Open University - Student View

Primarily a distance-learning organisation - most students are part-time, studying a wide range of courses leading to BA, BSc, MBA, PGCE and various Diplomas, Masters' and PhDs.

There are some full-time research students based on campus but the majority of students never visit Walton Hall in Milton Keynes, where the university is based.

Students study at home in between their family and work commitments and on average they are expected to study for 10-15 hours a week but this varies greatly. It takes a lot of self-discipline and motivation to be an OU student; but with nearly 200,000 students across the UK and Europe studying this way, it is clearly an attractive option for many - and an increasing number of young and career-orientated students join every year.

Most courses have locally based tutorials and a small number of courses have a residential element, a week (sometimes a weekend) of concentrated study. OU Students Association (OUSA) plays an extremely active role in the life of the university from its participation and representation at every level of the OU government structure to its many and varied social activities.

It has a network of local branches where students can meet in a social environment and discuss not only their studies but their concerns on student issues.

There is also a huge virtual OU community, using OUSA's website (www.ousa.org.uk) and its computer-based conferencing systems, where OU students from all over the country, Europe and beyond can talk to each other, discuss their studies and socialise virtually as well. OU students can obtain various forms of financial support towards their fees and study costs, and as a final safety net, OUSA set up its own separate, registered charity OUSET (Open University Students Educational Trust).

OU students are well-motivated: they study to enjoy the experience of learning and to enhance their own career and personal development.