The Open University

Utterly unlike any other degree-awarding institution, the Open University deals exclusively in distance learning. Most students are mature, eager to bag a BA or BSc alongside their jobs, but younger students who want to avoid major debt or feel like they’re not quite cut out for a conventional uni experience are increasingly turning towards the OU... more detail All degrees are part-time, allowing students to hit the books wherever and whenever they feel like it. Courses are run via TV and radio programmes DVDS, CD-Roms and a host of swanky internet tools. Although, famously, ‘OU students do it by themselves’, tutors are available via phone or e-mail if support is needed. Teaching standards are renowned and, out of every uni in the country, the OU was rated highest for teaching satisfaction by the National Student Survey. No formal qualifications are required to enrol – hence the name... more on academic The Students’ Association is primarily concerned with representation and welfare – it even runs a students’ charity to bolster the cash-strapped... more on the SA With degrees averaging around £4,000 (paid per module), OU is looking more and more value for money.

Woohoo: Study on students’ terms
Boo: Herculean effort required to see it through
Tel: (01908) 653 231
E-mail: general-enquiries@open.ac.uk
Website: www.open.ac.uk