The Open University Reviews Summary

Course Flexibility and Support

Pros:

• "I enjoyed the materials they provide and the tutor support."
• "They could study part-time while working full-time and, if you earn a low salary, the courses are paid for you."
• "I have found that it fits in with my other commitments and the course so far have been quite enjoyable."
• "Best decision I made in my academic life was to go to the Open University."
• "As for the people saying it is not disability friendly, I can guarantee you're wrong, as they offer support such as laptops and additional materials for people who may struggle."
• "Great amazing experience, studied with no academic qualifications and found the time spent studying interesting, invaluable first class tuition and excellent value."
• "I found OU studies flexible and worked well around working full time and other commitments."

Cons:

• "The student support is next to none and it can be very difficult to get a response to an e-mail, or even a phone call."
• "Student support does not exist and you will be left alone."
• "They never seem to accept they have got something wrong when you complain through the official channels... It's whitewash after whitewash."
• "Absolutely awful institution, terrible customer service, incredibly difficult to establish contact."
• "Takes 4 days to get an email response."
• "The information given on the module website is never enough or just taken from other free sources."
• "Asking tutors for help will see you waiting stressed out for a reply for days."

Cost and Accessibility

Pros:

• "What a great opportunity that I had to learn Fundamentals of Digital Marketing online course."
• "As a young mother, it allows me flexibility between work, family and student life."
• "They were very helpful and understanding."
• "All the support is there, from university advisors to course tutors, and I've found the course materials to be excellent."
• "The Open University is not only open to anyone wanting to study, but it's distance learning."
• "I could travel whilst studying as it is a distance learning course."
• "As the OU has no entry requirements for undergraduate study it is easily accessible."

Cons:

• "Open university has no respect for the working person."
• "As I am not living in UK, I pay about 4000 £ per year but I don't think it is worthy."
• "I am very disappointed and would not recommend to anyone hoping to gain a good degree with higher standards."
• "They no longer provide financial assistance to poor people like me that cannot afford to pay."
• "Not much choice of modules for me, living in the US as there are ‘agreements between countries’ preventing some modules to be taught."
• "One thing that is immediately obvious to anyone contemplating study with the OU, is that it is eye-wateringly expensive."
• "Just one 60 point module costs 2600 pounds."

Quality of Education

Pros:

• "The modules start off by easing you into all the basics you need and make you feel very relaxed about your studies."
• "However most tutors were very helpful and gave constructive feedback, the textbooks were provided and online resources were great."
• "The quality of the educational material is amazing, the tutors are some of the best quality people I’ve ever learned from."
• "Have been studying with the OU since 2011. In my area of study (Natural Science) the quality of the material is of very high standard, the tutors are well prepared and accessible."
• "The online presentation is great and easy to get used to."
• "The study materials/books were great too."
• "The support is superb and my tutor is very helpful."

Cons:

• "I am being accused of plagiarism for writing H = Hydrogen O = Oxygen in an assignment and they took my grades away."
• "Also Tmas.tutour marked assessments are full of utter junk."
• "The material is contradictory and vague."
• "Study Material is 20yrs behind, often a lack of interest from tutors and the university itself."
• "If you want a degree or to study at PG level you'll be better off with a real university."
• "Sadly the quality of tutoring has deteriorated over time therefore I would no longer recommend the OU."
• "Tutors are not great and the material is contradictory and vague."