No one is more aware of how much university costs than prospective students. Whilst furthering your career and getting a better chance at your dream job is important, you don’t want to break the bank over the fee. Plus, the thought of having to move away or live on your own can be incredibly daunting. That’s where the Open University fee comes in, which you can even get funding for. But how much does it cost and how does the OU work?
Sometimes, students don’t want the ‘full university experience,’ of having housemates, going out or even moving away from home. That doesn’t mean they don’t want to go to university though. If that sounds like you, then you might want to consider the Open University (OU). Still getting a degree but at a discounted price; it’s the perfect option for some.
How Does The Open University Work?
Those who take their degree with the Open University will be allocated a tutor, studying mostly online. It’s possible you may attend the occasional in-person lesson, but it is mostly a remote-learning way to earn a degree and this won’t be compulsory.
Like a ‘regular’ university, you’ll need to attend online lectures and seminars at certain points, however, they are often recorded so you can come back in your own time. All you’ll need to study with the OU is an internet connection; you can do it in your home, commuting or even whilst travelling.
Some courses have exams at the end and these will be at unnegotiable fixed times. You’ll have about 12 weeks’ notice to organise yourself so you can be present.
For more information, look at the FAQ section of the Open University website.
How Much Does The Open University Cost?
The Open University charges £1306 per module worth 60 credits.
How much your Open University fee will depend on whether you are doing a part-time or full-time course. Though a part-time course will take you longer, you will spread the cost out over a longer time period.
With a part-time course, students will study one module a year. If completing a certificate of higher education, this will be two years; a diploma is 4 years and an honour’s degree will be 6.
As a full-time student, you will do two modules a year, so will complete the above certificates in half the time.
If you complete an honour’s degree, either part-time or full-time, it will cost you £7848.
As with any degree, there are additional things you may need to buy to complete your course.
- Computer and broadband
- Books
- Travel to in-person sessions and exams
- Residential costs
Even with extra expensive, this is less expensive than doing a ‘regular agree’ which costs upwards of £9000 per year.
Can You Get A Student Loan And Funding With The OU?
If you are a part-time or full-time student you will be able to apply for student finance to help support your studies. However, even if you are studying full-time with the OU, you will still be considered a part-time student when applying for your maintenance loan.
Getting a student loan means you don’t have to pay any Open University fees upfront as it will be automatically taken from your loan. Only once you’ve graduated and are earning more money than the repayment threshold will you start paying it back — but this will be in small chunks.
The OU funding also offers financial support through bursaries, grants and scholarships. You can check if you are applicable here. This would mean that the Open University cost would be significantly reduced for you. Any bursaries, grants and scholarships would not be repaid by you.
