you put the hard work and have the right attitude then you will do well. Employers look favorably on OU students because it shows the determination and dedication to put the graft in by yourself. I would give a 10/10 but i never really used student union or the campus facilities as my degree is full distance learning.
Take no notice of the negative reviews on here, they are mischievous and from failed students who feel entitled to a degree for doing nothing. OU is a wonderful institution and this scurrilous voting site should be taken down
Overpriced for what you get. Inconsistent tutors and poor moderation schemes. The problem stems with the tutor issues. First, you get only a handful of tutorials for each class. Second, the tutorials are almost always a waste of time. They either tell you something already in the book or have massive technical issues (you can't hear the tutor, etc.) But my biggest gripe with the OU is their lack of rigorous marking. Your tutor is the only person marking your work. On occasion, you may have a moderator check the tutor's marking standards, but this is rare. Thus, your entire academic career is in the hands of one person's subjective opinion.
I have studied with OU since 2009. I finally managed to get a third class degree which should have been a 2nd or 1st class under normal conditions. I was forced out of the uni courses and banned for 3 years from studying because I cancelled some modules. I had very few tutors who were excellent in supporting and encouring me in my studies. Majority of the tutors are extremely arrogant and you can't address them with criticism. They have an attitude of I know-it-all and you are treated as if you are some lowly worm! I have been accused by one of my tutors of being pro-colonialism, when I just wrote a short story about British colonial history! I had once challenged my tutor's marking and it was deferred to another tutor. That tutor off course supported his colleague and for the end of module project, I was failed badly and was not given any chance to resit. This was clearly a punitive measure from module administrators.
Stay away, you are way better off watching youtube videos. I can't describe how bad it is. I haven't learnt anything in 3 years. you will end up paying thousands of pounds to read materials. Nothing else. It's a scam pure and simple. I manage to get good marks in the submission but I haven't learnt anything at all.
Good tutors outdated buildings and equipment
I am a tutor at the OU and I would not advise anyone to go there. It is rubbish!
Reading these reviews does not give a fair picture of the OU. The tutors in my experience have been very helpful. The website is easy to get around. The fees are high but consider how much American students pay. The courses are solid, real learning real examination. Just remember you will be learning on your own this isnt a traditional university experience this is for people who cant attend a bricks and mortar university. there are obviously huge aspects of college life that dont exist but: if you are interested in learning, if you are a good self motivator if you need deadlines and targets if you want a recognised qualification. Consider strongly the OU and dont be put off by these reviews
Nope no campus, no student bar, no Union, no post lecture social life, no punting down canals while wistfully thinking of exams, no student romance, no nightlife, no freshers week. If you can cope with developing your own learning structure and self-directing your own discovery and learning and need to do this while finding time to do a full-time job or have a normal adult life this is the perfect place.
Awful. They want your fees then they do not care. I already have a degree and the materials are awful. One 200 page textbook foe the entire module. Completely lacking any depth at all which makes writing assignments impossible. Hit or miss if you get a good supportive tutor or not. Students on same model not held to same standards the it comes to marking work. "Tutors" don't teach or help. You are handed a book and if you ask for help are patronised and told its independent learning. I know this I already hold a degree but my tutors or other student staff ere always available to help explain things when needed. Could not care less when you contact them. 0 support offered to students known to have disabilities. Just encourage you to defer as that means more money for them when you do it again the next year. Playing with peoples lives and couldn't give a toss. To call this an educational institution is a joke.
Where to start. I chose an open degree just to follow some interests. My first module (science) was very good, great tutor, really supportive. I didn’t set the world alight but got a 2:1 pass. I’m half-way into the 2nd module and I’m quitting. The tutor just uses cut and paste feedback to justify marks where you’re told you haven’t included things that you have. I was enjoying the subject but the tutor has ruined it for me and destroyed my confidence. The thing is my sprog is an academic and has looked at my work and the feedback and is horrified. All that money for absolutely nothing. It’s left me feeling stupid (although I already have a traditionally taught degree) I honestly wouldn’t do it if I had my time over. An awful waste of money.
The course content was good. Got the job done, anyway. I studied through the YASS (Young applicants in schools) program and one of the main benefits pedaled to us was that even though it's distance, you have a dedicated tutor/support team etc. This is only partly true. I had a tutor and a support team but I tried to contact both on several occassions and failed A TMA because I was locked out of the course content - and my tutor wouldn't respond to me. The ePortfolio (I assume) is designed to be helpful but it is really just a box ticking exercise. It's useless, time consuming and takes away from any actual learning on the course.
I joined up to do a BSc in Natural Science, the support is crap, the tutors give no support. I was promised so much before I started but given no real route apart from read the forums read the crap we put on the website watch our crap videos. It’s all rubbish I have never ever had so much problems even a bloody Wowcher diploma is better than this rubbish avoid this place and save your self some money.
Used to be a good place but closed down their regional centres, sacked huge numbers of people in student support to save money after massive government funding cuts. Lost their soul by taking on corporate values to stay 'competitive'. A lot has been cut to the bone and decisions are often made from on-high, without consultation of anyone who has actual contact with students.
ABSOLUTELY HORRENDOUS TREATMENT. COMPLETED 120 UNIVERSITY CREDIT MODULES IN 9 MONTHS, WHICH THEY SAID "IS NOT ADVISABLE" BUT NO DIFFERENT THAN A RESIDENTIAL DEGREE. COMPLETED EVERYTHING ON TIME ONLY TO DISCOVER THE FINAL TWO MODULES WERE FAILED WITHOUT ANY EXPLANATION. FILED A COMPLAINT AND THEY REFUSED TO BUDGE. TOOK ALL THE TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENTS AND END OF MODULE ASSIGNMENTS TO AN EXTERNAL UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR FROM THE SAME FIELD. PAID HIM TO REGRADE EVERYTHING AND DISCOVERED A 45% DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE OPEN UNIVERSITY GRADES AND THE EXTERNAL UNIVERSITY GRADES. FILED ANOTHER COMPLAINT AND NEVER RECEIVED A RESPONSE. TURNED OUT TO BE POLITICAL DISCRIMINATION BY THE UNIVERSITY DUE TO THE INDEPENDENT RESEARCH I HAD DONE ON CLIMATE CHANGE. I NOW HAVE A TOTAL OF 480 BRITISH UNIVERSITY CREDITS AND NO DEGREE, DESPITE IT ONLY REQUIRING 360!!!!! NO INTEGRITY IN THEIR GRADING OF STUDENTS WORK OR THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS THAT A UNIVERSITY SHOULD UPHOLD.
Most of the modules I studied on the computing and ITC degree were poor. Much of the time was wasted writing essays and planning out future essays which would usually only take me a few hours to complete anyway. There was very little practical work and many sections contained errors or were hopelessly dated. Some tutors were good while others were dreadful giving very little feedback other than "you are short of the word limit therefore you have missed some points". Great, thanks for that I could have used the word counter included in Microsoft Word to tell me that! I can't recommend the ITC course for anybody serious about getting a job in this field, it just won't give you the relevant experience you need to get going.
I am grieving my late father and all this university cares about is keeping my tuition fee even though he died 3 weeks into my course. I qualify for refund under the fee rules and submitted all relevant documents under the rules but they are now asking for my mental health report from my GP which is unlawful because it is confidential. OU is a greedy and money-grubbing institution.
I would not recommend this institution. Worst experience of my life.
This is not higher education, at best only a scam designed to make money by substandard educated "academics". No one serious honours their credits nor degrees.
I'd just like to say that these reviews represent an insignificantly small proportion of the student population of the Open University (56 out of 117000 enrolled students). That this rating of the institution carries little real meaning. Even a Brick University statistics student would agree with my statement.
Pathetic webpage and down the rabbit hole you go... Don't wast your time
Unlike at a “red brick” uni you will not get any support from the OU. I asked for support due to disability and it took literally until the penultimate month of my modules to get even the most basic support. You would think in 2019 they could record lectures, but instead of that they just send you a textbook and you have to get on with it on your own. It also means you can’t later get funding to go to a conventional uni, and none of their courses match well enough to on campus courses; so if it doesn’t pan out you’ll be stuck without a route to transfer to a better uni. Unlike studying an HNC/HND at college, my 240 OU credits are completely meaningless in the workplace.
WENT TO THE OPEN UNIVERSITY FAILED MY EXAM AND RESIT DESPITE THE WRONG REVISION MATERIAL !!!!!!!! PERSONALLY I WOULD NOT RETURN TO THE CONSTITUTION
I have absolutely loved studying with the OU! The tutors were amazing! I have now finished my honours degree with a 2:2 something I never thought I could do. Best decision I have ever made!
The OU has been amazing for me. Their material for mathematics, science, and engineering is top-notch and on par with Russell group universities. They also have extremely high grade thresholds so that 85% is required for distinction instead of 70% at other universities. This makes the OU a much harder choice plus the fact that you have to be so motivated to succeed on your own without daily or weekly meetings. It definitely has helped me to progress in my career and my education.
I suffer with Mental health illness. I was promised loads of help with my learning. I was appointed a 1 t 1 support. It turned out this lady only had a diploma in counselling. Did not know TMa's nor had any experience with Open university level. I qualified also for a Student disability grant that gave me Dragon assist soft ware to help with dictating and voice command. This broke down continually. Everything i was promised from my 3rd year did not help me at all my marks actually reduced. I went from 60 down to 45 with the extra help. I received grade 4 pass before. On the week leading up to my exam. I had been revising for my exam 5 weeks before my exam date. Turned out to be an old exam paper 2012. I failed the exam. I would not recommend anyone to study with the OU. They make promises they can' keep. Its all about the money they receive from governmen student grants. 5.000 year. 4 years lost for me. I could have spent this time going on holidays with my kids. Stay away! So no to OU
Do not study with the OU. Don't do it.
Do not study with the Open University. Standards are extremely low. Modules are badly structured and out of date. Tutors are not committed to helping students to achieve and understand modules because tutors do not understand the course. Useless place and a waste of money. Choose another university as there are better ones than the Open University. Extremely poor.
Really good university and tutors are very helpful
I have really enjoyed studying with the OU. Very friendly and informative staff and great resources.
Very little support to students in regards to their current studies and their future job plans
I absolutely love the OU. It's amazing. You get such a unique experience from it both distance and campus learning. There is so much to inspire from those who study on OU as they often work so hard to achieve what many others get handed on a plate. Working a full time job and studying full time I am well aware of how difficult OU study is to self manage but the staff at the university are more than happy to help and provide the relevant advice to get top marks.
I passed year 1&2, got a grade 4 pass for years 3&4 and grade 3 passes for years 5&6. But I have failed to pass my degree and I am obviously stupid but can’t find out where I went wrong. Broken
One of the best choices I ever made.
Really great university, they provide you with all the tools you need to complete the course. Lecturers are so friendly and helpful. Feedback on assignments was always on time for me, and was actually constructive, giving me tips for how to improve for the next one
It is the best university ever
Awesome experience, the materials are of the highest quality and the support given by the University staff and tutors was great.
So little help , too much expectations
I did BA (Hons) English Lit as a mature student and loved it as I could fit it around my job and lifestyle. The module choice was good and although the quality of tutor did vary, I always found the comments useful and motivating. The negative reviewers who seemed to expect a similar experience to a brick university should actually GO to a brick university and stop griping about a distance learning option that needs self discipline and the capability of being an independent learner.
I'm surprised seeing so many negative reviews. I just finished my degree at the OU, and I'd say all my tutors were quite good and supportive. The materials tended to be very well structured and interesting. If you're considering the OU, don't focus on the reviews here; go on Facebook and ask students in the Open University group.
I did an online tutorial once and thought I would pluck up the courage to answer one of the tutors questions in the text box only for another student to post the same wrong answer seconds earlier. The tutor shouted 'Oh don't be so stupid. Someone's already said that. I felt about as welcome as a fart in a space suit.
The materials are good but unfortunately the tutors are really variable. Some tutors add extra requirements, some even go on holiday in the middle of studying, a lot of them are very slow at replying / marking and don't give much feedback. Worst of all is the fact that different tutors have different marking standards. In one module all the students of one tutor were getting really low scores. The examples they gave of what they were being marked down for were things nobody else was. There are people who've had a tutor make a mistake marking, admit it but refused to change it! After complaining the OU who corrected the mark but wouldn't change the tutor and they had to have their mark corrected for the remaining TMAs as the tutor didn't them. The OU has worse reviews than other unis for a reason. Yes, people complain more if they have a bad experience but that's true of other unis too and they don't suffer as many bad reviews. Even good OU reviews mention bad tutors! Says it all...
Stay well clear. It should be called the Isolation Univeristy. When I complained about how bad a module(web technologies) is that was withdrawn two years later I was threatened with expulsion.
Fantastic MBA course they offer. I am so far very inspired.
I have found my experience with this university very disappointing. There are no measures put in place that ensure tutors do not impose their own academic prejudice upon TMAs. There was one tutor who said they would simply stop reading a TMA if it went beyond the word count (even though the module guide provided a 10% leeway). There is no support, you are effectively handed a block of materials and then you are left to figure it out on your own. Because most of the tutors have other full time jobs, you only get, perhaps, six tutorials with them over the course of an entire year. You can email them, but if your experiences are anything like mine, your emails are sometimes left unanswered and then you effectively have to go at it alone. I wouldn't promote OU to anyone, if you had a good experience with OU, it is most likely because you were lucky and had a good tutor. My experience was awful and I regret spending so much money on this course.
Next to no support. The prices are incredibly high. I feel cheated out of 4 years of my life.
Shocked to hear many of the reviews on here. I am on my 3rd year and so far it has been inspiring. The tutors are extremely qualified and can are thorough on their marking, with good feedback. The material used is always the most updated and evidence-based. Often with other top universities using their material. ( I have heard). The only downfall is that you do have to discipline yourself as you are on your own studying at your own pace. Excellent structured time-table is in place though to follow which is brilliantly laid out and easy to understand. have had to work extra hard with my degree, as I haven't got an A'level to my name. It has been 25 years since I left school with virtually no qualifications. This has changed my life. My career prospects are good.
Your on your own during study there is no help at all when you ask for it , the whole thing is a total scam , tutors are a joke and their markings, save your money and your sanity look elsewhere
I was shocked at reading some of the reviews, and have a feeling large portion of the negative ones would benefit from hearing the other side. I have been with OU for 7 years, and while I can't say everything was rainbows and unicorns, my experience overall has been positive. It is not for everyone - it is harder than brick and mortar uni as there is little student community, no lectures and you just have to keep yourself organised. I suppose some find this is frustrating, but I prefer no distraction. I definitely learned a lot and my studies are relevant to my career. 9 times out of 10 the tutor support has been excellent. I have had a couple of useless tutors, too - to be fair, I just got on without them, but if I struggled I could request change of tutor. Other than that, occasional poorly timed TMA, occasional frustration over outdated information given - but nothing major, and nothing that wouldn't, once in a while, occur at any university...
it's bad there is no 0 rating. As someone else said if you can study on your own and are willing to sacrifice 3 years of your life to get an unrecognized degree go for it. The grading standards are rubbish, no one governs them and they are unqualified to grade as well. Don't go, the soas offers better online courses and some are in collaboration with top unis like lse. Save your money and time for something better.
1 star FOR TERRIBLE ACADEMIC SUPPORT If you are struggling with a concept on the TMA (the assessment), as a matter of policy, they do not help at all! I guess if you can learn "everything" on your own, you will do fine at the OU but if you need academic support you will probably find the system irritating and not very sensible.
Absolute rubbish avoid like the plague. Horrendous bottomless modules and it takes forever to get anything done. Very very poor experience. There is no-one on Earth I hate enough to recommend the OU to.
I enrolled with OU because of their reputation. What I found was a complete lack of support, no consistency in teaching standards, poor materials and part time tutors who are otherwise full time employed in another role. It's a bit of a postcode lottery with who and what you end up with. There's very little continuity in how the tutors grade and the external markers grade, which only exacerbates an already unfair overall marking system. The admin side of OU is abysmal and I've never felt more like 'just a number' before in my academic life. I studied at a brick and mortar university for a year prior and although everywhere has downfalls, I've felt so let down by OU throughout my study. The price is ridiculous for the service too, there's vastly better value for money at universities who offer distance learning WITH support & accountability beyond a website log in and some books. Research other institutions - OU is NOT your only option.
It pains me to be writing this review, because I had really high hopes for the Open University, but this has to be said. If you are seriously considering studying a degree, I urge you to go anywhere but the OU. Their customer service is appalling, and the uni seems to be managed and run by inexperienced people who have no clue how to use the internet, which is not particularly useful considering that the OU focuses mainly on distance learning. The course I chose to study was am Honours Degree in Astronomy and Planetary Sciences, but I had to stop after the first year, as it was extremely dull and had absolutely nothing to do with Astronomy or Physics, to the point that I genuinely believed I had mistakenly taken the wrong course (which I hadn't). The "TMAs" and marking systems are idiotic, and the timetables they set you for the modules are completely wrong, but they're hardly the biggest issues. So, in conclusion, do not waste your time and money with the OU.
Watch out of this s***. Don't join
Open University BSc (Hons) Open OVERALL UNIVERSITY RATING Tell us about your overall university experience so far. 17 Mar 17 I spent nine years part time studying here to get my degree and I have very mixed emotions about the place, even though I spent a lot of time and encountered quite a few issues some which were handled badly by the OU I will still try and keep this as brief as I can and unbiased. The main reason I choose the OU was I wasn’t fortunate enough to be in an environment leaving full time education that would have really supported me with further education, plus the fact I didn’t really apply myself as best as I could in school obviously due to many factors, however I decided later in life that perhaps I would like to see what the academic world was actually all about and as I have taken on other challenges I thought why not a degree, let’s see what it teaches and why sometimes people who have them have the better opportunities and jobs. Distance learning was practical
As a distance learning provider, some of the areas needing review are not appropriate (campus facilities etc). So I think its important to be aware of some significant differences to bricks and mortar universities: - The lowest mark overall is your module result. So if you score 80% over the year, but score 40% in the final piece of work, your module score is 40%. - The module result is affected by non-academic factors. So might score 35% which is a fail (because it’s under 40%), but actually get a pass 4 (40-49% bracket). - No past papers are given. You may not see any previous work whether students consent to it being shown or not. - There is limited time given to staff to provide feedback. So do not count on detailed feedback to improve the score on your next piece of work. End of module (EMA) feedback is also sparse and hardly covers the reasons why you scored the way you did. - Appeals are tightly restricted. You may not appeal their academic judgement.
Just finished my first module with the OU and I've been very impressed. I studied at a brick Uni for a year and decided to leave because of personal reasons, the OU was the only way I was going to get a degree after that. So far though, it's quality has exceeded the brick Uni I went to by far, the material is relevant and interesting, I love the self-directed study and my tutor has been really helpful and willing to go the extra mile to help me complete my assignments. Finally, I've actually learnt something, which I can't really say about the brick Uni I went to (Which, by the way, had been rated Gold for teaching excellence.)
I would like to remind any prospective OU students who are reading reviews here or anywhere that it is nearly always the disgruntled or those who did not do their research who have written such negative and quite rude reviews about the Open University. For every one bad review, there are hundreds of students who have enjoyed the OU but haven't thought to leave a review as the OU does not suggest it to students. Also, all university related review pages ask about campus facilities and other things that a distance learning university does not offer, understandably. The OU is a superb option for those who are working, suffer with chronic illness and/or are parents who wish to gain a qualification that allows them to get to the career they want eventually, without giving up their lifestyle now. From what I have seen, so many students have done this successfully and many come back to do postgrad. Visit https:[website link removed] for genuine responses!
The ratings system is not applicable to distance learning. ive done degrees at oxford london and edinburgh (ba/ma mb bs phd) before studying at open. i started with the intention of doing some modules that interested me. however the ou studying drew me in and i complteted my degree in 5 years. all the courses were clearly and thoughtfully organised, highlighting important areas of knowledge, thought processes and principles. all my tutors worked hard to provide constructive criticism. i found it was well worth attending face to face seminars. the ou community is wonderfully diverse, with particular groups represented being women whose children had left home, men who had finished being traditional breadwinners and young folk who hadnt gone straight to university then re evaluated things. however there were many other shades too. as this is distance learning tuturs can and do provide help and guidance. however it relies on the student to be sufficiently self organised and self motivate
I agree with all the previous reviews. The OU is a huge organization and they are unable to provide a personal service in spite of their efforts. They and their tutors are still working through and learning how to navigate through the online services whilst their students are quite knowledgeable about online services. Therefore the process is very frustrating for international students. When one fails the first credits for a course, there is no real follow up. I am/was on a course towards my Masters in Education and I failed my last assignment (what they call EMA, "External" marked assignment, a 100% assignment) although I passed all my TMA ("Teacher Marked Assignments"). I paid 3,000 UK pounds out of my own pocket money towards my MEd. The OU is just an online money making business. They don't care about their online students when they fail.
Avoid! Go travel the world instead, you'll learn more rather then studying with OU!
Please be careful. I would advise anyone to go ANYWHERE but the Open University. I know they can be convenient but it is a corrupt organisation that masquerades as a reputable education provider. Their courses are not cheap, I broke my back saving for mine and was so excited to start. From the beginning my tutor ignored my questions and made it clear they didn't want to be involved in my study at all. I tried to do my best anyway and managed to pass all but the final module despite being driven to tears on a couple of occasions frustrated and confused by my tutor outright ignoring my short, polite questions about issues I didn't understand. I failed my final by one mark on an area I had pleaded for help with. After being stuck in the complaints process for a year they were told I couldn't get a refund, resit my exam or resit the course, so they took my money and left me with absolutely nothing. I didn't think it could happen to me as I'm a good student and work really hard. Be careful.
I began studying with the open university as i thought they would be flexible for people who work full-time. However, I have found to my cost they are not. Only interested in taking your money. Dont study with them. You will find a brick university offers more flexibility for part-time students.
I started my Masters in November 17 and here I am in January ’18 feeling completely discouraged and seriously considering not going any further. The tutor is completely useless - sends one line responses to emails if she bothers to respond at all, tells you to one thing for a TMA (demonstrate understanding of the models and relate to work experience) and then you get it back with a crappy mark with feedback that you shouldn't have focussed on the models or related to your work experience. I have studied as an undergrad at 2 Russell Group universities and have never experience anything like it. I thought the OU would be the ideal solution to studying around a full time career but have already realised it wouldn't be worth the paper it is written on - time to find another Russell Group Uni that takes my £10k investment seriously. My advice ... DON'T bother. It is a lot of money for supremely crappy and indifferent service and less than mediocre quality teaching.
Open University is a joke. The course materials are either their own or some outdated (10years) lecture texts that carries an amazon review of 1 star. Start off with module, coming from the IT COMPUTING DEGREE areas. Ok, some of the material is enjoyable, and just when you think you ready to CRACK the TMA, surprise! The TMA is worded so confusingly, that almost everytime there is an errata that follows. Then, the TMA looks like nothing you have read and practiced beforehand. So you are up sh*creek. I get the feeling, the TMA outsourced. And whoever draws these things up doesn't take into account if the tasks being requested are in fact covered. Now, you will here, well its a university, you supposed to research your studies. Ok, but not research on the Internet and stackoverflow. Bottom line, the modules are lacking what is required for you to succeed in the course. But, if you already know everything about IT and programming, well you will probably be just fine.
Ok, so I started my degree with OU a couple of years ago. The materials and online services OU provide are of good quality. However, the issues start to appear once you are asked to complete your tasks and assignments. The tasks are of very poor quality and I'm shocked that they get away with it. Commonly your first assignment consists of 1.000 words, yep 1.000 words. This is, they ask you to read a whole book but usually they only expect you to use one of the sections of the book to answer the TMA questions. This is once you are at level 1 or 2, the word counting at the entry level is even smaller. Because the assignments are so small you feel like you are not getting the service you are paying for. The word counting is clearly designed to make tutors life easier. If you think you can get away with it by putting extra information on the appendix, forget it!Tutors will take points off, even if you show that you clearly understood the subject. My advice? AVOID IT!
The Open University can be summed up in very few words. Reactive NOT Proactive. They make the same mistakes over and over again and can only be described as complacent. Poor in ALL ADMINISTRATIVE AREAS which causes stress and upset to Students and Tutors alike. Disorganised poorly managed departments
Don't go to The Open University!!!! Nothing good about this University. They just want your money without any student support, any information provided. If you have any problem, they won't help you especially if you are postgraduate student. You can send to them complaint but they will ignore you anyway. There are many new- excellent Universities who provide distance learning, just don't go to the Open because you will regret your decision like me. Maybe they were good 20 years ago but not anymore.
This used to be a fantastic institution. Sadly it appears to have gone the way of many focusing on process over humanity. If you can at all spare the time do not use the OU. If you have absolutely no choice then go in with your eyes open, For the lack of support and lack of quality and availability of tutors you are much, much better studying yourself.
Despite being an online university, the staff are very supportive and give exemplary feedback that really allows you to learn and fulfill your potential. Tutors have an understanding of the needs of mature students who are working full-time and studying simultaneously. The books and online study materials are of a very high standard. I am very proud to be an OU student and would recommend it over any "brick university" that I have previously attended.
Even though it's an online university I still felt part of s community, we had our own freshers week and SU activities