SET YOUR AMBITION FREE

Want to achieve your ambition? Study with us and you’ll be joining over 2 million students who’ve achieved their career and personal goals with The Open University.

We’ve pioneered distance learning for over 50 years, bringing university to you wherever you are so you can fit study around your life, with expert tutor support every step of the way. In fact, our students rated us 88% for overall student satisfaction and we were ranked third in the 2021 National Student Survey. Meaning when it comes to realising your ambition, you couldn’t be in better hands.

Your Ambition. Our Mission.

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OU research impact

Open University research shapes policy and practice, drives innovation and has practical applications which change lives across the globe.

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War in Ukraine

The Open University stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and in the strongest possible terms, we condemn this unprovoked and unjust act of war.

We are committed to offering support to those affected. You can find out more about what we are doing to help and access the latest news, along with analysis and commentary from our OU academic experts by visiting War in Ukraine – the OU response.

MTV Generation Change: Ones To Watch | series 2

In episode 1, Henrie Kwushue speaks to Steven, a disability rights advocate using his OU course to help change policies to create equal opportunities in the workplace so that those with disabilities get the tools, opportunities, and respect they deserve.

Statement on equality and diversity

The OU was founded to open up higher education to all, regardless of background or circumstances. Our mission is to be open to people, places, methods and ideas—and as such, equality and diversity are at the heart of everything we do.  Our continued dedication to social justice and equality of opportunity is embodied in our vision and principles:

Our vision of a fair and just society

We are creating an inclusive university community and a society where:

  • People are treated with dignity and respect
  • Inequalities are challenged
  • We anticipate, and respond positively to, different needs and circumstances so that everyone can achieve their potential

Our equality and diversity principles

  • We value diversity and we recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge and culture, and that this difference brings great strength.
  • We believe that discrimination or exclusion based on individual characteristics and circumstances, such as age; disability; caring or dependency responsibilities; gender or gender identity; marriage and civil partnership status; political opinion; pregnancy and maternity; race, colour, caste, nationality, ethnic or national origin; religion or belief; sex; sexual orientation; socio-economic background; trade union membership status or other distinctions, represents a waste of talent and a denial of opportunity for self-fulfilment.
  • We recognise that patterns of under-representation and differences in outcomes at The Open University can be challenged through positive action programmes.
  • We respect the rights of individuals, including the right to hold different views and beliefs. We will not allow these differences to be manifested in a way that is hostile or degrading to others.
  • We expect commitment and involvement from all our staff, students, partners and providers of goods and services in working towards the achievement of our vision.

To read our equality scheme in the full or abbreviated version, or to find out more about equality and diversity at The Open University, visit the Equality and Diversity Website.

You can also read our anti-racism and anti-discrimination statements.

Read more about equality and diversity

Coronavirus vaccination information

We’re supporting the delivery of up to 500 vaccinations a day. The OU’s Michael Young building is the premises for the Rainbow Pharmacy vaccination centre. If you have a question about your vaccination, call: 01908 893240.

Our coronavirus page has the latest on what the OU is doing in the fight against coronavirus.

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