Open University Courses: Full Guide To Courses, Subjects, Fees And Entry Requirements

Choosing a university course can be confusing, especially if you have a job, family or other things to take care of. Open University courses give you the chance to study in a more flexible way without having to attend a university campus every day.

The Open University offers many courses in subjects such as psychology, computing, business, law, engineering, education, health and social care, science and the arts. Many undergraduate courses also do not have formal entry requirements, so you may be able to study even if you did not take the usual route into university.

In this guide, we will look at the Open University courses available in the UK, their subjects, fees, entry requirements, course length and what you should consider before choosing a course.

What Is The Open University?

The Open University is a UK university that specialises in flexible and distance learning. Instead of requiring students to attend a traditional university campus every day, much of the learning is designed to be completed through supported distance and online study.

This makes OU courses particularly useful for people who want to fit higher education around their existing responsibilities.

The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications across a wide range of subjects.

One important feature of OU study is that qualifications are generally built from individual modules. Students study the required modules and work towards their chosen qualification.

What Courses Does The Open University Offer?

The Open University offers courses across many different subject areas. The exact courses and modules available can change, so prospective students should always check the university’s current course information before applying.

Some of the main subject areas include:

• Accounting and finance
• Arts and humanities
• Business and management
• Computing and IT
• Education
• Engineering
• English
• Environment and sustainability
• Health and social care
• Languages
• Law
• Mathematics
• Psychology
• Science
• Social sciences
• Technology

The range means that students do not necessarily have to follow a traditional campus-based university route to study a subject they are interested in.

Open University Undergraduate Courses

Undergraduate courses are suitable for students who want to work towards their first higher-education qualification or develop knowledge in a new area.

Depending on the course, you may be able to work towards qualifications such as:

• Higher education certificates
• Diplomas of higher education
• Bachelor’s degrees
• Honours degrees

Most undergraduate OU courses do not have formal entry requirements. However, this does not mean that every course is suitable for everyone without preparation.

Some subjects require particular knowledge or skills. For example, a science, mathematics or engineering course may expect you to have a suitable level of preparation before progressing to certain modules.

The university provides information about the requirements for individual courses, so it is important to check the course page rather than assuming that every subject has exactly the same requirements.

Open University Postgraduate Courses

The Open University also offers postgraduate study for people who want to develop advanced knowledge or specialise in a particular area.

Postgraduate options can include qualifications such as:

• Postgraduate certificates
• Postgraduate diplomas
• Master’s degrees

Postgraduate study generally requires a different level of preparation from undergraduate study. Depending on the qualification, you may need a previous degree or relevant experience.

If you already have an undergraduate qualification and want to progress academically or develop specialist knowledge for your career, a postgraduate OU course may be worth considering.

The entry requirements vary by course, so check the specific qualification before making a decision.

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Open University Courses By Subject

One of the easiest ways to choose an OU course is to start with the subject you want to study.

Accounting And Finance

Accounting and finance courses can be useful if you are interested in areas such as financial management, accounting, business or related careers.

Before choosing a course, look at the modules included and consider whether they match the career or qualification you want.

Business And Management

Business and management courses cover areas connected with organisations, leadership, management and business operations.

They may appeal to people who are already working and want to develop their understanding of business while continuing with their employment.

Computing And IT

Computing and IT courses can cover areas such as computer science, software, information technology and digital systems.

This can be an interesting option if you want to develop technical knowledge or move towards a technology-related career.

Psychology

Psychology is another popular area of study. Courses can introduce students to different aspects of human behaviour, psychological research and related areas.

If you are considering psychology because you want to work in a particular profession, check whether that career requires additional professional training or registration beyond an undergraduate degree.

Law

Law courses can provide an academic understanding of legal principles and related subjects.

However, studying law at university is not automatically the same as qualifying to practise as a solicitor or barrister. Anyone choosing a law course for a specific legal career should check the current professional requirements for that career.

Engineering

The Open University offers engineering study, including its Bachelor of Engineering option.

Engineering courses can involve mathematics, science and technical study. Although some OU engineering qualifications have no formal entry requirements, the university notes that students need suitable mathematical and other skills for the course.

If you have been away from education for a long time, preparation options may help you build confidence before starting.

Education

Education courses can be suitable for people interested in learning, teaching, childhood, education policy and related subjects.

The right course depends on whether your goal is simply to gain academic knowledge or to meet requirements for a particular education-related profession.

Health And Social Care

Health and social care courses cover subjects connected with health, wellbeing, social care and related areas.

If you are considering one of these courses for a regulated healthcare profession, make sure you check the professional requirements as well as the university qualification.

Science And Mathematics

The OU provides study options in science and mathematics and related fields.

These courses may require particular mathematical or scientific preparation at certain stages, even where the overall qualification does not have formal entry requirements.

Does The Open University Have Entry Requirements?

One of the most important questions prospective students ask is whether they need A levels, GCSEs or other qualifications before applying.

For most undergraduate study, The Open University says there are no formal entry requirements.

This is one of the features that makes OU study different from many traditional university applications.

However, you should not interpret this as meaning that preparation never matters.

Certain courses may recommend particular knowledge or skills. For example, an engineering or science course may require you to be comfortable with mathematics or scientific concepts.

The OU also provides Access modules for students who want additional preparation before beginning their main studies.

Therefore, if you have been away from education for several years, an Access module may be a useful way to rebuild your study skills and confidence.

How Much Do Open University Courses Cost?

The cost of an Open University course depends on the qualification, modules, study pace and your circumstances.

For 2026/27, the university explains that qualifications are made up of individual modules, with each module having its own fee.

This means you generally fund your studies as you progress instead of paying the entire qualification cost upfront.

For example, the OU’s published 2026/27 undergraduate fee information lists the following indicative totals for students in England:

These figures relate to the university’s published 2026/27 fee information and can change. Fees can also differ depending on where you live and other circumstances.

The university states that fees typically increase annually, so prospective students should check the latest official fee information before registering.

Are Open University Courses Worth It?

Whether an OU course is worth it depends on your personal goals.

The Open University can be particularly attractive if you want a flexible route into higher education, need to balance study with work or have been unable to follow a conventional university route.

It may also be useful if you want to return to education after several years away.

However, you should not choose a course simply because it has flexible entry requirements.

Before applying, consider:

• What qualification will I receive?
• Is the course relevant to my career plans?
• How much time can I realistically spend studying?
• Can I afford the fees?
• Are there additional costs?
• Does the course have any specific subject requirements?
• Will the qualification meet the requirements of the profession I want to enter?

These questions can help you avoid choosing a course that looks attractive but does not actually match your long-term plans.

How To Choose The Right Open University Course

Start by deciding what you want from your studies.

If you want to improve your career prospects, look at courses related to your target industry.

If you want to study for personal interest, you may have more freedom to choose a subject simply because you enjoy it.

Next, compare the individual courses.

Look at:

• Course content
• Modules
• Qualification
• Study duration
• Entry requirements
• Fees
• Assessment methods
• Start dates
• Career relevance
• Further study opportunities

Do not rely only on the course title. Two courses with similar names can have very different modules and outcomes.

How To Apply For An Open University Course

Once you have chosen a course, check the official Open University course page for the latest information.

You should confirm:

• Whether the course is currently available
• The next start date
• Entry requirements
• Current fees
• Funding options
• Registration deadlines
• Any special requirements

The application and registration process can vary depending on the qualification and your circumstances.

Because course availability, fees and deadlines can change, always use the current information provided by The Open University before submitting an application.

Frequently Asked Questions About Open University Courses

What Courses Can I Study At The Open University?

The OU offers courses across areas including business, computing and IT, psychology, law, engineering, education, health and social care, science, mathematics, languages, arts and humanities and social sciences.

Can I Study At The Open University Without A Levels?

For most undergraduate courses, there are no formal entry requirements. However, individual courses may recommend particular knowledge or preparation.

Can You Study Open University Courses Online?

Yes. The Open University is built around flexible and distance learning.Your study may involve online learning materials, assignments, assessment and support from the university.

However, “online university” does not mean that studying is effortless. You still need to manage your time, complete assignments and keep up with your learning schedule.

This makes an OU course potentially convenient for someone who cannot attend a traditional campus every day, but it also requires self-discipline.

How Long Does An Open University Degree Take?

It depends on the number of modules you study and your study pace. A degree can take several years when studied part-time, while studying at a full-time pace can reduce the overall duration.

How Much Does An Open University Degree Cost?

The total cost depends on the qualification, modules, location and fee year. For 2026/27, the OU publishes separate fee information for its qualifications and modules.

Can I Work While Studying With The Open University?

Yes. The flexible nature of OU study means many students can organise their studies around employment and other commitments. You should still make sure that your planned study workload is realistic.

Is The Open University Good For People Returning To Education?

It can be a suitable option because most undergraduate courses have no formal entry requirements and the university provides preparation options for people who want to develop their study skills before starting.