The Open University (OU) is Scotland’s leading provider of part time higher education in Scotland. Around 71% of OU students are in full or part time work while they study and many combine both with other commitments.
No qualifications are required for most OU undergraduate courses. Free tuition is available with around 55% of OU students receiving a part time fee grant.
Courses are taught by supported open learning:
they are flexible – you learn at a time and place that suits you, enrolling for one module at a time to build up a qualification
you read materials, complete course work, use electronic learning materials and write assignments
you have a personal tutor and can also discuss your work with other OU staff and fellow students online, by email and by phone
you may have to sit exams.
The OU also provides free online learning for everyone through OpenLearn.
Courses and students
You can take individual modules or work towards one of over 200 qualifications on offer. These range from certificates and diplomas to degrees and postgraduate awards.
A wide range of subjects is taught through the following departments:
Arts and Humanities
Business and Management
Computing and IT
Design, Engineering and Technology
Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport
Geography, Environment and Development
Health and Social Care
Languages and Applied Linguistics
Law
Mathematics and Statistics
Psychology and Counselling
Science
Social Sciences.
The OU in Scotland has a partnership agreement with a number of Scotland’s colleges. The university has the advantage of being able to offer articulation routes for HN students into degrees.
The OU in Scotland has over 16,450 students supported by over 330 associate lecturers. Around 20% of these students live in rural or remote areas. The average age of students is 27 years old.
The OU in Scotland ranked joint first in Scotland for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2025.
Facilities and Services
OU students have access to an extensive online library 24 hours a day, seven days a week as well as support services. Staff are also available for students to contact for support by phone or email.
