The Open University

I started with the OU around 15 years ago and it was great! Helpful responsive tutors and good communication. Nowadays it’s just a bit pants to be honest. Tutors are hit or miss (generally miss in my experience) and emails vanish into a black hole. Good luck if you ever try to ring them and be prepared for a looooooooong wait.

Excellent, relevent and very intetesting module materials. Great support from university staff and tutors. Study in your own time at your own pace, so long as you keep up with the well planned study calander.

5 STARS for the 'Open University'! Thank you very much for the invaluable tutoring and support throughout the six years part-time studies and for achieving a successful Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Management and Technology degree!

I had a ten year gap between studying at the OU and the difference is striking. Ten years ago the tutors were excellent and engaged, marked work correctly and on time and really gave a more engaged and flexible experience than the brick university experiences I had had. I have come back and am in my second (and last) course - two different subjects but both have the same problems. I can't believe the number of incorrect markings I've been given that I have had to question, only to find my original answers in the assignment were correct and they have miscorrected me. It has been confusing, concerning and disappointing. Most tutors don't know what course you're on, assignments are returned way past the 10 day turnaround with no empathy or apology given and its very clear that it now feels like students are part of a side hustle that tutors have. Either that or they're all incredibly overworked. The quality of marking and engagement has dramatically decreased. Tutors also no longer respond to messages - often at all. One of the faculties never responded to an issue I had that they needed to address and the tutor had to respond instead (which they are not supposed to do). With the 10 year gap it has been like studying at two different universities. I used to love and support the OU and had planned to do my post graduate studies there. After my experiences currently and in the last module and the large number of comments and reviews on forums and online generally with people having the same experience, I have decided to do my post graduate and all future study at brick universities and will no longer be recommending it to others. Prices are almost in line with brick universities also, which makes it worse. The decline of a wonderful institution I'm afraid. I can only speak for the two faculties/subjects I'm involved with of course but I am seeing the same problems again and again in discussions online, that line up with my own experiences. Note: I am not providing my details to the OU's request for further information as I am still finishing off my final module and will not be studying here in future.

I really liked how flexible most things were, with the ability to choose part or full time each year and how much study was done each week. Being able to do a whole degree online and not have to go to anything in person if you don't want to was really nice! Most of my tutors were really helpful and available most of the time to talk things through with, and I think the other support provided by the OU team is beneficial too.

I love studying with the OU. The materials you are sent are of great quality. A lot of work goes into the online learning modules. While working full time I can still achieve my study goals. There is lots of different interactions going on every day. You are allocated a tutor who is the main contact throughout your course as well as other student association contacts

I am absolutely delighted with my MBA experience at Open University Business School. The study materials are exceptionally well-structured, comprehensive, and up-to-date, making complex business concepts clear and engaging. The teaching methodology is innovative and flexible, perfectly suited for distance learning while maintaining high academic standards. The quality of the learning resources is outstanding – from interactive modules to detailed case studies, everything supports deep understanding and practical application. I actively extrapolate the theoretical knowledge I’ve gained into my own business and everyday life, which has already brought tangible improvements and fresh perspectives. What truly stands out is the genuine care and attention from the university staff. Tutors and support teams have been responsive, encouraging, and always ready to help, which made a real difference during challenging modules. Thank you, OU Business School, for an enriching and supportive MBA journey. I couldn’t have asked for a better learning experience! ✨

My experience with the Open University has been positive. I really commend them for their high-quality mental health resources, along with their teaching materials. I would highly recommend anyone who is considering higher education to ask them to send you a prospectus to see what courses are available.

I’m in my final year of a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing and I have to say I’ve loved every minute of it. I’m a mature student at 64 and I am very busy but I find it fits in with my schedule especially as I travel a lot.

The Open University has given me the freedom to study on my terms, and the confidence to do it. The whole experience was so amazing that I've returned to study for my master's.

Really enjoyable experience as I like the challenge of achedemic study

Best University to continue your studies while working. Honest and very helpful staff for student support. Tutors are extremely helpful and supportive.Overall the courses are very well designed to learn employability skills.

Exceptional Learning Experience at The Open University Studying with The Open University has been one of the most rewarding decisions I've ever made. The flexibility of their programs allowed me to balance my education, work, and other commitments seamlessly. The course materials are incredibly well-structured, engaging, and accessible. The tutors are knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely invested in student success. I always felt guided and encouraged. The online platform is intuitive and packed with resources—from audio, video and forums to digital libraries and career support. What truly sets The Open University apart is its commitment to inclusivity and lifelong learning. Whether you're pursuing a degree, upskilling, or exploring a new passion, they make higher education achievable for everyone. I wholeheartedly recommend The Open University to anyone seeking a high-quality, flexible, and empowering educational journey.

Studying with The Open University has been an excellent experience. The flexible learning structure allowed me to balance my studies with a demanding management role in the care sector. The module materials are clear, relevant, and strongly linked to real-world practice. Tutor support and feedback have been exceptional, helping me develop both academically and professionally. I highly recommend the Open University to anyone seeking to progress their career through high-quality, flexible education.

Fantastic learning materials and flexibility to study around other commitments

Great learning experienece in the OU. I would highly recommend to everyone who is thinking about their career change or enhance their skills and confidence,therfore University will require from you to learn independently and complete some tasks on your own, yet they are always ready to help. The materials the OU provides is rich and very insightful.Tutors are very professional and understanding and always ready to listen. The assignmnets guidance are concise and thorough. I am very grateful to be part of the OU family.

I only studied for a few weeks. Then deferred. I got mail saying I was now liable to pay a full year tuition back to SLC. That’s like being asked to pay a full years energy bill for a few weeks usage. SLC will be getting a few weeks worth of the total. OU can pay the rest back. No wonder they are doing well! Robbing people blind.

The OU is an extremely well and highly professional university. The modules are well written, excellent website access, and brilliant tutors.

The online material was really interesting and the tutors were so helpful.

I studied a Masters in Engineering along with two mechanical engineering modules (T229 and T329). In all cases, I had access to interesting and challenging material, and excellent tutor support - both in tutorials and one-to-one if required. The assessments were challenging and enjoyable, and I always received thorough, useful feedback. Overall, it was an enjoyable and worthwhile experience, leading to a career change - I cannot recommend highly enough.