The Open University Reviews 

Studying with the Open University has been a long 6-year journey, but enjoyable and successful. If you're looking for support throughout your journey, this is where to study. You have the opportunity to work with other students even though the studying is online. I made some very nice friends. My recommendation is to get online and enrol, you really won't regret it.

This has given me freedom to study again and explore learning and I believe the opportunities are there for me to achieve and contribute to society

Prompt replies from tutors, good feedback on assignments with timely turnaround

I have been studying for a second time in order to bring my skill set upto date with current expectations within my industry.
I'm a member of the institute of enginerring and technology. I'm also looking to become proffesionally registered as an incorporated engineer.
I choose to study the bachelor of honours degree Q65. I have found that by adopting a formatted and structured course has benefits over an open degree, such as industry wide accreditation.
I'm a good way off completion, nevertheless, my journey so far has been both challenging and rewarding. I tend to use the written materials and work through the activities without the use of my tutor. However, I will disçuss problems when necessary. I attend most of the tutorials, as they give me confidence that I'm on the right track. One of the biggest challenges is managing my time effeçtively, I just try to use the little and often approach, rather than trying to complete it all in a couple of days.
Since I work part time, I find that many activities clash with my study time, so a bit of self imposed discipline is required.
The module content is well written and provides sufficient examples to support understanding of the materials and methods. Its great to see how what I'm studying is used in the wider context of engineering.
Study should be an enjoyable experience, and though I've studied in the past, at degree level, with the OU, this time around has been more rewarding.
I hope that most of you are enjoying the experience too, I don't consider myself as an academic, but my results suggest otherwise.
When I left school, in 1974, I had little by the way of education. Besides gaining a full apprenticeship early on, I have tried to maintain my employability through work experience, in house training and personal study.
Good luck. Ian

I have had a very positive experience studying with The Open University. The course materials are well structured, easy to follow, and flexible enough to fit around work and family commitments. The tutors have been supportive and responsive whenever I needed help, and the online learning platform is straightforward to use. The university provides excellent opportunities for personal and professional development, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to further their education while studying at their own pace.

One star as had experiences as a student of being treated appaulingly badly, was never resolved. Punishment raquets for questioning things, things swept under the carpet. Some rude staff hiding in the authority of academia who would not get away with what they do in the real world. Ironically the false image of the university is littered with 'let us know' and 'your feedback matters' to us. As overcompensation for being seen in the past as too easy it has become an overcomplicated, long winded and laborious version compared to brick universities who offer the same degree without the song and dance routine

Easy access, helpful tutors, flexible studying

good resources.
helpful
quality

My experience with The Open University has been deeply disappointing. The biggest issue is the level of stress and uncertainty students face throughout the assessment process. The university's review and investigation procedures can take a very long time, leaving students in a state of anxiety without clear timelines or transparent communication.
What I found particularly frustrating was the lack of clear information about the criteria and circumstances under which submitted work may be referred for additional scrutiny. Students are often left unsure about what is expected of them and what might trigger a review. This uncertainty creates significant psychological pressure and makes it difficult to focus on learning.
Instead of encouraging students to stay motivated and engaged, the prolonged review process can reduce confidence and enthusiasm for continuing with studies. The stress associated with waiting for outcomes can also affect the quality of future assignments, as students may become overly cautious, discouraged, or lose motivation altogether.
I believe the university should improve transparency around its assessment policies, provide clearer guidance on review procedures, and ensure that investigations are completed within reasonable timeframes. A more supportive and student-centered approach would help create a healthier learning environment and allow students to focus on their education rather than prolonged uncertainty.

Learning was personalised and tutors are well experienced in promoting good learning.

Tutors are amazing, the modules are well organised and overall the staff is very helpful.

Very good university, there are lots of help if you needed, Very good syllubus.

The assistance and the understanding I get everytime I need it from the Open University is incredible. It makes me feel heard, supported and motivates me to continue. From the assistance on the phone to the tutors, I respect their work and their kindness, and I feel happy I study with the Open University.

The constant availability of my tutor is the main reason I manage to complete T192 successfully.
I commend the professionalism of the instructor during the lessons and the availability of learning materials.

I loved studying at Ou for 3 years! The platform is amazing, all modules easy to access and understanding. Plenty of exercises. A huge library as well.
Tutorials are my favourite as always helped me a lot. Quality of the modules are amazing! I would totally recommend studying with them.

Excellent- I've been studying with the OU since 1980 and attained a range of qualifications. High quality teaching resources which has had a positive impact on my own career in education.

I find it difficult to recommend the OU, the customer experience is poor, and the tutors are very good and kind and all, but they are clearly ran ragged. Staffing is something the OU does not seem to take seriously and overwork and standards & working conditions for staff are awful.
If you like learning in a meat processing plant as a piece of meat, the OU is a place to be (with that said all higher education is a feeder belt these days)
The interfaces are annoying to use so the first order of business is to fully learn the web interface and its nik naks- do not put that off!
As with any higher education you get out what you put in, but the overwhelming experience feels real distant.
The books and resources you are given are adequate

Just finished my first year of cyber security. The course is time-demanding if you want to complete it as a full-time schedule. But I am happy I started. 37 y old.

Almost at the end of my Law degree. The OU excel at online learning. They constantly strive to update the student learning environment and experience. Had some fab tutors. Great web module platform. Would highly recommend.