Studying Part-Time With the Open University: Is It Right for You?
The Open University has been teaching students at a distance for decades. For people with jobs, families or other commitments, it can make a degree possible.
The short version
- The Open University (OU) teaches mainly at a distance, so you study from home around work and family.
- Many OU undergraduate courses are open entry, but some subjects have requirements, so check each course page.
- Part-time students in England can usually get a Tuition Fee Loan if they study at least a quarter of a full-time course each year.
- Repayments only start once you earn over £25,000 a year, as with full-time loans.
- Plan a weekly study routine; part-time study is flexible, but it still needs regular hours.
Not everyone can move away for three years of full-time study. The Open University (OU) was set up to make university study possible for people who need to learn around jobs, families, caring responsibilities or health conditions. Here’s what to expect.
How OU study works
- Distance learning: you study mainly online and at home, using course materials, online tutorials and forums.
- Tutor support: each module has a tutor who marks your assignments and offers guidance.
- Modules and credits: degrees are built from modules. A full-time undergraduate year is usually 120 credits, and many OU students take 60 credits a year, half the full-time load.
- Flexibility: you can usually study part-time and adjust your pace between modules.
Who it suits
OU study tends to work well for:
- People in work who want a degree without giving up their job.
- Parents and carers who need to study at home and at flexible times.
- People returning to education after a break.
- Anyone who wants to try university-level study a module at a time.
It’s less suited to people who want a campus experience, or who find it hard to keep going without regular face-to-face contact.
Entry requirements
The OU is known for open entry: many of its undergraduate courses don’t ask for formal qualifications. Some subjects do have requirements, especially where professional registration is involved, so check the course page. The OU also offers introductory modules for people new to study.
Funding part-time study in England
Part-time students in England can usually get a Tuition Fee Loan, as long as they study at least a quarter of a full-time course each year. The OU’s funding information explains that, for new students, this loan comes through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, the new student finance system for courses starting from January 2027.
Repayment works as it does for full-time students: you only start repaying once you earn over £25,000 a year, and the amount depends on your income. Our guide to student finance in England explains the details.
Good to know
Students in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland pay different fees and have different funding options for OU study, so check the guidance for where you live.
Making it work
- Set study hours. OU guidance suggests planning regular weekly study time; many students block out evenings or weekend mornings.
- Start small. If you’re unsure, a single 30- or 60-credit module is a lower-risk way to begin.
- Use your tutor. Ask questions early, especially before your first assignment.
- Find a study space, even if it’s a corner of the kitchen table, and tell your household when you’re studying.
- Use proven study methods. Our guide to revision techniques that work covers methods backed by research.
Other flexible options
If you want to test the water before committing to a degree, free online courses let you try a subject at no cost. And if you’d rather study through your job, degree apprenticeships combine paid work with a degree.
Questions students ask
Is an OU degree as good as other degrees?
The Open University is a UK university that awards its own degrees, so its degrees are recognised in the same way as those from other UK universities.
How long does an OU degree take?
It depends on how much you study each year. A degree studied at a lower intensity can take around six years, and some students study faster or slower. Check the OU’s guidance for your course.
Can I transfer credit from previous study?
Sometimes. The OU may recognise relevant previous study towards a qualification. Ask before you register, because it can shorten your degree.
Do I ever need to attend in person?
Most study is online and at home. Some courses include optional or required events, such as tutorials, residential schools or exams, so check the course details.
This guide is general information for students in the UK. Dates, fees and rules change, so always check the latest details with UCAS, GOV.UK, Student Finance England or your university or college before making decisions.
