Life-changing Learning at The Open University

The most important thing you'll learn at The Open University is what you're capable of.

Click here to request a prospectus:

or visit our website:

[jeansharp]

What a wonderful advert, so touching.  My toes tingle with pride that I have an Open University degree.  It gave me the opportunity that was denied me earlier in my life and, yes, it taught me that I could reach for the sky and achieve my dreams.  And I gave birth to my son and my daughter inbetween writing TMAs!

[juliet]

Literally just made me cry... The OU is amazing. I'm one year away from finishing my degree in English Lit and I am loving it!

[DavidWhelbourn]

My OU journey started after I left the Armed Forces in 1985. I left school at 16 and joined up. GCSE level education.

I now have an MBA and a job as a Director of Project Management, living in Canada. I can honestly say that the OU changed my life forever, considering when leaving the Army I was offered a resettlement training as a long-distance lorry driver.

[deeqajama]

I'm BRITISH BLACK & MUSLIM and I'm very proud to be all of the above, I'm also extremely proud to be part of the OU experience.
This advert serves as a reminder of what I and many others are striving for. WELL DONE TO US ALL!

[Sleepysidney]

I'm glad the advert showed a glimpse of the suffering and frustration someone is likely to experience on one of these courses. It's not all downhill :o)

.... But definitely worth it!

[davidmelolane]

I am currently doing an OU degree, and whenever I feel like things are hard, I am struggling with a piece of work or simply if I lose a bit of motivation and start procrastinating, I always watch this advert and it always helps me to push myself a little bit more :)

[martinw]

I've experienced every one of those emotions over the past 5 years from frustration to elation at understanding something for the first time. I will finish my degree this year. It's more than I have ever before achieved academically. 
Thanks OU. IOU.

[Ethentherap]

The young girl in the leather jacket. Is my big sister. So proud of her.

[oliviawhelan]

My OU Masters was one of the best, most challenging and most satisfying thing I have ever done and the Open University is so unique in its accessibility. I would encourage anyone thinking about enrolling to bite the bullet and do it!

[tonymarkson]

I left school at 16 and sat my first OU exam fifty years after my last school exam.  Twelve years and two and a half degrees later (still working on PPE) it is fair to say I am hooked.  I have learned a lot of facts and a lot about myself; being busy and purposeful in retirement is a benefit in itself and I am sure contributes to maintaining my mental capacity.  The OU isn't perfect but it is extremely good - after this degree, who knows!  This a voyage of discovery that hasn't ended yet

[katherinewalker]

So very true...I am still at level one but never even thought I was capable of even that. It is truly showing me what I am made of - I WANT that degree at the end of my journey!

[jcs]

I appreciate the way that it shows that it's not easy - late nights, early mornings, squeezing study in between job and family, the frustration when you just can't get something right... but, 5 years in and finishing this year (hopefully), I have learned a great deal about myself. 

[RicksterBerlin]

I've lived those moments, too. The long train journeys to study days, the exam nerves and that history essay where I was interrupted by the dawn chorus starting up outside and I still hadn't been to bed ! It's hard to cram OU into your work and family life but it can be done once you set a routine. I started off just wanting some formal language learning but it grew into something else. Finally, I stood up on that stage and it was one of the most memorable days of my life. Do it.

[maccathetracca]

I've just earned my degree after six long years and every moment in this video is a true representation of the life that you live when you dedicate yourself to an Open university degree. I am so proud to have achieved it.

[markthescott]

Having completed the OU Open Degree, my life has changed for the better. After 22 years in a career going nowhere, the OU allowed me to chip away at something that had bothered me for years - can I get a degree? As a teacher, my wife had a degree and a PGCE, and conversations with her colleagues left me thinking I was small and not capable.

The OU opened up the door for me to show myself what I could do. Chipping away over a few years I was able to design and study my own degree. This video encapsulates the time I put in: late nights, sitting at lunch, lying on bed reading and note-taking. It was a long process. It was hard work, but I enjoyed it and I was fulfilled.

The OU certainly takes you on a journey, and it is a wonderful journey. I obtained a BSc Open (Honours) degree. My wife says it was harder than her degree as I had to juggle work, family (and children) while meeting the high standards of the OU course. I did it. I did it well, and I feel so proud of myself.

The end of the video was so emotional for me. It is not showing to others what I did, it is showing myself what I could, and did, achieve. I went on to use the skills and knowledge from my OU degree to study a PGCE. I am now a primary school teacher. My life changed direction, and the OU took me on that journey. I will be forever thankful for the opportunity.

If you find yourself asking, why am I doing this job? Do I need to change my direction? Do I need a degree to fulfil my life? Take a look at the OU. Allow them to take you on the most fantastic journey and give yourself the opportunity to learn the skills you need to be whoever you want to be. It can happen. It happened to me.

It is a lot of hard work and commitment, but you CAN do it. Thank you OU.

[MsJulieBull]

This little film brings back a few memories of the difficulties trying to study with young children at home (for six years in most cases) but I think that ending with the degree ceremonies conveys the absolute joy and sheer exhilaration of the final achievement.  All the effort suddenly seems worthwhile.  I recommend the OU unhesitatingly.  

[SH-ysmh]

I'm half way through a psychology degree. The girls I went to school with always seem surprised when I tell them. I hated school and I failed my leaving cert. For me, the OU is brilliant. It's flexible, it's from home, I can work full time, study in the evenings or on my break at work and most of all it pays off when I see my results after each assignment. The completed modules are starting to add up and I'm so proud of myself. I would defiantly recommend it to anyone!

[anniemundy]

I can truly say that it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and was worth every drop of blood, sweat and tears.  I still continue with Futurelearn and I am immensely proud of the OU, its achievements and of being part of the best 'club' in the world.

[johnwild]

John Wild
I have both a BA hons and an MA with the OU. a wonderful experience which has enabled me to undertake independent research and writing. I could not have got to where I am without the experience and support of the OU. Thanks to all those who helped and encouraged me.

[AntonHinxman]

The OU generally gives back more than you put in.  Employment dynamics have changed, with so many graduates out ‘in the marketplace’, so you have to offer a difference.  The difference is the fact that you can successfully manage study while living your life and its ongoing commitments.  This is a life skill in itself which demonstrates skills beyond merely the paper qualifications.

It is a test of your character as well as any intellect.

Anton Hinxman, Cert Web Apps (Open)