Open qualifications at the OU

Our Open qualifications programme is one of the most flexible programmes of study in the UK, letting you build a qualification that’s unique for you. It is also the UK's only truly "open" degree: there are no entry requirements and has the UK's largest choice of subjects to study in any combination.

Highly regarded by employers for its breadth and valued by students for its flexibility, an Open qualification equips you with a wide range of expertise, skills and capabilities that are much sought after in today’s highly competitive job market.

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A qualification that is unique for you

You can:

  • easily change direction if you start out studying a particular subject but change your mind at a later date
  • gain knowledge and skills in a breadth of disciplines
  • tailor a qualification around your interests and career needs
  • get a qualification that focuses on one main subject, with the freedom to mix in modules from other areas
  • use credit from previous university-level studies successfully completed elsewhere (for example, from a foundation degree or partially completed studies)
  • enhance your employability
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Study modules that interest you

You’ve got hundreds of undergraduate modules to choose from, and each module is designed to stretch your mind and fire your imagination. Many students complete a broadly-based arts or science qualification, however, there is nothing to stop you doing some psychology modules then studying modules in the humanities, or combining mathematics and science. You could concentrate on literature, but also do some French and geography – the choice is yours.

Get credit for previous study

Any previous higher-education study you’ve successfully completed elsewhere could count towards your Open qualification. Through credit transfer you could reduce the number of modules you’ll need to take, lessen the time needed to complete your qualification and also make a saving in terms of the cost.

Open CertHE

To gain a certificate of higher education you will need to complete 120 credits of Level 1 study.

Open DipHE

To gain a diploma of higher education you will need to complete 240 credits (120 at Level 1 and 120 at Level 2).

Open Degree

To gain a degree with honours you will need to study a total of 360 credits (120 credits at Level 1, 120 credits at Level 2 and 120 credits at Level 3).

Explore our range of subjects