Is a Degree from the Open University Worth It? (In-Depth Guide)

The Open University (OU) is a distance learning university based in the UK that offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and certificate programs.

With flexible online study, no entry requirements, and the ability to fit learning around your life, the OU makes higher education accessible to a wider range of students.

But is a degree from the OU seen as credible and worthwhile by employers? Will it further your career or education prospects? This guide examines the value and reputation of Open University qualifications to help you decide if distance learning is right for you.

The Advantages of Distance Learning

The Open University revolutionized higher education when it launched in 1969 as the first university in the world to teach only by distance learning. For the past 50 years, the OU has allowed students to:

• Study flexibly from home without attending campus
• Fit study around work and family commitments
• Enrol without formal qualifications or exams
• Try out subjects of interest risk-free before committing
• Transfer credits from previous study or work experience

This flexibility and open access approach has made higher education a reality for millions of nontraditional students. In 2018-19 alone, the OU had over 168,000 enrolled students.

Distance learning offers opportunities that campus-based study cannot, removing barriers of geography, time, money and confidence that prevent many from pursuing degrees.

However, the lack of campus, face-to-face teaching, entry requirements and being among the first universities to pioneer online and blended learning has led some employers and academics to underestimate the value of an Open University qualification in the past.

So does an OU degree stand up against traditional universities today?

The Reputation and Recognition of OU Degrees

When judging if a degree is worthwhile, reputation and recognition are key.

While some outdated misconceptions still remain, OU graduates overall report high levels of satisfaction and most employers view Open University degrees as comparable to campus alternatives.

Academic Reputation

As a world leader in quality online education, distance learning and pioneering teaching methods for over 50 years, the Open University is well respected in academic circles.

• The OU ranks in the top 50 universities in the UK (Complete University Guide 2023).
• OU research was ranked 20th out of 132 universities in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.
• In 2017, the OU received the highest score for teaching quality of any English university from the Teaching Excellence Framework.

The OU also collaborates in research and teaching partnerships with leading universities like MIT, Harvard and Cambridge.

Such positive rankings and academic collaborations demonstrate that Open University degrees meet high educational standards on par with elite Russell Group universities.

Employer Attitudes

Do employers share the same positive view of OU graduates?While old stereotypes of distance learning being a second class option still linger in some sectors, recent surveys show employer perceptions are shifting:

• 93% of employers think Open University degrees are as credible as those from campus universities, according to Gateways 2018 survey.
• A 2016 UK government review found OU graduates are just as likely to be employed as those from Russell Group universities.
• 75% of FTSE 100 companies have recruited OU graduates.
• High profile leaders and CEOs hold OU qualifications, including Sir Lenny Henry and Gordon Brown.

Such statistics reflect the growing respect and value employers place on Open University degrees and transferable skills gained like self-motivation, discipline, and time management.

Student Satisfaction

The true test of any university is whether students feel they gained worthwhile qualifications that improved career prospects.

The Open University consistently ranks number one for overall student satisfaction among all UK universities:

• 81% of OU students are satisfied overall (National Student Survey 2022) – higher than the national average of 75%.
• For student satisfaction in England for Education in the Times Higher Education rankings 2023, the OU placed 13th out of 156 universities.

The vast majority of Open University students therefore believe their flexible, distance learning degrees and learning experience were challenging, engaging and valuable.

Are Open University Degrees Recognized Internationally?

A common misconception is that OU qualifications won’t be recognized outside of the UK.

In reality, thanks to the OU’s global reputation and partnerships, Open University degrees are recognized for further study and employment within over 100 countries worldwide, though some do require extra accreditation checks.

Countries recognizing OU qualifications include:

Europe

• Ireland
• France
• Germany
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Poland

North America

• USA
• Canada

Australia & New Zealand

• Australia
• New Zealand

Asia

• Hong Kong
• India
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Pakistan

To have your OU degree officially assessed for international recognition and accredited, visit NARIC for Europe or ENIC for non-European countries.

Certain professional bodies like engineering, teaching and nursing may require further recognition checks before allowing OU graduates to practice internationally. Always verify requirements before enrolling.

What Subjects and Degrees Does the OU Offer?

The Open University offers an extensive range of online undergraduate and postgraduate degree subjects.

Over 300 qualifications are available including:

Undergraduate:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Science (BSc)
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
• Foundation degrees (FdSc)
• Diplomas of Higher Education (DipHE)
• Certificates of Higher Education (CertHE)

Postgraduate:

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Science (MSc)
• Master of Research (MRes)
• Master of Laws (LLM)
• Master of Engineering (MEng)
• Master of Education (MEd)

Degree titles on certificates are identical to campus alternatives so your distance learning study method is not mentioned.

Subjects covered reflect national curriculum standards across:

• Arts & Humanities: History, Classical Studies, Literature, Creative Writing, Music, Art, Photography, Design
• Social Sciences: Economics, Education, Childhood and Youth Studies, Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, Politics, Philosophy, Religious Studies
• Languages: French, German, Spanish, Chinese, English
• Business & Management: Accounting, Marketing, HR, Healthcare Management, Leadership, Project Management
• Law: Business Law, International Law
• STEM: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Engineering, Computing, Data Science, Cyber Security
• Health & Medicine: Nursing, Midwifery, Healthcare, Social Work

The OU offers more flexibility than campus universities to mix subjects and tailor your degree to personal interests or career goals.

You can study single standalone courses from over 1000 modules without committing to full degrees, then build up credits over time towards qualifications.

What Are Open University Grades Based On?

A common myth is that distance learning degrees are easier with softer grading than campus universities.

In truth, OU students are assessed to the same national standards as any UK university. Open University grades and criteria are:

• Based on the same grading scale: First class honours (1st), 2:1, 2:2, Third class honours (3rd), Pass.
• Awarded from in-depth Tutor Marked Assessments (TMAs) marked by academics.
• Determined by challenging exams sat at local test centres.
• Benchmarked using external examiners.

In some ways, distance learners face greater workloads and self-discipline than campus students:

• Juggling studies with career and family responsibilities.
• Motivating themselves without face-to-face encouragement from lecturers.
• Managing their own work-study balance and schedules.

The latest UK government Teaching Excellence Framework backs this up by scoring OU teaching and academic rigor the highest grades possible.

What Study Options Does the Open University Offer?

While primarily specializing in online distance learning, the OU offers flexible modes of study to suit different lifestyles:

Online Learning

• Study interactive online course materials independently.
• Receive support from tutors via email, phone, and online forums.
• Complete assignments and activities online.
• Sit exams at registered test centres.

Blended Learning

• Study course materials and assignments online.
• Attend optional face-to-face or online tutorials and lectures.

Part-Time Study

• Study while working by spreading degrees over 6 years.
• Enrol on a course-by-course basis.

The OU is industry leading in accessible and innovative education. That’s why over 2 million students worldwide have studied OU courses or modules over the past five decades.

What Are Typical Entry Requirements for Open University Degrees?

A major benefit of Open University degrees is open access with no formal entry requirements to begin undergraduate degrees.

You do not need:

• Certain A-level grades or number of UCAS points.
• Past higher education qualifications.
• To submit a CV or academic transcripts.

This “open door” policy makes university accessible to those who missed education opportunities earlier in life.

However, some exceptions exist:

• Specific subjects e.g. nursing or engineering require you prove base knowledge with access modules.
• Postgraduate degrees ask for an undergraduate degree in a relevant field.
• Under 18s must prove capability through interviews and diagnostic assessments.

While anyone can enroll regardless of prior qualifications, dedication and discipline are vital to succeed at university-level distance learning.

Around 150-200 notional study hours are required per module. Strong reading, writing, research, analytical, and time management skills help cope with this intense workload.

How Much Does an Open University Degree Cost?

The Open University is non-profit with competitive fees aimed to make degrees affordable for all budgets. Costs for 2023/24 are:

Undergraduate:

• Full 120-credit modules cost £3,288
• 60-credit modules cost £1,644
• Annual tuition cap of £2,576 if studying in Wales, NI or Scotland.

Postgraduate:

• 180-credit MBA costs £18,216
• 60-credit modules from £1,848

As the OU is an accredited and government-funded UK university, UK/EU students can access financial assistance:

• Student Finance England loans cover full tuition fees plus maintenance grants of £3,524-£13,000+.
• Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).
• Scholarships and bursaries.

Installment plans let you spread costs monthly. Many employers also subsidize job-relevant OU study costs under continuing professional development (CPD) schemes.

Consider total costs against future earning potential and you may find an OU degree offers fantastic return on investment.

What Study Support Does the OU Offer Students?

While studying at a distance can feel isolating without a campus environment, the OU provides extensive student support services:

Academic Support

• Tutors offer personalized feedback, guidance, and motivation via email, phone, video, and online forums.
• Study advisers assist with queries on course choice, qualifications, transfers, funding, disability access, and leaving procedures.
• Library services provide free access to ebooks, journals, articles, and interlibrary loans.

Wellbeing Support

• Disability and neurodiversity team offer access support plans.
• Counselors provide mental health and wellbeing services.
• Career and employability advice help professional development.

Study Resources

• Interactive online learning tools, reading lists, podcasts, video lectures and e-textbooks aid self-directed study.
• Optional local face-to-face and online tutorials supplement key modules.
• Annual residential summer schools let isolated students network and socialize if desired.

Advanced learning technologies combined with personalized support provides a fulfilling if different student experience to campus alternatives.

Pros of Gaining an Open University Degree

Weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning study helps evaluate if an OU degree is the right path for you. The Open University offers a life-changing educational experience with far more flexibility than campus universities:

Pros

• Study flexibly online without attending campus.
• No entry requirements makes degrees accessible.
• Fit study around work or family commitments.
• Transfer work/education credits towards degrees.
• Tap into world-leading resources in online education.
• Gain recognized qualifications and career skills.
• Benefit from personalized tutor support.
• Study subjects unavailable locally.
• Affordable, competitive fees with government funding.

Cons of Gaining an Open University Degree

However, the isolated independent learning model also comes with challenges:

Cons

• Miss out on campus environment and peer networking.
• No face-to-face contact with lecturers.
• High self-motivation required without external pressures.
• Tough balancing act juggling study, life, work.
• Easy to fall behind without live lectures.