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Open University

The Open University (Scotland)

Social justice and equality of opportunity are at the heart of everything The Open University does: widening access to higher education is the ambition on which the University was founded. The Open University is committed to extending opportunities for educational success to all who wish to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Free Learning

Free Learning from The Open University:

  • Over 1,000 free short courses and resources are available
  • 2hr through to 24hr courses at various levels from introductory to advanced
  • New materials are added all the time
  • You can search by subject area or by keyword
  • Something for everyone
  • Study at your own pace in the comfort of your home
  • Easy to use – Create an account and sign in and start learning

Read more about Free Learning from The Open University

Skills for Work portal

The Skills for Work portal has been developed in partnership with the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and all 32 of Scottish local authorities to provide free training which supports work skills.

Formal Learning and Funding

Formal learning

The Open University website offers many options of formal learning.
Also, see how to get Funding and Credit Transfer below.

Funding (PTFG)

For individuals who are resident in Scotland and have a personal income of £25,000 a year or less, they could get their fees covered by a Part Time Fee Grant (PTFG).
The PTFG is available for undergraduate study.

Credit Transfer

If people have previous qualifications, such as an HNC or HND, they could get credit towards an OU degree.

Support

Care Experience (CE) / Looked After Children (LAC)

  • We have a named contact for current and prospective students.
  • We have Open Pathways, Access modules (SCQF 6) and Making Your Learning Count (SCQF 7) that enable students to plan their journeys into higher education.
  • 75% of our students pay no module fees due to the PTFG and in addition we have a Care Experienced bursary of £250 (unfortunately OU students are not eligible for the Scottish Govt CE bursary)
  • Enhanced career mentoring support is available from the Careers and Employability Team

Read More about Care Experienced