The Open University receives consistently positive reviews. Customers particularly appreciate quality and professional, though some mention concerns about communication and customer service.
It was a long journey, but one that ended in 1st Class honours - thank you OU!
Life changing experience The joy of learning made easy and flexible. OU has helped my transition from a lost directionless individual to having direction and a real sense of purpose. The support and flexibility are key tenets to successful study with OU
Excellent teaching and tutor specialists
Pretty good experience. It allowed me easily to continue with my professional and personal life at the same time I was studying my degree.
Avoid OU like the plaque!!! I have had nothing but issues since I've started my course a month again!! I started a part-time 6 year degree course, and it's been nothing but a nightmare. Theres constant lack of communication, and they're expecting us to be mind readers. The very first online session I attended, the very first thing that they asked was, have you submitted a blank/dummy assessment? You should have done this already, to prepare you for your first assessment! Now, how can I be expected to do something IF NOBODY TELLS ME! The Tutorials are pointless since they just read off slides, and if your like me and don’t have access to Microsoft 365 then GOOD LUCK! Since they've blatantly lied to say that they will supply you with Microsoft 365, THEY DON'T, whenever you open attachment, it'll ask for a product key, which I don't know / don't have and can't afford to get one! When I attended my 2nd Tutorial I was once again asked a question of "Have you read this case-study" - and at my last lesson NOBODY TOLD ME TO DO THIS!, there was no notification, nothing in the set tasks, no form of communication to say you need to do this. I feel as though at my next lesson they're going to ask if I've read war and peace! I've e-mailed my tutor 4 TIMES FOR HELP!!!!, and not had a single reply back to any of them, I've even spoken to my supposed Tutor on an online lesson to say can I book a one-to-one with you since I've got a few concerns, she agreed, and I've yet to hear back from her, and I'm not going to keep chasing her since she's failed to reply back to any of my other e-mails! I've e-mailed the student support team, they're not helpful either. I work full-time and I missed a phone call from them since I was busy at work, they left me a voicemail message saying that I can book in an appointment for someone to ring me back at a more suitable date & time, I arranged a phone-call back for the same day between 1-2pm since I'll be on my break. I waited….i waited….. No phone call!!! (what a shocker there) I emailed them back the day after saying that this isn't good enough! I got an email dated 30th Oct and it just says that it's gone down as a 'Prioirty 1-ASAP' call, it's now 4th Nov, Still not had a phone call, (and you wonder why I've lost faith in them) Whilst I'm trying to get hold of SOMEONE and/or ANYONE to help me, my studies are still on-going pushing me further behind. DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME WITH OPEN UNIVERSITY!!! I've read somewhere that only 1 out of 4 students actually pass their degree SHOCKING STATICS if you ask me, but i can understand why My first assessment is due on 27th Nov, and I'm still non the wiser what I'm supposed to actually do, I know I'll end up failing this course, but it's not because I'VE failed, it's because THEY'VE failed me UPDATE 04/11/25 Still not had this phone, even after sending further e-mails OU if your reading this, it would be nice for you to even acknowledge my existence Update 13/11/25 I would like to reply back to your feedback about Microsoft 365, I do not have access to this, I've checked all my notifications, still not found any shred of evidence about a Microsoft 365 product key, please contact me to show me or provide me with said documentation Oh and also, you haven't tried to contact me, please don't Lie, you've only tried to contact me once hence why I booked a suitable date + time for you to call me back, and you failed to agree to that time, the emphasis should be placed on you to contact me! but like always I'll send you more and more e-mails to chase up this "supposed phone call" which you'll ignore
I had an excellent experience as a distance-learning student, with excellent quality of materials, and tutors who always respond to any queries professionally. Very informative and good choice of modules, and they were very interesting to study as well. I absolutely enjoyed the DIY science experiments, as part of some modules.
Until covid when fees were raised ou provided education for anyone who wanted it allowing you to fit studies into your life.
My experience with the Open University has been nothing short of spectacular. The courses are well designed, the tutors are helpful (I've been lucky!), and the student support team is always available. The library gives you access to a wealth of resources and the careers service offers students support and events. I am over the moon with my first year at the OU and am looking forward to the next ones.
The new digital experiences in education.
Hello, good night, dear Sir or Advisor, how are you? I have done a survey with a 5-star rating. Let's check that's an excellent study for the institution, Milton Keynes, UK. Thank you so much, have a good day.
Well established programmes and facilitation for students.
Fantastic from start to finish - informed guided and supported through the journey from fresh person to graduate
A fantastic establishment that has changed my career prospects for the better.
Professional, caring and encouraging towards students development. I am thoroughly enjoying my module and I am enthusiastic about my career.
The quality of the course material and the guidance provided throughout
Ever since I joined the Open University in 2021 I have have an amazing experience from my tutors, all of them. My confidence in learning has been boosted and it has been fun. I got the courage to start helping others and I do so as a volunteer and in my own career I have progressed. Its even better now I have started stage 3 I was nervous at first but now I feel really confident and calm enjoying my studies all round. I can't thank everyone enough.
Studying with the Open University has transformed my life. Balancing full-time work and family while studying was challenging, but the OU’s flexibility and support made it possible. I recently completed my BA (Honours) Open Degree and will graduate in October 2025, something I’m very proud of. The quality of the materials and the support from tutors have been exceptional. The OU has not only provided me with academic knowledge but also helped me develop resilience and confidence. I feel ready to pursue postgraduate studies. If you're considering studying while working, go for it! The Open University can truly open new doors.
I was reluctant to do online study and not sure of the value of an open degree. However, the study was so interesting and the materials were easy to use. The tutor feedback was very helpful. Didn't enjoy the online tutorials
I enjoy studying at the Open University as the support is excellent, with FaceTime classes or online video webinars. The Tutors are past students and understand students' concerns.
Resourceful, respectful, approachable, friendly and accommodating
I've been involved with CES for over my study and a student rep for the last year or so. Open university work very hard in helping student particularly around their mental health struggles I would personally recommend the university to study for your career opportunities.
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The Open University, located online at www.open.ac.uk, is a prominent institution in the education and training sector, renowned for its flexible distance learning programs. The university caters to a broad audience, including working professionals, individuals seeking career advancement or personal enrichment, and those who require the flexibility that traditional campus-based education cannot offer. As a pioneer in distance learning, The Open University provides a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines, leveraging digital platforms to deliver high-quality education accessible from anywhere in the world. The company's approach to education is designed to be inclusive, supporting students from diverse backgrounds and with different levels of prior learning. By offering programs that range from short courses for personal interest to full degrees, The Open University meets the needs of a wide demographic of learners seeking to achieve their educational goals without compromising their personal or professional commitments. This focus on accessibility, flexibility, and comprehensive support makes The Open University a key player in the global education landscape, continuously adapting to the evolving needs of its students.
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