The wonderful thing about the OU is that it can take you wherever you want to go with your learning. Whether you wish to study one module for continuing professional development (CPD) or are working towards an academic or professional qualification, the OU has over 580 modules for you to choose from at a variety of levels from Openings to postgraduate. There’s no right or wrong place for you to start your OU studies, and for many modules there are no specific entry requirements other than your motivation, so you are in complete control of your learning.

For over 40 years the OU has been delivering innovative and vocationally relevant education through its unique method of supported ‘Open Learning’. In this time, more than 2 million people have transformed their lives by studying with the OU and have unleashed their learning and career potential by embarking on higher education – we hope that you will be inspired to do the same.

Getting to grips with the levels

Open University modules are presented at different levels from introductory modules right through to postgraduate level study. They increase in depth and complexity as they become more advanced. These levels are 1, 2 and 3 and are roughly equivalent to study in the first, second and third year at a campus-based university. We strongly recommend that you work progressively through the levels to build up your knowledge and skills, as very few people can jump into a second year of a course without completing the first. Students usually begin with a short Openings or a longer Level 1 module, but if you already have some study under your belt and are looking to continue your studies, or looking to ‘top up’ your existing qualification, you might start at a higher level.

Openings

If you haven’t studied at higher education level before, or have had a significant gap in your studies, we recommend you start with an Openings or a key introductory Level 1 module.

Openings modules (SCQF Level 7)
Openings modules are pitched at an introductory level and are an ideal way to get a taste of a new subject and what it is like to study with the OU. They run for 20 weeks and are specifically designed to help you develop your skills and build confidence. There are no exams to worry about and support is provided every step of the way by your own personal tutor. They are also ideal preparation for our 30 and 60 credit introductory Level 1 modules.

The OU offers Openings modules in a range of subjects, details of which can be found in the OU modules section of the Learning Zone.

Click on the film clip below to listen to what previous students on Openings courses have to say about the benefits of their studies and the kinds of course they have gone on to study. 

Level 1

Level 1 modules (SCQF Level 7)
Even if you have little or no experience of higher education you may feel confident to start with a longer Level 1 module. They are traditionally 9 months long (although there are a variety of short modules of around 5 months). Level 1 modules involve assignments and possibly an exam. But don’t let this put you off – you will be supported every step of the way by an OU tutor. If you have already studied an Openings module, this is the logical next step. Level 1 modules are the perfect foundation for continuing your studies at a higher level.

Levels 2 and 3: completing the undergraduate offer

Moving on from Level 1, OU Level 2 and Level 3 modules complete the undergraduate offer. The level of challenge involved in studying modules at these levels is roughly the same as that in the second and third year of study at a campus-based university.

Level 2 (SCQF Levels 8 and 9)
If you already have some experience of university-level study, are confident about your study skills or are looking for one-off modules of continuing professional development or specialisms, Level 2 could be the place for you.

Level 3 (SCQF Level 10)
If you already have a diploma, degree or equivalent experience, Level 3 modules are excellent continuing professional development opportunities. If you have completed a diploma in higher education (or equivalent) you can use these courses to ‘top up’ to an honours degree.

The OU offers modules at all these levels in a variety of subjects. In the OU modules section you will find detailed information on a number of these, particularly in the field of health and social care. If you can’t find what you are looking for here, visit the main Study at the OU website where you can see all that the OU has to offer.

Postgraduate-level study

The OU also offers a range of modules at postgraduate level (SCQF Level 11), where you can choose to study for a postgraduate certificate, diploma or Masters (MSc).

A postgraduate degree is an advanced qualification that can be studied after you have successfully completed a first degree (or equivalent higher-education level study). You generally need a degree or its equivalent before studying at postgraduate level. However, your previous work experience and studies or qualifications from other higher education institutions may all count as programme entry or even credit towards the qualification itself.
You can study individual modules for excellent continuing professional development or you can work towards a postgraduate qualification.

If you work in health and social care and are interested in postgraduate opportunities, please follow this link through to full details of the OU’s Health and Social Care interprofessional Masters programme. Or for information about all the OU has to offer at postgraduate level, please visit the main Study at the OU web pages.