Lana Oconnell
The Open University (OU) is the UK's only university dedicated to distance learning. It was founded in 1969 to open up higher education to all, regardless of background or circumstances. OU qualifications are up-to-date and commercially focused, with over 120 qualifications available. In its first year of teaching in 1971, 24,000 students enrolled. OU's tuition fees are significantly lower than those of other UK universities, which led to a spike in the number of 17 to 25-year-olds registering for its degrees. More than 170,000 students are currently studying with the OU, including over 10,000 international students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 1969 |
| First year of teaching | 1971 |
| Number of students enrolled in the first year | 24,000 |
| Number of students enrolled in 2008-2009 | 193,835 |
| Number of students enrolled in 2012 | 168,210 |
| Number of students enrolled in the most recent academic year | 122,000 |
| Number of students enrolled in the Open degree | 20,000 |
| Total number of alumni with an Open degree | 236,000+ |
| Number of students enrolled from outside the UK | 10,000+ |
| Total number of students helped | 1.8 million+ |
| Number of current students | 170,000+ |
| Percentage of students who pay for their course with a student loan | 80% |
| Number of FTSE 100 companies that have sponsored staff on an OU course | 72 |
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What You'll Learn
Student enrolment at the Open University
The Open University (OU) is the UK's only university dedicated to distance learning, with a presence in all four nations of the UK. OU offers a unique approach to learning, providing flexible deadlines and the option to study online from anywhere in the world. OU's mission is to be inclusive and open to all, regardless of background or circumstances, with a continued dedication to social justice and equality of opportunity.
OU offers a wide range of courses and qualifications, including undergraduate certificates and diplomas, as well as degrees such as Bachelor of Arts (BA), Science (BSc), Laws (LLB), and Engineering (BEng). The Open degree is the most popular qualification, with around 20,000 students enrolled, making OU the UK's largest multidisciplinary education provider. Other popular courses include BSc (Hons) Psychology and BA (Hons) Business Management.
OU has a diverse student body, with over 170,000 students currently studying, including more than 10,000 international students from outside the UK. OU's first year of teaching in 1971 saw 24,000 students enrolled, and the university has since grown significantly, with over 122,000 students registered in the most recent academic year according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). OU also has a large alumni network, with over 236,000 graduates of the Open degree as of 2018.
OU provides support for students with disabilities or long-term health conditions, offering reasonable adjustments such as financial help, specialist equipment, and accessible study materials. Students can enrol in modules for the new academic year starting in March, and most modules provide a dedicated tutor to support and guide students throughout their studies.
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The Open University's founding principles
The Open University (OU) is a public research university and the largest university in the United Kingdom by number of students. It was founded in 1969 with the aim of "opening up higher education to all, regardless of background or circumstances". The OU is the only UK university dedicated to distance learning, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world. It offers a wide range of courses, including undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, as well as professional doctorates.
The founding principles of the Open University are centred around inclusivity, equality, and diversity. The university strives to create an inclusive community that values and embraces different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and cultures. It aims to provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of background or circumstances, and to promote social justice. The OU is committed to challenging patterns of under-representation and differences in outcomes through positive action programmes.
The university's mission is to be open to people, places, methods, and ideas. It embraces flexibility and accessibility in its teaching methods, utilising technology such as online learning platforms and virtual worlds to enhance the student experience. The OU also recognises the importance of face-to-face interactions and provides residential modules and summer schools for students to engage with their peers and focus on their studies without distractions.
The Open University grants a range of qualifications, including undergraduate certificates, diplomas, foundation degrees, and bachelor's degrees in various fields. It also offers postgraduate research opportunities and professional doctorates, such as the MBA programme accredited by international bodies. The OU's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility has made it a popular choice for students, with around 20,000 students enrolled in the Open degree, making it the UK's largest multidisciplinary education provider.
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Qualifications and courses offered
The Open University offers a wide range of qualifications and courses to its students. As the UK's largest university, it provides a flexible and accessible approach to higher education, catering to diverse student needs and aspirations.
Qualifications Offered:
The Open University offers a comprehensive range of qualifications, including:
- Foundation Degrees: These are equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor's degree and are often designed in collaboration with employers, ensuring that the skills learned are highly relevant to the workplace.
- Bachelor's Degrees: OU offers a variety of bachelor's degree programmes, including honours degrees, which typically take three to six years to complete depending on the subject and the pace of study chosen by the student.
- Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas: These qualifications provide an opportunity for students to enhance their knowledge and skills in a specific area. They are often pursued by professionals looking to advance their careers or develop expertise in a new field.
- Master's Degrees: The Open University offers a wide range of master's degree programmes across various disciplines. These degrees typically take two to four years to complete part-time and provide an opportunity for students to specialise in a particular area of interest.
- Doctoral Degrees: OU also offers research-focused doctoral degrees, such as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and professional doctorates. These programmes allow students to contribute to their field of study through original research and scholarship.
Courses and Subject Areas:
The Open University offers a vast array of courses across multiple disciplines. Here are some key areas:
- Arts and Humanities: OU offers courses in subjects such as history, languages, literature, philosophy, and art history. These courses often involve exploring creative and critical thinking, cultural understanding, and analytical skills.
- Social Sciences: Students can study subjects like psychology, sociology, politics, economics, and law. These courses provide insights into human behaviour, social issues, and the functioning of societies.
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): The Open University offers a wide range of STEM courses, including biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering. These courses often involve practical and theoretical components, providing a strong foundation for students.
- Business and Management: OU offers courses covering topics such as entrepreneurship, marketing, human resource management, and strategic management. These courses are designed to provide practical skills and knowledge applicable in various business sectors.
- Education and Teaching: The Open University offers courses that prepare students for careers in education, including initial teacher training, continuing professional development, and specialist qualifications for experienced educators.
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Student demographics
The Open University (OU) was founded in 1969 with the mission of opening up higher education to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. Since its launch, more than 2.3 million people worldwide have studied with the OU, making it one of the largest universities in Europe. The OU is the UK's only university dedicated to distance learning and has a significant presence in all four nations of the UK. It also has a diverse network of partners across the globe, including study centres in Cyprus and Germany.
The OU offers a wide range of courses and qualifications, including undergraduate degrees such as Bachelor of Arts (BA), Science (BSc), Laws (LLB), and Engineering (BEng). The Open degree is the most popular qualification, with around 20,000 students enrolled. This makes the OU the UK's largest multidisciplinary education provider. Other popular qualifications include BSc (Hons) Psychology, Certificate of HE in Psychology, Bachelor of Laws (Hons), and BA (Hons) Business Management.
As of the 2022/23 academic year, there were 140,215 students enrolled at the OU, a decrease from the previous year's 151,840 students. This number reflects the move towards distance learning after the COVID-19 pandemic. The OU's students come from diverse backgrounds and include those who work full or part-time during their studies. The OU also has a significant number of international students, with over 8,819 studying directly with the university.
The OU's commitment to equality and diversity is evident in its efforts to address under-representation and differences in outcomes. It respects the rights of individuals to hold different views and beliefs and fosters an inclusive university community. The OU's values align with its dedication to social justice and equality of opportunity, creating an environment that anticipates and positively responds to the diverse needs and circumstances of its students.
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Student enrolment trends
The Open University (OU) was founded in 1969 to open up higher education to everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. It is the UK's only university dedicated to distance learning and has a significant presence in all four nations of the UK. OU qualifications are up-to-date and commercially focused, with over 120 qualifications on offer.
In its first year of teaching in 1971, 24,000 students enrolled. By the end of the 1980s, more than 100,000 students had graduated. In 2008-2009, 193,835 students were registered, paying £1,400 per year for full-time tuition. However, when tuition fees surged to £9,000 in 2012, enrolments dropped to 168,210. The most recent academic year saw student enrolment fall further to 122,000.
While the overall number of students at OU has been falling, there was a spike in the number of 17 to 25-year-olds registering for its degrees following a smaller increase in tuition fees compared to other universities. This age group is a minority at OU, with older part-time working students making up the majority of its student body.
Despite the falling enrolment numbers, OU remains popular, with more than 170,000 students currently studying, including over 10,000 international students. OU has also helped over 1.8 million students worldwide, with its free learning resources website, OpenLearn, receiving 117 million visits since its launch in 2006.
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Frequently asked questions
More than 170,000 students are currently studying at the Open University.
In its first year of teaching in 1971, the Open University enrolled 24,000 students.
In 2008-2009, 193,835 students were enrolled at the Open University.
After the tuition fees surged to £9,000 in 2012, 168,210 students were enrolled at the Open University.
The Open University currently has more than 10,000 students studying for qualifications from outside the UK.
