The Open University (OU)
The Open University offers distance learning called 'supported open learning'.
Open learning means that the students work wherever they choose - in their own homes, workplace or at a library or study centre - and can plan their study around their other commitments.
Supported open learning students have:
- support from a tutor or online forum to help with module material, activities and assignments
- student advisers and study facilities in their own region, and
- contact with other students at tutorials, day schools or through online conferencing, online social networks, informal study groups, and events.
Last Updated
Record Last Updated On:
Contact Details
- Telephone
- 0300 303 5303 0300 303 5303
- Website
- The Open University
- Scan to visit this website
- Notes
Online enquiry form: https://www.open.ac.uk/contact/new
Additional Local Offer Information
Local Offer
- Description
The OU's flexible system of learning supports students with a disability, long-term health condition, mental health difficulty or specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia). You’ll have a support team with advisers who’ll adapt services as much as possible to meet your specific needs.
They offer disabled students a comprehensive range of services, some of which are shown below.
Accessible study materials - the study materials include websites, DVDs, books and computer-based activities like online quizzes.
Where accessibility may be a challenge, there is usually an alternative formats such as:
- audio recordings of printed material
- comb-bound books with a spiral binding – these are easier to handle, and can lie flat on a table or other surface, making them easier to use with a scanner or a magnifier
- transcripts for DVD and audio resources.
Tutorials
Tutorials can be face-to-face in group meetings or can take place by phone or online. Arrangements can be made to ensure that you can access any meetings and take full part in the talking, listening, note-taking and group activities that might be involved.
If, because of your disability, you’re unable to attend tutorials, it may be possible to arrange some individual tutor sessions by phone or by email.
Examination arrangements
Not all the students are able to sit an examination under standard conditions. Arrangements can be made to suit your needs.
Residential school arrangements
The OU are committed to offering disabled students, and anyone who has additional requirements, the opportunity to go to residential school.
Please visit the OU website for more details of support available.