The Open University

A university that calls itself “The Open University” suggests that all other universities are closed. And this is true, because they are closed to everyone who does not have the time, the opportunity or the qualification to study there. For these people, who missed the chance of going to a conventional university. The Open University was set up in 1967.

Most of its students work at home or in full time jobs and can study only in their free time. They need to study about ten hours a week. As the university is truly “open”, there are no formal entry requirements (none of the usual “A” Level examinations are asked for), and students are accepted on a “First come”.

The students are of all ages and come from very different backgrounds. Some, such as teachers, want to improve their qualifications. Others, like retired people or mothers whose families have grown up are at the Open University because they now have the time to do something they have always wanted to do.

Returning to school is different for most students, for they have forgotten or never knew how to study, to write essays or to prepare for exams. In addition to all the reading and writing assignments, students have got a lot of watching and listening to do, for there are weekly Open University lectures broadcast on BBC television and radio.

To keep people from giving up, each student gets the help and support of his own tutor/counselor who he meets regularly and can telephone in any crisis or difficulty. At the meetings students get to know other students in the course and join with them into “self-help” groups.

By the time the exams come in October you feel much more confident and optimistic about your return to student life. Your final mark is based on the exam and the written assignments done during the year.