The Open University (OU) is a public research university. OU is the largest university in the United Kingdom for undergraduate students. It is well known worldwide for the outstanding distance learning services that it offers to its students. Almost 2 million domestic as well as international students have graduated from OU over the years.
The Open University was established in 1969 by the Labour government under Prime Minister Harold Wilson.
Open University has been recognized as one of the largest universities in Britain for undergraduate education. It awards undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as non-degree qualifications such as diplomas and certificates or continuing education units. Some highlights of the Open University are shown below:
| Type of University | Public |
| Campus Setting | Urban |
| Male-Female Ratio | 40:60 |
| Students Enrolled | 168,116 |
| Academic Calendar | Semester Based |
The Open University is located in Buckinghamshire, England in the United Kingdom.
The Open University is affiliated with EUA, University Alliance, Association of Commonwealth Universities, Middle States, Association of Colleges and Schools, and Universities UK. It is one of only three higher education institutions in the United Kingdom to gain accreditation in the United States of America by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
OU offers 26 masters’ degrees, one integrated master's, 97 bachelor honors degrees, 16 postgraduate diplomas, 17 graduate certificates, and over 400 undergraduate and graduate modules offered also as flexible part-time study, supported distance, and open learning options. OU also offers short courses on Science: molecules, medicines and drugs, Science: plants and people, Science: the frozen planet, Science: the weather amongst others.
OU uses various teaching methods like written and audio materials, the internet, disc-based software, and television programs on DVD to make sure that the teachings are effective and efficient. Along with quality education and training, it also provides necessary facilities, resources required for research, administrative and academic purposes. The various reasons why Open university has been one of the most preferred universities by every student are given below:
| Student Satisfaction Rate | 87% |
| Total Students | 1,20,000 |
| Societies and Clubs | 21 and 51 |
| Total Number of Professors | 8,000 |
| Alumni Community Members | 2,80,000 |
| Investment on Research | £20 million |
| Graduate Job Rate | 70% |
| Academic, Research, and Support Staff | 3,500 |
The Open University offers various scholarship options to domestic and international students based on their merit and academic achievement. For admission at OU, the students have to submit an online application form, and along with the way, the students have to submit necessary documents like academic certificates, official transcripts, English test scores, and others as prescribed by the university. Some of the scholarships granted to international students at the Open University are listed below:
The Open University offers various student services and facilities for its students. These support services help in the overall growth and development of the students both on and off-campus. Listed below are some of the amenities provided to students at The Open University:
The Open University has around 3,500 academic staff, research, and support staff. Thye have a student enrollment of 168,116 including a global community of 7,000 students from around the world. OU offers 26 master’s degrees, one integrated master's, 97 bachelor honors degrees, 16 postgraduate diplomas, 17 graduate certificates, and over 400 undergraduate and graduate courses.
Over the years of imparting quality as well as a flexible education, OU has been recognized for its remarkable contribution to the field of education. It is well known for offering properly designed programs that are highly convenient and easy for students to avail themselves at any given location. Apart from a high student satisfaction rate, the other achievements of The Open University are given below:
| Ranking Institution | Ranks/Position |
|---|---|
| U.S. News and World Report in 2020 | Ranked 654th |
| Times Higher Education 2019 | 101–150th in the list of Young University Rankings |
| QS Global World Ranking 2020 | Ranked 601st for undergraduate studies. |
| Times Higher Education | Ranked 501–600th in the list of World University Rankings |
| Accreditations | Triple Accredited |
Read More: The Open University Rankings
|
Student-Faculty Ratio - |
Male-Female Ratio 40:60 |
|
International Students 7,000 |
Total Enrolment 168,116 |
OU does not need any formal qualifications or entry tests to clear for admission into the undergraduate courses. For postgraduate degrees, the applicants must have a degree equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree. The minimum entry requirements for most of the undergraduate and postgraduate courses at The Open University are:
Acceptance Rate |
Minimum Score
TOEFL Requirements
Min. 90
Minimum Score
IELTS Requirements
Min. 6.5
Application Website
Accepts Direct Application
yes
The tuition fee for courses at The Open University depends on the level of study and the type of courses. The tuition fee for most undergraduate courses is £18,576. The average course fee for postgraduate courses is £13,230. Given below are the average tuition fee for international students at The Open University:
| Degree Type | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Diploma | £8,100 |
| Undergraduate | £18,576 |
| Post Graduate | £13,230 |
The application process for undergraduate courses at OU starts with choosing a course type and register for it. To complete your registration, the applicants have to pay for the application. For postgraduate degrees, the applicants are required to have qualifications equivalent to a UK undergraduate degree. Find below the application deadline and other key dates for admission to The Open University:
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline |
2022-09-08
|
While studying any course of study at The Open University, the students will have to cover some additional costs apart from tuition fees which include accommodation, books, stationery, food, and of course social costs. Some of the main living expenses at OU for international students are:
| Exams Fee | 251-256 |
| Internet, Books, and Supplies | 240-540 |
| Travel, Residential School Visits, and Miscellaneous | 2,066-10,000 |
The total course fee for most undergraduate degrees at OU is £18,576. The course fee for a master's degree in the subject area of computing is £11,825–£12,150. The total course fee for creative writing, education, English, and crime, and justice is £9,990. The full-time fee for a postgraduate course in cybersecurity is £11,825–£12,150. Given below are some of the popular courses and their fee details for international students at The Open University:
Course Fees: $20619
Course Fees: $ - $20619
Course Fees: $13746
Course Fees: $8991
Course Fees: $6873
The Open University can be contacted through their Student Recruitment Team at The Open University, PO Box 197, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BJ, United Kingdom. The other contact details of OU are given below:
