I've studied with the ou since 2011. Unfortunately in those ten years I've witnessed a massive decline both in the quality of tuition and course content. It's very environmental focused now and has pretty much got rid of most of its other interesting science courses. In previous years your tutor would e mail you back promptly but for my last course in 2021 I waited 12 days for a response and eventually had to e mail again to nudge a reply out of him. He didn't know much about a linked course which was imperative to have knowledge on as it ultimately fed into our final project. Consequently he allowed me to go ahead with a project idea for months only to, last minute, declare I couldn't pursue it as the link to the other course content wasn't strong enough. As a result I lost months of project planning leaving me disadvantaged and now stuck in limbo with a pending module result and quite possibly facing an academic misconduct accusation due to having to rush my project. A process which, btw has taken two months with no detail as to why my mark has been withheld as yet. This is how little the employees at the ou think of their students, witholding marks indefinitely with little information provided to you as to why My tutors feedback was lacking constructive criticism and enthusiasm, both of which are essential motivators for students.Overall I feel thoroughly let down as a mostly positive decade of study with ou ends on such a low due to a lacklustre tutor and left wing academics hell-bent on forcing students to write dissertations or thesis on environment issues. Edit. There months and one week late I finally received my results! Due 1st Dec. Arrived Match 3rd! I have also found out when my complaint over delayed marks was internally investigated that my project is also being investigated for alleged plagirism. Even though my marks been released and this is the first I've heard of alleged plagirism of the project!. When I tried asking what's going on yesterday first one ou staff member hung up on me, the other said she'd call back today and hasn't! Advise. Do not waste your money on this institute. I've now taken my complaint to the OIA. The way they treat their students is nothing short of appalling and they need holding to account for it.

In my experience, sadly I can't possibly give a good mark to the Open University. I eventually gained a Criminology and Phychology degree with high expectations of gaining a high mark with all the hard work I put in from studying for six years. However i only came out with a 2.2 because of my final 60 credits i have suffered from depression and anxiety, since loss of my family and had great marks throughout the six years studying. However my final course affected my mark and lowered my qualification to a 2.2. I was told I would be contacted to explain why I had no support in my final course. My tutors was all great except the final one. I wish I'd have chosen a different course now I never heard any response back as to why I was lowered down to the 2.2 grade. . If I'd chosen a Brick University, I was told I'd have gained a 2.1 at least with my marks. I am very disappointed and would not recommend to anyone hoping to gain a good degree with higher standards. This university lower your grades and you have no say if your graded lower.

Currently doing a course and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. A few years ago when the teachers openly interacted with their students and even help put you at ease, I would have highly recommended this way of education. Nowdays your teacher sends out a generic email to all of you introducing their self and that is it. The level of service currently being provided has been inadequate to say the least.

In my opinion, The Open University has been extremely beneficial in facilitating my studies. As a young mother, it allows me flexibility between work, family and student life. I can be a mother and employee during the day and a student at whichever time I find suitable. I believe this is something not available elsewhere. So far, I have felt very welcomed by tutors and 'classmates' alike. Participation, via module specific tutor group forums, are very interesting. They encourage social and intellectual interaction with fellow students and ;present a relaxed atmosphere in which informal conversation can take place, even with tutors. We are given our tutors full contact information at the start of every course, so help and support can always be obtained through various methods. When life just gets in the way, tutors are immensely understanding and patient in regards to questions and sometimes even permitting a 12-hour grace period for coursework deadlines. Overall, if you find it difficult to attend a 'brick' university due to personal life circumstances; this is the place you can still earn a degree from. All that is needed is an adequate laptop, Microsoft works and the free books the university despatch to you. It is now possible to apply for a tuition loan too. Written by a proud student of The Open University.

Sadly the quality of tutoring has deteriorated over time therefore I would no longer recommend the OU. If you study with them you have got to expect that you are mostly studying with little or no support at all. Or hope that the forum tutors or fellow students will there to support you along the way.

I began my studies in 2016 and graduated this year. I found OU studies flexible and worked well around working full time and other commitments. It wasn't an easy experience by any stretch of the imagination, and took a lot of planning and commitment. However most tutors were very helpful and gave constructive feedback, the textbooks were provided and online resources were great. Any set texts I had to buy (for English Literature mpdules) were found easily for discounted prices online. I would recommend the OU to anyone wanting to study for a degree while juggling other life commitments.

ABSOLUTELY HORRENDOUS TREATMENT. COMPLETED 120 UNIVERSITY CREDIT MODULES IN 9 MONTHS, WHICH THEY SAID "IS NOT ADVISABLE" BUT NO DIFFERENT THAN A RESIDENTIAL DEGREE. COMPLETED EVERYTHING ON TIME ONLY TO DISCOVER THE FINAL TWO MODULES WERE FAILED WITHOUT ANY EXPLANATION. FILED A COMPLAINT AND THEY REFUSED TO BUDGE. TOOK ALL THE TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENTS AND END OF MODULE ASSIGNMENTS TO AN EXTERNAL UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR FROM THE SAME FIELD. PAID HIM TO REGRADE EVERYTHING AND DISCOVERED A 45% DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE OPEN UNIVERSITY GRADES AND THE EXTERNAL UNIVERSITY GRADES. FILED ANOTHER COMPLAINT AND NEVER RECEIVED A RESPONSE. TURNED OUT TO BE POLITICAL DISCRIMINATION BY THE UNIVERSITY DUE TO THE INDEPENDENT RESEARCH I HAD DONE ON CLIMATE CHANGE. I NOW HAVE A TOTAL OF 480 BRITISH UNIVERSITY CREDITS AND NO DEGREE, DESPITE IT ONLY REQUIRING 360!!!!! NO INTEGRITY IN THEIR GRADING OF STUDENTS WORK OR THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS THAT A UNIVERSITY SHOULD UPHOLD. WITH THE DIFFICULTIES THAT A REMOTE LEARNING DEGREE COMES WITH I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS UNIVERSITY TO ANY PROSPECTING STUDENT. ALL THE WINDOW DRESSING OF "WE CARE FOR STUDENTS" "WE HAVE HIGH STANDARDS", "TOP QUALITY EDUCATION" IS JUST FALSE ADVERTISING TO TICK THE CHECK BOXES OF SAYING THE RIGHT THINGS WITHOUT ANY QUANTIFIABLE FOLLOW THROUGH. THIS IS NOT A UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION BUT OR INDOCTRINATION. COMPLETE SCAM.

If you have learning difficulties, stay well away from them, overpriced, little support and made to feel totally worthless. Waiting years to post this review as it hit me so badly. Please, don't make my mistake, find a better option, a university that wants to help you.

So far so good. At the moment I am happy with the programme and the environment. Couldn’t give more details as I am fairly new however this university is perfect for someone who wants to work full time and study full time. They have great courses. They sent me books as well.

First year was GCSE Level, second year was much harder. No tutor support unless you get lucky and get a good tutor (Already had to switch one tutor during my first year due to misconduct) Each tutor marks differently depending on a personal basis. (I got marked down for things other students did not and vice versa) Never responded to my appeal over a late TMA even though I was sick and had a doctor's note that I couldn't do any work for 2 weeks. Refuse to let me change from an open degree to a natural science degree even though I am doing all the same modules (they keep saying it would add 1 extra year to my degree which I don't want) If you are good at independent learning then this is for you. They also removed all in-person classes to save money, what am I paying for then? I basically pay £5700+ for exam papers and maybe a couple of textbooks. The information given on the module website is never enough or just taken from other free sources. Had to buy my own books to actually learn anything. I've even considered paying for a private tutor. EDIT: I'm now having to re-take my second year due to THEIR administration mistake and even though I've submitted formal complaints they refuse to fix it.

When I started studying with the OU in 2011 I had a very positive experience, an interesting module with a great tutor and access to face to face tutorials. Unfortunately that set the bar high and things have gone downhill ever since. Aloof, supercilious or disinterested tutors, random and inconsistent grading and diminishing choice of modules for ever increasing prices. Hard to recommend.

Sadly the University has internal problems resulting in slow responses, tutors/ staff not addressing the actual issues. Lots of reading between the lines and speculating. Very challenging to find a decent person who teaches and listens.

I love the Open University. I am from Mansfield, Texas, and I have been studying with the Open University since about 2019. I am within arms reach of my degree now, and I just wanted to drop by and give them a review. The quality of the educational material is amazing, the tutors are some of the best quality people I’ve ever learned from and the cost of tuition is more affordable for me as an international student with the Open University than it would be had I found a local university in Texas to study with. Certainly worth giving them a call and finding an academic pathway that best suits your interests.

Having been to a brick university before I can honestly say that studying with the Open University has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. The course materials are second to none and the O.U are flexible enough that if life gets in the way as it inevitably does, there are always options. The weekly planner divides the course up into manageable chunks and gives you a good idea of whether you're staying on track. Considering you have an average of 6-7 months to complete a module, the amount of information you take on is extraordinary and can be overwhelming but when you look back and realise what you have achieved, it's a feeling like no other. A word of warning though, be prepared to sacrifice your social life. The O.U can only give you what you're prepared to put in and sometimes you will have to prioritise studies over other more pleasurable activities but the rewards are worth it. The O.U are supportive, but we are adults, do not expect to have your hand held throughout the whole course, especially beyond your first year. Tutors are there for support, but do not expect them to be at your beck and call, the majority of them have other jobs and cannot always be there straight away. Do your research into each module, if you don't realise you have an exam at the end of your module, it will be because you didn't read the description, not because the O.U don't communicate. The only reason the O.U has a reputation for being harder than brick uni is because you have to juggle work, kids, partners etc. The marking system is the same. Don't expect to sail through, it will be challenging. Pay attention to your tutor's feedback, it is the only way you will improve a grade, and when it comes to second and third years, don't just rely on the given course material, be prepared to read wider and work harder! Like most things, the O.U will only give back what you give in, and what you give will pay dividends!

I'm a mature student, nearing the end of my first 2 modules in Mathematics. I was very apprehensive about being able to cope but the teaching guides are excellent and interesting with a good balance of theory and application, also the online support is excellent with online tutorials, online screencasts and live online forums where students can post queries and receive help from other students and tutors. Also each student has a personal tutor to further explain things we don't understand. There is an excellent online week by week planner. There are online practice quizzes which were the greatest help for me to show where I needed more work. I study best on my own at my own pace so this has been perfect for me. I can't wait for my next 2 modules!! I'm halfway through my degree now and absolutely loving it. It's hard work but the OU has everything there to help. It has definitely been worth every hour of studying and is an excellent investment into my future. I started 2 more 2nd year modules in October 2018, then my circumstances changed at home. It soon became obvious to me that I would definitely not be able to cope with both modules so I rang up the OU student support team. They were very helpful and understanding. So I deferred one module. Then my situation got worse so that I could not study at all. My personal tutor was very patient and supportive and gave me sensible advice. He was able to postpone my first assignment by one week so I tried that weekend and was able to send it in. My situation is okay now and I'm back on track with my studies.I'm so glad I didn't stop the second module too.

Communication - PLEASE! I wanted information about an Institute of Physics lecture at the Berrill Theatre, Milton Keynes and couldn't find it on the OU Website. The page which seemed promising led to a Page Error. I then Googled a phone number and saw the Milton Keynes address with, guess what - the Manchester phone number (but it was an 0300 number so I had no idea it was Manchester) The person in Manchester couldn't find anything about Institute of Physics lectures in Milton Keynes but after much cajoling he eventually found that there is one on 11th June. I am disabled and needed to know whether there is wheelchair access to the Berrill Theatre and could find no information regarding wheelchair access on the OU website. The Manchester person gave me a Milton Keynes phone number and the person who answered this time was most helpful. I find it incredible that the Open University (a bastion of knowledge?) can't even link a Milton Keynes address with a Milton Keynes phone number. I question their educational validity!

I have had personal mental health issues and could not make deadlines and have blocked me... I wrote back with a GP letter which cost £50, and they still haven't unblocked me properly Lena Baeua

Studying a business degree with the OU and really enjoying it, the support is superb and my tutor is very helpful. Most universities have entry requirements of A levels relevant to the area of study. As the OU has no entry requirements for undergraduate study it is easily accessible.

I've done a few online short courses with them but they are expensive. If you have the money to spare that is ok, but if you want to do undergraduate or postgraduate degree courses with them online, I would not recommend as you have to go through so many modules and pay more just to do undergraduate or postgraduate degree courses.

I've never been to the open university campus site, though I'll still speak well of the premises all the same. Anything to do with precise education will always be an active appraisal to me, I'm a dysgraphic, dyslexia and dyscalculic sufferer, therefore I'm perpetually on my computer or iPhone learning reading and writing lessons all the time. I've got a permanent mental disability which affects my social life and industrial life. I'm highly glad to experience newer educational technology introduced into public society, specifically for people like my self who rapidly need every iota of assistance actively available. I definitely want to see education very rapidly advancing now and in the future, obviously, I'm going to need it. I'll be eventually going into residential home care in Central Birmingham, it's exactly what I'll be looking forward to. Thanks for reading this.

A member of my Family works there, so much work place bullying!! It's sad.

What a great opportunity that I had to learn Fundamentals of Digital Marketing online course powered by Google digital skills for Africa via The Open University. The videos are well optimized and clear. It was such an awesome experience. I enjoyed the learning and I'd really like to take another course.

I competed 11 years with the OU, this is distance learning, and at university level, so 100% student centred learning what else can you expect. The delivery and contact has reduced for summer schools and regional centres and printed course material but I look at the OU as a gym membership, you can pay £1000/yr membership but the result depends on the effort you put into it, how often you are an active student, how much a part of your life it becomes and use of the internet as additional study material (no internet in my 11 years though). ... and hearing what my daughter has received in lectures in 3 years at Swansea uni for £9k per year OU is not too bad. Most colleges & unis have poor admin contact (unless its enrolment and course information). I will be looking at returning to the OU 2021 as post grad student. After all not much else out there as a recognised institution for the cost and flexibility. Only advice to give, if you are young, go to a brick uni as the OU seems to be more respected for mature people when sitting at a job interview.

I spent time at bricks and mortar uni before switching to OU, and I'm so glad I switched! Excellent experience. Even though it's considered distance learning, OU truly supports its students, whereas my experience of bricks and mortar was of uninspiring lecturers too committed to their own careers/ research to have anything to do with the peasant students. I learnt so much more at OU that I wish with hindsight that I'd started my uni journey with them instead.

Excellent university! After having been to a few brick universities where the support was limited or non-existent (particularly if you had health problems), I can honestly say that the Open University are great for student support. Even though it's distance learning, there are regular face-face and online tutorials and a helpful student support team. Tutors are available via email and/or phone and very supportive and understanding. Sometimes, there's a bit of a delay with tutors replying to emails, but no more of a delay than you'd expect at a brick uni,where you often need to make appointments to see staff. The materials are first class and contemporary, in fact brick unis use The Open University's materials! I have been studying here for 4 years (2nd year , part time) and I'm looking forward to graduating with my BSc in Psychology in 2 years time.

Excellent choice of educational programmes clearly spoken to from lectures and easy learning skills once you study lol

(Translated by Google) Arab League is a regional, non-profit organization with eight branches in the Arab world and they (the State of Kuwait (Headquarters), Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Republic of Sudan, Oman and Palestine). The Arab Open University adopts an open education system that is flexible in terms of adapting the learning process to students' circumstances and abilities. (Original) هي جامعة عربية إقليمية غير ربحية لها ثمانية فروع في الوطن العربي وهم (دولة الكويت (المقر الرئيسي)، المملكة العربية السعودية، جمهورية مصر العربية، المملكة الأردنية الهاشمية، لبنان، مملكة البحرين، جمهورية السودان ، سلطنة عمان و فلسطين). تتبنى الجامعة العربية المفتوحة نظام التعليم المفتوح الذي يتميز بالمرونة من حيث ملائمة عملية التعلم مع ظروف الطلبة وقدراتهم .

Best distance learning experience ever. I loved the opportunity to work harder on my professional career skills.

(Translated by Google) I thank the open university staff from its director to its gatekeeper for the great effort that enabled me to obtain lessons, explanations and lectures, as well as obtaining a degree in digital marketing with the leading google company ... thank you (Original) أشكر طاقم الجامعة المفتوحة من مديرها إلى حارس بوابتها على المجهود الرائع الذي مكنني من الحصول على دروس وشروحات و محاضرات وكذلك حصولي على شهادة في مجال التسويق الرقمي معى شركة google الرائدة .. . شكرا لكم

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I recently tried to contact to open university several time, through e mail. text message , sent request for the call back and through live chat. They are very turban none of each respond came back like they do not exist at all. If first impression like no one cares then it understandable the course going to be like. no helpful. no one care what people are asking for help. very thing they blame CORONA 19. i AM ONE OF THE CLINICIAN and have work for Covid every thing gone back to normal so why not universities. lEANING DIRECT TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THEIR THIS BEHAVIOUR AND OFFERING COSTLY COURSES.

Absolutely awful institution, terrible customer service, incredibly difficult to establish contact.. And above all.. OUSBA, the worst payment service ever made, they will treat you like second class citizens at every turn, they'll give you glitchy ways of uploading documents that never work and you'll end up spending 2 months on your application just to get it denied a week later

Open university very big campus.. distance learning university..

(Translated by Google) #OUdiploma|#OUtranscript|#开大学|#OU|#Open University Diploma |#TheOpenUniversity (Original) #OUdiploma|#OUtranscript|#开放大学|#OU|#开放大学毕业证|#TheOpenUniversity

About Maths&Stats In general: study Material is 20yrs behind, often a lack of interest from tutors and the university itself. UK students are prioritised compared to international ones. Definitely overvalued. Often you are NOT informed about important facts. I would never recommend this university to anyone.

A+++

Tried yet again to get in contact with the OU and yet again waiting for a response nearly a week later. I actually graduated in 2011 for an open degree, but decided to go for the 360 points honours degree having already attained 330 points. However, the final 30 point course I decided upon was virtually all online. Due to unforseen circumstances I was blocked from my online course due to an administrative error, then I was even blocked from my own OU student online account! A number of times when I tried to get the problem resolved I was told to do it online! You couldn't make it up! Now I am finally requesting my degree or to complete my honours degree, depending on what I choose to do, and I still can't get in contact! There is also the question of what happened to £500 of course fees which has conveniently not been answered by the OU. I will keep people posted of the outcome! The end result is sadly a most enjoyable educational experience has been totally ruined by the OU's lack of engagement and effort to resolve this issue!

Your place, if you think psychology is politics. A lot of social justice shovelled through your throat, but not much the content I expected. Not much choice of modules for me, living in the US as there are ‘agreements between countries’ preventing some modules to be taught. I don’t even qualify to fill out their survey. I Can’t really understand grading either. Some students have better tutors than others, who respond to emails. I did learn a lot about computer use (thanks to my local apple store), and integrate that in my papers, and about academic writing. The online presentation is great and easy to get used to. Overall, I’m pleased by the online presentation, but not impressed by the content of the learning

Terrible institution for those on limited income. Not diversity friendly and not a place who will reason or even talk to you properly. I am willing to change this if the OU resolve my issue (contact me). Otherwise my view is that there are better places to study Law.

Great site, feels like a university but smaller. The lecture theatre is perfect unless you are left handed, then you won't be able to take notes.

Fab place

UK's best

A scam! Admin have zero lateral thinking. Avoid at all costs!

I work for the OU

Always advertising jobs on indeed that are like cryptic puzzles as to what the job involves. I have not found one job advert for this company that explains or makes any sense as to what the job role actually involves

Picking up MOS. Ring road flooded again.

Pleasent walk lots of green spaces

Had a great experience with the OU back in 2009, but then in 2010, whilst doing another module I had a poor tutor called Jo Bath, whom is now a published author. She failed to help me or communicate with me. She completely failed me with the lack of support she gave me. As a result I never studied again with the OU. Now you have to pay for your course, and what the TV ads don't say is that just one 60 point module costs 2600 pounds. They no longer provide financial assistance to poor people like me that cannot afford to pay. I could have gained a history degree by now, but I will never study with the OU again!

I am just finished now with my first year and I am very happy to have the opportunity to study and make my Batchelor degree in German linguistic. Thank you Open University.

It is great to have some courses with this incredible University. It is fabulous way of presenting the courses. With my great thanks for the fascinating support. I appreciate.

Wonderful organisation. Helping a lot of students who would otherwise be unable to study for their degrees in later life.

Stop sending me spam. I looked into doing Cisco CCNA but the response was awful. Do not waste a penny on this joke outfit.

must have walked past on way to somewhere else on campus

Loved studying ancient history and the holocaust with the Open University. Study at your own pace. Accredited free courses. Looking forward to starting my access for European history degree. Would definitely recommend.

Lovely campus.

It's a large, interesting place, and staff are friendly.

Teacher are helpful

Mindblowing Experience of this University

The OU is celebrating it's 50th birthday across the site,It has areas so you can study there..

Fantastic place, green and open air, and aesthetically very good, and a no pollution, and a ample facility for learning

Great to see