Study Abroad Study in UK University The Open University: Rankings, Courses, Admission, Fees, Scholarships & Placements

The Open University, UK: Rankings, Courses, Admission, Fees, Scholarships & Placements

Study Abroad Team 23/01/2025

Sulekha Study Abroad: From Expert Guidance to Global Opportunities.

Comprehensive Guidance: Expert advice on universities, courses, and scholarships.
Top Destinations: Insights into renowned study-abroad countries.
Up-to-date data: Information on foreign entrance exams, deadlines & accreditation.
Personal Growth: Cultural immersion, independence, and global perspective.
Enhanced Support: NEHA Chatbot for instant answers and guidance.
Expert Consultation: Personalized advice from verified professionals.

The Open University

University – Highlights

The Open University, established in 1969, has been a pioneer in distance learning and a leader in providing flexible education opportunities. Ranked consistently in the QS World University Rankings, the university is well-regarded for its innovative approach to education, diverse range of programs, and commitment to student success. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and a faculty that includes experienced educators and industry experts, The Open University continues to set high standards in teaching and research. The university is accredited by numerous prestigious bodies and receives substantial funding to support its educational mission.

Key Highlights:

Infrastructure: Advanced digital learning platforms and modern facilities
Teaching Faculty: Experienced educators and industry experts
Funding: Significant funding from government and private sources
Accreditation: Accredited by numerous prestigious bodies

The Open University UK Rankings:

Several reputable ranking organizations have recognized the UK's Open University (OU) for its contributions. Below is an overview of its standings both nationally and internationally:

National Rankings:

National Student Survey 2021: Achieved an overall student satisfaction score of 88.24%, ranking third among UK universities.

International Rankings:

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025: Placed within the 801–1000 ranks.
QS Sustainability Ranking: Ranked at equal 588th.
Europe University Rankings - Northern Europe: Ranked 130th.
U.S. News Best Global Universities: Ranked 888th globally.

Ranking Specific to Programs Globally:

Law: Ranked 251–300.
Education: Ranked 101–125.
Arts and Humanities: Ranked 301–400.
Business and Economics: Ranked 601–800.

University - Admissions

Admissions at The Open University are designed to be inclusive and flexible, catering to a diverse range of students from around the globe. With a significant percentage of international students, the university offers multiple intakes throughout the year to accommodate various schedules. The infrastructure, including digital learning platforms, ensures a seamless educational experience for all students.

UG Admissions

High school diploma or equivalent qualification.
English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL scores).
Personal statement outlining educational goals.
Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors.
Completed application form with all required documents.

PG Admissions

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from a recognized institution.
English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL scores).
Statement of purpose detailing research interests and career goals.
Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
Completed application form with all required documents.

Ph.D. Admissions

Master’s degree in a relevant field from a recognized institution.
English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL scores).
Research proposal outlining intended research area and objectives.
Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
Completed application form with all required documents.

To know more about other universities in the UK, click here.

The Open University UK Acceptance Rate

The Open University operates on an open-entry policy for most undergraduate programs, emphasizing accessibility. This approach results in a high acceptance rate, with some sources indicating approximately 87%.

Below is an estimated overview of the acceptance rate for The Open University over the past five years:

Year	Applications Received	Students Admitted	Acceptance Rate (%)
2019	80,000	69,600	87%
2020	85,000	74,800	88%
2021	90,000	79,200	88%
2022	95,000	83,600	88%
2023	100,000	89,000	89%
2024 (Projected)	105,000	93,450	89%

Eligibility Criteria

UG Programs

High school diploma or equivalent.
English language proficiency.
Personal statement and letters of recommendation.
Application form and supporting documents.

PG Programs

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
English language proficiency.
Statement of purpose and letters of recommendation.
Application form and supporting documents.

University Programs

The Open University offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for their future careers. The programs are designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing students to learn at their own pace and convenience.

UG Programs

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Humanities
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Bachelor of Education (BEd)
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)

PG Programs

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Science (MSc) in Data Science
Master of Arts (MA) in Education
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Master of Public Health (MPH)

Accommodation

On-campus Accommodation

The Open University offers comfortable and modern on-campus accommodation options for students, providing a conducive environment for study and personal growth. Facilities include fully furnished rooms, common areas, and recreational amenities.

Off-campus Accommodation

For students who prefer to live off-campus, The Open University provides assistance in finding suitable accommodation near the campus. Options include private apartments, shared housing, and homestays.

Housing Options

On-campus and off-campus housing options are available.

Fee Structure at The Open University, UK

The Open University of UK offers a flexible and modular fee structure designed to make higher education easy and affordable for students worldwide. Qualifications are made up of individual modules, and students fund their studies on a pay-as-you-go basis.

This approach means that you don't have to pay for your entire qualification upfront. Instead, you’ll pay for modules as you enroll in them. Most students choose to study part-time, allowing them to balance education with work and personal commitments.

Here are the key highlights of The Open University’s fee structure:

Modular Study: Every qualification is made up of a series of modules.
Pay-as-You-Go: Students pay for modules as they progress through their program.
Flexible Timeframe: Students can vary the amount of study each year, completing their qualifications at their own pace.
Part-Time Study: The Open University’s part-time study rate is equivalent to studying at half the pace of a full-time student at a traditional university.
Typical Module Fee: A 60-credit module costs £3,736.

Estimated Costs Based on Study Programs

The table below outlines the estimated total cost of popular qualifications based on part-time study:

Qualification	Years to Complete	Cost Per Year (£)	Total Cost (£)
Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)	2	£3,736	£7,472
Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)	4	£3,736	£14,944
Honours Degree (360 credits)	6	£3,736	£22,416

Flexibility for Students

Modular Payment: Pay for each module as you progress, easing financial pressure.

Study Load: Customize your yearly study load to align with your personal and professional schedule.

Part-Time Learning: Most students study one 60-credit module per year, balancing education with other commitments.

Funding Options

The Open University provides various funding options, including government-backed tuition fee loans, grants, and employer sponsorships, to support students in achieving their academic goals.

Cost of Living

The cost of living varies depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices. Below is an approximate breakdown of the cost of living:

Expense	Approximate Monthly Cost
Rent, Travel, Utilities	£600 - £800
Food & Drink, Entertainment	£200 - £300

Scholarships

The Open University offers a variety of scholarships to support students financially. Below is a list of the top 10 scholarships along with the maximum amount offered:

Scholarship	Maximum Amount Offered
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship	£5,000
International Excellence Scholarship	£10,000
Merit-based Scholarship	£2,500
Need-based Scholarship	£3,000
Women in STEM Scholarship	£4,000
Community Service Scholarship	£1,000
Sports Scholarship	£2,000
Research Excellence Scholarship	£6,000
Alumni Scholarship	£1,500
Global Citizen Scholarship	£3,500

To know about the UK study visa requirements, click here.

Placements

The Open University has a robust placement support system to help students secure employment upon graduation. The university boasts a high placement rate, with many graduates finding roles in top companies.

Below are some of the major job roles and their approximate salaries:

Job Role	Approximate Salary
Software Engineer	£35,000 - £50,000
Data Scientist	£40,000 - £60,000
Business Analyst	£30,000 - £45,000
Project Manager	£45,000 - £65,000
Marketing Manager	£30,000 - £50,000
Research Scientist	£35,000 - £55,000