The Open University, located online at www.open.ac.uk, is a prominent institution in the education and training sector, renowned for its flexible distance learning programs. The university caters to a broad audience, including working professionals, individuals seeking career advancement or personal enrichment, and those who require the flexibility that traditional campus-based education cannot offer. As a pioneer in distance learning, The Open University provides a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines, leveraging digital platforms to deliver high-quality education accessible from anywhere in the world. The company's approach to education is designed to be inclusive, supporting students from diverse backgrounds and with different levels of prior learning. By offering programs that range from short courses for personal interest to full degrees, The Open University meets the needs of a wide demographic of learners seeking to achieve their educational goals without compromising their personal or professional commitments. This focus on accessibility, flexibility, and comprehensive support makes The Open University a key player in the global education landscape, continuously adapting to the evolving needs of its students.
The Open University receives high praise from many students for its flexible learning options and supportive environment. Reviewers frequently highlight the life-changing opportunities provided by the university, allowing them to balance their studies with work and family commitments.
The quality of course materials and the overall educational experience are also commended, with many expressing satisfaction with the structure and relevance of the modules. However, some consumers express disappointment regarding the decline in tutor engagement and responsiveness compared to previous years, noting that the quality of support can be inconsistent. Despite these criticisms, the majority of feedback reflects a positive sentiment towards the Open University, making it a favorable choice for many learners seeking higher education.
Summary generated with AI from recent reviews
Each source counts by its number of reviews. Only reviews written by people are scored.
| Source | Rating | Reviews | Weight | 6-mo | Fake risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Trustpilot Imported Trustpilot reviews | 4.3 | 60 | 100% | ● Medium |
Monthly average rating from reviews written by people · latest review Nov 2025.
| Month | Average | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 25 | 1.8 | 6 |
| Nov 25 | 4.6 | 54 |
Share of positive (4–5★) and negative (1–2★) reviews mentioning each topic · based on the 60 most recent reviews.
“Excellent, relevent and very intetesting module materials”
“I had a ten year gap between studying at the OU and the difference is striking”
Same method for every company: overall rating, legitimacy checks, the average rating of reviews mentioning each area and the 6-month trend · Education & Training.
| Company | Overall | Legit | Service | Quality | Website & app | Trend | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4.3 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | 4.1 out of 5 (good) | 4.1 out of 5 (good) | 3.5 out of 5 (good) | — | 60 |
| 4.8 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | 4.8 out of 5 (good) | 4.2 out of 5 (good) | 4.2 out of 5 (good) | — | 85 | |
| 5.0 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | 5.0 out of 5 (good) | — | — | — | 57 | |
| 5.0 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | 5.0 out of 5 (good) | — | — | — | 37 | |
| 4.5 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | 4.9 out of 5 (good) | — | — | — | 25 |
Bottom line: The Open University is #5 of 5 on overall rating in this group. On service, Truka scores higher (5.0 vs 4.1).
60 reviews of The Open University. Filter by what matters to you.
I was reluctant to do online study and not sure of the value of an open degree. However, the study was so interesting and the materials were easy to use. The tutor feedback was very helpful. Didn't enjoy the online tutorials
I enjoy studying at the Open University as the support is excellent, with FaceTime classes or online video webinars. The Tutors are past students and understand students' concerns.
Resourceful, respectful, approachable, friendly and accommodating
I've been involved with CES for over my study and a student rep for the last year or so. Open university work very hard in helping student particularly around their mental health struggles I would personally recommend the university to study for your career opportunities.
Quick answers to the questions people ask most.
The Open University offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing students to study part-time or full-time, and to adjust their study intensity each year. For more details on program flexibility, visit www.open.ac.uk.
You can pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional degrees across a wide range of subjects. For a full list of available courses and programs, please check our website.
Yes, The Open University is designed to be flexible, allowing you to study at your own pace and time, making it ideal for those who are working or have other commitments.
The Open University provides extensive support through tutors, study materials, and mental health resources. For specific support services, please visit our website or contact student support.
Yes, The Open University offers various resources and support systems for mature students and those with caregiving responsibilities to help balance their studies with personal commitments.
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The quality of the coursework was very good and, most importantly, relevant to my work so that I can apply my new skills in the real world. There is a wealth of student support workshops that can be viewed on demand. If you are coming back to studying after a very long break then such study skills guidance is excellent. I had a few instances when I needed to ask for help (home life, health issues, neurodivergent difficulties) and it's very clear they have a lot of experience in dealing with such situations because I was given some very good advice...even if I didn't realise it at the time. You DO need to put the time and effort in, and be able to stick to regular studying sessions.
Amazing experience,fantastic tutors. It was a stressful process but it was 100% worth it!
Since starting during the pandemic I have had a first rate experience with the OU. It has met all my needs and expectations for distance learning and I am very grateful. I highly recommend study with the OU. The tutors are very supportive and the materials and presentation have been fantastic
Studying is a privilege, and the Open University makes it accessible for many people. I have been studying with them, and I have always felt supported. They want you to succeed, and they provide the materials to refine and develop your skills.
The Open University is a great place to study and work, they are caring about the students, helpful tutors and staff, events to bring people together. They give people regardless of who they are a chance in life. Considerate and understanding with bereavements. What more can you ask for a community as one big happy family. The Open University.
OU has been amazing throughout my studies, my study gap and my return. They've been a constant stream of support and guidance and are always willing to go the extra mile to help you achieve your goals, ambitions and even deadlines.
Had a great experience with the OU. Quality of teaching on my French and Spanish course was excellent and the course material interesting and motivational. Would recommend studying with them.
It appears the degree results website is not accessible and the IT team simply do not want to help - All they say is email the results team!!! The whole setup is terrible and not really that student friendly. There are many typos and links that did not work during my course, and this one tops the lot. Imagine if someone was mentally effected by this and the worst happened...
I hoped to try a free Spanish course, with the posibility to take it further. Despite general computer skills, I found the course difficult to manage. Some of the sections would not work and I could not attempt the review as there was no way I could add accents to my typing.
In response to the Open University’s reply to my review dated 12 October 2025: I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your prompt attention to my comments and your willingness to investigate the concerns I raised regarding the ill-treatment I have received, and continue to receive, from certain principals and Academic Conduct Officers within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS). I fully acknowledge and respect the Open University’s commitment to maintaining robust standards of academic integrity and quality. These values are unquestionably fundamental and highly regarded. However, such standards cannot be upheld through the stigmatisation of students or the fabrication of evidence intended to falsely accuse an honest and diligent student of academic misconduct. It is deeply troubling that I have been subjected to what I believe to be unjust and discriminatory actions, including attempts to impose severe penalties and refer me to a disciplinary committee likely to endorse those penalties without due regard for my student rights. Equally concerning is the ongoing denial of my right to access my End-of-Module Assessment (EMA) or the overall result for the module International Relations: Continuity and Change in Global Politics (DD313). These actions appear to have been taken with impunity by a FASS Academic Conduct Officer, seemingly supported by the Secretary to the Academic Misconduct Appeals Committee (AMAC). While the reasons behind such treatment remain unclear, I cannot dismiss the possibility that it may be motivated by bias, retaliation, or may be due to my Arabic-Muslim background, or other improper considerations. In short, lastly, I remain unconvinced that this pattern of discriminatory treatment, stigmatisation, and harassment serves the genuine purpose of upholding academic integrity and quality at the Open University. Thanks
The Open Universiry are simply awful. They charge way too much for an online course. You never hear off some tutors. Tutorials they just read off slides. They don’t understand what reasonable adjustments are and they always ignore them. They’ve threatened to remove me from my course whilst I’m waiting for a student loan to process even though I’ve paid for half the course already as it’s been deferred. They’re chasing me by telephone even though I have an RA not to call unless the call is pre-booked. They also said they would kick me off the course as I hadn’t done any work but as it’s a deferred course I have already done the work and completed and banked the first assignment. I’m autistic and life is hard enough without having to deal with quite frankly heavy handed responses from admin staff!
This review is not in relation to tutors or module material, both of which I found to be more than acceptable, it is for the shocking lack of student support offered by the OU. It is incredibly difficult to speak to an advisor, and the individual I spoke to today had no idea with how to deal with my query. I have been trying to get advice regarding references for almost a month now. The Open University requires you to fill in a form in order to gain academic references, yet this is not how the majority of universities require them to be provided, they all ask for a name and email. All I want is for an OU advisor to offer me support on how to proceed with these applications! the poor customer service is actually delaying my academic progression. I have lodged a complaint, but who knows if that will be dealt with, having sent several emails requesting student support which have been ignored I'm beginning to lose hope.
The Open University, located online at www.open.ac.uk, is a prominent institution in the education and training sector, renowned for its flexible distance learning programs. The university caters to a broad audience, including working professionals, individuals seeking career advancement or personal enrichment, and those who require the flexibility that traditional campus-based education cannot offer. As a pioneer in distance learning, The Open University provides a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines, leveraging digital platforms to deliver high-quality education accessible from anywhere in the world. The company's approach to education is designed to be inclusive, supporting students from diverse backgrounds and with different levels of prior learning. By offering programs that range from short courses for personal interest to full degrees, The Open University meets the needs of a wide demographic of learners seeking to achieve their educational goals without compromising their personal or professional commitments. This focus on accessibility, flexibility, and comprehensive support makes The Open University a key player in the global education landscape, continuously adapting to the evolving needs of its students.
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