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 has a positive customer experience.
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.
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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.
Each source counts by its number of reviews. Only reviews written by people are scored.
Rating, volume, share of the score, six-month trend and fake-review risk for each source
Source
Rating
Reviews
Weight
6-mo
Fake risk
★
Trustpilot
Imported Trustpilot reviews
4.3
60
100%
● Medium
4.3 / 5 overall
=
60 reviews across 1 scored source
How fake risk works ⓘ
Reputation trend
Monthly average rating from reviews written by people · latest review Nov 2025.
Last 3 months
4.3
12-month avg
4.3
All-time
4.3
Category avg
4.5
Monthly averageCategory average
Monthly average rating and review count
Month
Average
Reviews
Oct 25
1.8
6
Nov 25
4.6
54
What people praise & complain about
Share of positive (4–5★) and negative (1–2★) reviews mentioning each topic · based on the 60 most recent reviews.
Top praiseof 51 positive reviews
Customer service27%
14 mentions
Helpful support16%
8 mentions
Quality14%
7 mentions
Professionalism12%
6 mentions
“Excellent, relevent and very intetesting module materials”
On “Customer service” · Nov 13, 2025
Top complaintsof 9 negative reviews
Customer service33%
3 mentions
Communication22%
2 mentions
Quality22%
2 mentions
Response time22%
2 mentions
“I had a ten year gap between studying at the OU and the difference is striking”
On “Customer service” · Nov 12, 2025
How it compares
Same method for every company: overall rating, legitimacy checks, the average rating of reviews mentioning each area and the 6-month trend · Education & Training.
Overall rating and review count for this company and similar companies
It has been a few years since I graduated but I thought I would describe my experience and the benefits from studying at the OU.
I started studying a BSc(Computer Science) in 2012, my aim was to improve my career outlook and get a career working in IT, I had always been interested in IT and was the typical go-to guy in the family for anything with an electronic pulse but getting into the work force without any qualifications and poor GCSE's I never really got anywhere.
The first couple of years were great, a solid balance between ICT and training into working and writing at a university level and the first 2 years of courses did this perfectly, enough technical teaching to keep you engaged but also a strong focus on writing, reports, research etc.
Around 2015, I began seriously applying for IT jobs and managed to secure a contract role within the NHS, I am fully of the opinion that because I had "Studying BSc(Computer Science)" on my CV that it helped because the interview for my first role in IT and all subsequent ones all asked questions about it.
2016, working in a perm role at a private school as a 1st/2nd line technician, I was doing the CCNA Cisco modules so computer networking was very much on my mind, we had some issues at the school I worked at and the seniors above me didn't have the skills to resolve some network issues, I used the knowledge I was learning and was able to resolve all of these issues, this then lead to me getting more and more network relating tasks which ultimate lead to me leaving in 2017 to begin working as a Network Engineer at a new job (Lotus Cars).
I continued studying and learned how to program in Java and due to changes returned to the NHS where I started my IT Career as a 3rd line (Infrastructure) technician.
I spent 7 years doing this role, learning the ropes and improving my own knowledge whilst using the skills I learned in Java to build PowerShell and C# applications (which I would have never been able to do without the Open Uni Java courses).
About 2 months ago, I was promoted to Digital Developer, and I now currently work fulltime as a C# programmer for the NHS.
I without a doubt credit the open university for teaching me all the skills I needed to succeed, my only regret is that I struggled to stay interested in some modules, but this is no fault of the OU, however, I still finished in 2022 with a BSc Open.
ANYONE who is looking at the OU as a route to better their career options, I strongly recommend it, just make sure you research the field you want to move into, what the entry level points are and then find a course that covers all/most of the skills required and I am sure you will do well, it’s not all about "the bit of paper" at the end but skills you learn should build a solid foundation that can be practically applied, that doesn't mean each course will give you a "how to win" at the end, but it should introduce you to the concepts well enough that you can then manipulate your knowledge to match your needs and do well.
How flexible are the study programs at The Open University?
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.
What types of degrees can I pursue at The Open University?
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.
Can I study at The Open University while working?
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.
How can I get support if I'm struggling with my studies?
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.
All 5 questions →Show fewer questions
Are there any resources for mature students or those with caregiving responsibilities?
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 OU is giving me a chance nobody else was willing to give: to get a BSc while working and caring for my child.
There are some rough spots, but overall I'm so happy that they're helping me.
Studying with the OU has been both challenging and rewarding. I've accomplished things I never thought I would and I'm only half way through me degree. I can fit it around the rest of my life and its given me the opportunity to learn things about myself I probably never would have otherwise.
Excellent, relevent and very intetesting module materials. Great support from university staff and tutors. Study in your own time at your own pace, so long as you keep up with the well planned study calander.
5 STARS for the 'Open University'! Thank you very much for the invaluable tutoring and support throughout the six years part-time studies and for achieving a successful Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Management and Technology degree!
I love studying with the OU. The materials you are sent are of great quality. A lot of work goes into the online learning modules. While working full time I can still achieve my study goals. There is lots of different interactions going on every day. You are allocated a tutor who is the main contact throughout your course as well as other student association contacts
I am absolutely delighted with my MBA experience at Open University Business School. The study materials are exceptionally well-structured, comprehensive, and up-to-date, making complex business concepts clear and engaging. The teaching methodology is innovative and flexible, perfectly suited for distance learning while maintaining high academic standards.
The quality of the learning resources is outstanding – from interactive modules to detailed case studies, everything supports deep understanding and practical application. I actively extrapolate the theoretical knowledge I’ve gained into my own business and everyday life, which has already brought tangible improvements and fresh perspectives.
What truly stands out is the genuine care and attention from the university staff. Tutors and support teams have been responsive, encouraging, and always ready to help, which made a real difference during challenging modules.
Thank you, OU Business School, for an enriching and supportive MBA journey. I couldn’t have asked for a better learning experience! ✨
My experience with the Open University has been positive. I really commend them for their high-quality mental health resources, along with their teaching materials.
I would highly recommend anyone who is considering higher education to ask them to send you a prospectus to see what courses are available.
I’m in my final year of a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing and I have to say I’ve loved every minute of it. I’m a mature student at 64 and I am very busy but I find it fits in with my schedule especially as I travel a lot.
The Open University has given me the freedom to study on my terms, and the confidence to do it. The whole experience was so amazing that I've returned to study for my master's.
Best University to continue your studies while working. Honest and very helpful staff for student support. Tutors are extremely helpful and supportive.Overall the courses are very well designed to learn employability skills.
Exceptional Learning Experience at The Open University
Studying with The Open University has been one of the most rewarding decisions I've ever made. The flexibility of their programs allowed me to balance my education, work, and other commitments seamlessly. The course materials are incredibly well-structured, engaging, and accessible.
The tutors are knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely invested in student success. I always felt guided and encouraged. The online platform is intuitive and packed with resources—from audio, video and forums to digital libraries and career support.
What truly sets The Open University apart is its commitment to inclusivity and lifelong learning. Whether you're pursuing a degree, upskilling, or exploring a new passion, they make higher education achievable for everyone.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Open University to anyone seeking a high-quality, flexible, and empowering educational journey.
Studying with The Open University has been an excellent experience. The flexible learning structure allowed me to balance my studies with a demanding management role in the care sector. The module materials are clear, relevant, and strongly linked to real-world practice. Tutor support and feedback have been exceptional, helping me develop both academically and professionally. I highly recommend the Open University to anyone seeking to progress their career through high-quality, flexible education.
Great learning experienece in the OU.
I would highly recommend to everyone who is thinking about their career change or enhance their skills and confidence,therfore University will require from you to learn independently and complete some tasks on your own, yet they are always ready to help.
The materials the OU provides is rich and very insightful.Tutors are very professional and understanding and always ready to listen.
The assignmnets guidance are concise and thorough.
I am very grateful to be part of the OU family.
I studied a Masters in Engineering along with two mechanical engineering modules (T229 and T329). In all cases, I had access to interesting and challenging material, and excellent tutor support - both in tutorials and one-to-one if required. The assessments were challenging and enjoyable, and I always received thorough, useful feedback. Overall, it was an enjoyable and worthwhile experience, leading to a career change - I cannot recommend highly enough.
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.
