Study with The Open University

Wales TUC in partnership with The Open University in Wales

Find out how studying with The OU can work for you and browse our recommended courses and qualifications.

Types of study available to you

OU courses and qualifications

Set your ambition free. Whatever you want to achieve, The Open University (OU) can help you make it happen. You don’t need any prior qualifications to study with The OU and you can boost your confidence with an Access module as you work towards your ultimate qualification goal.

Upskill with a microcredential

These professional development short courses are designed to help you quickly upskill and get ahead. Gain specialised skills in just 10–12 weeks with flexible online learning.

Free online
learning

The OU’s free online learning website, OpenLearn, offers over 10,000 hours of free learning. Discover articles, videos and games as well as expertly written online courses on a huge range of subjects. Learn at your own pace, track your progress, and earn digital badges and certificates.

Browse courses and qualifications

Many of The OU’s qualifications work as stepping stones, from one stage to the next. They’re also valuable in their own right. You could start with a certificate and stop there. Or continue your studies to gain a diploma and then a degree.

They perfectly align to union learning and the Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF) can support you to study microcredentials, short courses and Access modules.

Course terminology

OpenLearn

OpenLearn is The OU’s free learning platform, providing free education to all as part of our social remit. We are proud to say it reaches over 10 million learners each year. Whether you need help with maths, English or Welsh, getting ahead in your career or managing your money, then we can help. Start small and grow your knowledge and portfolio.

Visit the OpenLearn website.

Microcredentials

Gain specialised skills in just 10–12 weeks with flexible online learning.  Microcredentials offer a perfect balance of academic excellence and workplace relevance.

With 10–13 hours of study per week, you can gain:

  • Cutting-edge knowledge in a specialised subject, informed by world-class academics
  • Practical skills you can immediately apply to your work or boost your CV
  • Undergraduate or postgraduate credit you could use in the future towards further study by counting microcredentials towards OU qualifications.

You can start your learning in March, June / July or October. These courses can be funded through the Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF).

Short courses
You only need a few hours a week to study a short course with The Open University. Choose from a range of subjects that can help you build a new skill set, discover a new hobby, or give your career a boost through continued professional development. These courses can be funded through the Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF).

See more about short courses.

Modules
Modules count towards OU qualifications.

Since OU qualifications are modular in structure, the credits from an undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.

Good for you if you want to complete a self-contained unit of study without committing to a qualification. Each module will have 30 or 60 credits, level 1 – 3 (NQF Level 4 – 6).

Typically, modules will take 6–9 months to complete part-time.

See more on modules.

Access modules
We have four Access modules, sometimes called Access courses, that provide the perfect introduction to distance learning and studying with The Open University. You’ll get a broad overview of the subject that interests you, refresh your learning skills and build your self-confidence. You could even study an Access course for free, or get it funded through the Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF).

Good for you if you want to improve your confidence and prepare for study. Each course is worth 30 credits (L0/NFQ level 3). Typically, our Access modules run for 30 weeks part time, but we do have fast track options, see the OU website for details.

See more about Access modules.

Open University certificates
Good for you if you want to focus on a particular profession or subject area. These qualifications are unique to The Open University.

You’ll study two 30-credit level 1 modules (60 credits in total).

Typically takes 1 year part-time.

See more about Open University certificates.

Certificate of Higher Education
Raise your confidence and support a career change or progression in a current career. Demonstrate your ability to study at university level.

A nationally recognised qualification in its own right, this Certificate of Higher Education is also equivalent to the first two thirds of the BSc or BA (Honours). This comprises of 120 level 1 credits (120 in total).

Typically takes 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time to complete.

See more about Certificate of Higher Education.

Diplomas of Higher Education
Gain the expertise that many employers value in less time than a degree.

Good for you if you’re working or volunteering in a particular area and want to enhance your professional and technical knowledge and skills.

Equivalent to the first two-thirds of an honours degree, this is a nationally recognised qualification in its own right. This comprises of 120 level 1 credits and 120 level 2 credits (240 in total).

Typically takes 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time to complete.

See more about Diplomas of Higher Education.

Honours degrees

Open the door to graduate jobs and schemes, postgraduate qualifications and higher-level jobs.

Our degrees have three stages, each comprising of 120 credits. To graduate with a degree you will need to complete 360 credits in total.

Typically takes 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time to complete.

See more about Honours degrees.

Open qualifications

Free from the restriction of a subject-specific specialism, you can set the direction of your learning. Choose from over 250 modules across 16 subject areas, to create a bespoke qualification to match your interests, and help stand out in the job market. This is made up from 120 level 1 credits, 120 level 2 credits and 120 level 3 credits (360 in total).

See more about Open qualifications.

Foundation degrees
This flexible qualification enables you to develop lifelong learning skills that will open doors to further study and career development. You can choose from a wide variety of fascinating modules in any subjects you like, depending on your interests and career aspirations – including work-related modules to help you in your current role and enhance your future employability.

See more about Foundation degrees.

Integrated masters degrees
Good for you if you want to study at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. This combines undergraduate and postgraduate study and you’ll gain 480 credits. Typically it takes 8 years part-time.

See more about Integrated masters degrees.

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Please note WULF support is subject to eligibility and needs to be approved by union WULF project officers.

Access

Arts and languages Access module

With this Access module you'll explore the broad, but related, areas of arts, humanities and language. Each subject is introduced and explained at a comfortable pace to develop, or refresh, your knowledge of topics including history, art history, English literature and English language studies.

You could be eligible to study an Access module for free, find out more on the OU website.

Study (Part-time)

30 Weeks

Credits gained

30 Credits

Course cost

£328

Support from WULF

Available

Access

Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

This Access module gives you the chance to dip into some of our most popular subjects, such as psychology, childhood and youth, early years, health and social wellbeing, sport, education, and social sciences. You'll be introduced to discussions of theory and engage with real-world events to build up your knowledge and understanding of these wide-ranging topics.

You could be eligible to study an Access module for free, find out more on the OU website.

Study (Part-time)

30 Weeks

Credits gained

30 Credits

Course cost

£328

Support from WULF

Available

Access

Science, technology and maths Access module

With a mix of theoretical study and some practical experiments, this Access module can help you build up skills for future study in STEM subjects, no matter where you're starting from. Each subject is introduced and explained at a comfortable pace to develop, or refresh, your knowledge of topics including science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.

You could be eligible to study an Access module for free, find out more on the OU website.

Study (Part-time)

30 Weeks

Credits gained

30 Credits

Course cost

£328

Support from WULF

Available

Degree

Open degree

The Open degree allows you to bring together different areas of study in a completely flexible way to develop knowledge and skills. You have the freedom to combine modules from a wide range of subject areas and create a bespoke degree, diploma or certificate that fits your professional ambitions or personal interests.

Study (Part-time)

6 Years

Credits gained

360 Credits

Course cost

£7,872

Degree

Degree in Health and Social Care

This degree provides you with a sound and critical understanding of health and social care policy, theory, and practice, which is essential in today's fast-changing care sector. Professionals at all levels need to be proactive and flexible to succeed, and through your studies you’ll gain the skills needed for effective practice in a diverse, multidisciplinary environment. 

Study (Part-time)

6 Years

Credits gained

360 Credits

Course cost

£7,872

Module

Making your learning count

Through a series of topics and assessment tasks, you will explore what you have learnt whilst developing the skills you need to be a successful student. The courses that you choose to study is up to you, making this learning experience an entirely personal one. 

Study (Part-time)

6-9 Months

Credits gained

30 Credits

Course cost

£387

Support from WULF

Available

Module

Career development and employability

Whatever your chosen career, this key introductory OU level 1 module will enable you to use your workplace as a context for learning, and develop your ability to apply your learning to improve your practice at work. You will also develop your critical thinking skills and increase your understanding of how to research workplace issues.

Study (Part-time)

6-9 Months

Credits gained

30 Credits

Course cost

£656

Module

An introduction to business and management

This key introductory OU level 1 module provides an accessible and comprehensive introduction to business and management in a globalised world. Through readings and international case studies, you’ll explore a wide range of topics in contemporary business and management.

Study (Part-time)

6-9 Months

Credits gained

60 Credits

Course cost

£1,312

Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)

Business Management

This flexible qualification starts with you: where you are now, and where you want to be in the future. Taking a practical approach that’s grounded in your own experience, you’ll be introduced to the essentials of business and management, the context in which businesses and other organisations operate, and its common aims and characteristics. 

Study (Part-time)

2 Years

Credits gained

120 Credits

Course cost

£2,624

Module

Young children's play and creativity

This module focuses on understanding play and creativity in early childhood from different and diverse personal and professional perspectives. It considers how other children and adults impact on the play decisions and creative choices children make. 

Study (Part-time)

6-9 Months

Credits gained

60 Credits

Course cost

£1,312

Module

Environment: journeys through a changing world

This module introduces you to subjects from the natural sciences, social sciences and technology to develop your understanding of environmental issues and sustainability concerns. Our world is changing fast – we are experiencing pressure from climate change, growing demands for finite resources, impacts of pollution and waste, biodiversity loss and the extinction of many plants and animals.

Study (Part-time)

6-9 Months

Credits gained

60 Credits

Course cost

£1,312

Degree

BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science

This degree explores the multiple disciplines needed to understand, manage and protect our planet. Assess environmental problems, propose solutions, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the natural environment. You’ll study topics, including conservation, ecology, ecosystems, environmental management and renewable energy. 

Study (Part-time)

6 Years

Credits gained

360 Credits

Course cost

£7,872

Please note WULF support is subject to eligibility and needs to be approved by union WULF project officers.

Short course

Leadership in the digital world

In this course, we will explore selected aspects of leadership, including whether or not leadership has fundamentally changed in the digital era. We will suggest some specific ways of leading teams that help you focus ‘on doing the right things’. You will be encouraged to take an objective look at your own leadership effectiveness, and to build on all that you learn to define a development plan.

This is a non-credit bearing course.

Study (Part-time)

20 hours

Course cost

£250

Support from WULF

Available

Short course

Managing uncertainty through policy implementation

In this course you'll read case studies and watch videos that illustrate how societal challenges and policies will shape our future societies. You'll also have the opportunity to consider how policies and the broader macroenvironment affect your organisation, and you'll learn to use machine learning software to collect data and evidence.

Study (Part-time)

20 hours

Course cost

£250

Support from WULF

Available

Microcredential

Climate Change: Transforming your Organisation for Sustainability

This microcredential will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and courage to transform your organisation’s response to the climate and ecological crisis, whatever your level, role or sector, and wherever you are in the world.

Study (Part-time)

10 weeks

Credits gained

10 Credits

Course cost

£500

Support from WULF

Available

Microcredential

Business Management: Project Management

This microcredential will introduce you to the core principles, tools, and techniques needed to lead, or successfully contribute to, projects that add value and deliver positive outcomes.

Study (Part-time)

10 weeks

Credits gained

10 Credits

Course cost

£500

Support from WULF

Available

Short course

Discovering Wales and Welsh

Discovering Wales and Welsh is a 100-hour online course for anyone interested in learning about Wales and acquiring basic language skills in Welsh. The course is divided into five themes, each consisting of two units which devote approximately equal amounts of time to key aspects of Welsh culture and learning Welsh.  

This is a non-credit bearing course, it can be used towards the module Making your learning count (YXM130) to gain OU credits.

Study (Part-time)

100 hours

Course cost

£195

Support from WULF

Available

Short course

Communication skills in the digital world

This course will take you through a range of the changes in the field of communication in our ever-evolving digital world. The course details a variety of communication tools and practical advice from both professionals and academics to help individuals in society and at work understand how to help shape communications strategically.

This is a non-credit bearing course.

Study (Part-time)

20 hours

Course cost

£250

Support from WULF

Available

Module

Introduction to social care

Gain a solid introduction to social care and the role it plays in supporting the independence and wellbeing of those who receive care. Discover the essential skills needed to work in the sector and examine whether a career in social care is right for you. 

This is a non-credit bearing course. Certificate of completion (70% pass).

Study (Part-time)

48 hours

Course cost

£180

Support from WULF

Available

Microcredential

Business Management: People Management and Leadership

Designed by world-class academics from The Open University, with input from industry experts with diverse perspectives, this microcredential will introduce you to frameworks and ideas that will help you become an ethical and inclusive people manager and leader. 

Study (Part-time)

10 weeks

Credits gained

10 credits

Course cost

£500

Support from WULF

Available

Short course

Introduction to digital marketing

Whether you’re new to digital marketing or want to build on existing experience, this course will introduce you to the core principles and latest trends that will help you plan first-class, user-centric campaigns and guide you through the dynamic digital marketing landscape.

This is a non-credit bearing course. Certificate of completion (70% pass).

Study (Part-time)

24 hours

Course cost

£200

Support from WULF

Available

Microcredential

Cisco: Python Programming (OpenEDG)

This microcredential will help kick start your career in programming, whether you’re just starting out or already working as a digital technology professional. You’ll gain industry-recognised skills and enhance your employment and career progression opportunities.

Study (Part-time)

10 weeks

Credits gained

10 credits

Course cost

£275

Support from WULF

Available

Short course

Foundations of UK immigration law (OISC Level 1)

The course explores the skills and knowledge expected of an Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Level 1 Immigration Adviser. It is suitable for those seeking to work as an OISC Level 1 Adviser and those seeking to expand their knowledge of the UK’s immigration system.

This is a non-credit bearing course.

Study (Part-time)

60 hours

Course cost

£249

Support from WULF

Available

Short course

Online counselling: getting started

Whether you’re a counsellor, psychotherapist, or trainee, this 25-hour short course will show you how to set up and provide safe and effective online counselling. It’ll teach you how to establish remote counselling via video and/or phone and how to navigate technology, data protection, and contracting challenges, as well as explore ethical practices, assess client suitability for online therapy, manage boundaries, work safely and foster inclusivity and diversity.

This is a non-credit bearing course.

Study (Part-time)

25 hours

Course cost

£200

Support from WULF

Available

OpenLearn free course

Being an OU student

The aim of this course is to help you get off to the best possible start on your journey with The Open University (OU). Students who invest a bit of time preparing for their studies are more likely to succeed, so taking time to do this course now will help in the long run.

Study (Part-time)

12 Hours

Gain a digital

Badge

Course cost

Free

OpenLearn free course

Everyday maths 1 (Wales)

Have you ever noticed how often you need maths skills in everyday life? This free course is an introduction to Level 1 Essential Skills in maths that’s designed to inspire you to improve your current maths skills and help you to remember any areas that you may have forgotten.

Study (Part-time)

48 Hours

Gain a digital

Badge

Course cost

Free

OpenLearn free course

Everyday English 1

Would you like to improve your current English skills or perhaps remember areas you may have forgotten? This free course serves as good preparation for studying the formal English Essential Skills Level 1, which is available in Wales.

Study (Part-time)

48 Hours

Gain a digital

Badge

Course cost

Free

OpenLearn free course

Croeso: Beginners' Welsh

This free course, Croeso: Beginners' Welsh, is taken from Croeso, a beginners' language module that concentrates on Welsh as a tool for communication, but it also provides some insights into Welsh societies and cultures through printed and audio materials. 

Study (Part-time)

4 Hours

Course cost

Free

OpenLearn free course

Hybrid working: wellbeing and inclusion

This course will explore what workplace wellbeing means in a hybrid working world – whose responsibility it is, the challenges involved in creating and maintaining it, and the benefits it brings to your organisation.

Study (Part-time)

12 Hours

Course cost

Free

OpenLearn free course

So, you want to be a nurse? A brief introduction to nursing

This course provides an overview of what nursing entails. Focusing on nursing in the UK specifically, but also looking at its place globally, you will learn about the four fields of nursing in the UK, what nurse training involves, as well as what makes a great nurse.

Study (Part-time)

6 Hours

Course cost

Free

OpenLearn free course

Leadership and followership

Leaders are all around us – we encounter them at work and in our spare time, we read about them in the press – but have you ever wondered what makes them good or bad at their role? You might be considering a leadership role as your next career step, or maybe you’re in a leadership position already and finding it difficult to move your team forward.

Study (Part-time)

24 Hours

Gain a digital

Badge

Course cost

Free

OpenLearn free course

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace

This free course introduces you to the benefits and complexities of developing and supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce. It explores the positive impact of diversity on staff wellbeing and innovation within an organisation, enhancing a company’s competitive advantage and aligning with its social responsibilities

Study (Part-time)

24 Hours

Gain a digital

Badge

Course cost

Free

OpenLearn free course

Succeed in the workplace

Do you want to change jobs? Are you just starting in the job market? Are you returning to work after a break? If so, then this free course, Succeed in the workplace, is for you. It will help you explore career opportunities by starting from you, not the job - getting to know yourself and what you value are the foundations of your career planning

Study (Part-time)

24 Hours

Gain a digital

Badge

Course cost

Free

OpenLearn free course

Digital skills: succeeding in a digital world

This free course will develop your confidence and skills for life online, whether study, work or everyday life. It explores a range of digital skills and practices, including digital identity, digital well-being, staying safe and legal, finding and using information and online tools, and dealing with information overload.

Study (Part-time)

24 Hours

Gain a digital

Badge

Course cost

Free

OpenLearn free course

Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online

This free online course will help you to understand online security and start to protect your digital life, whether at home or work. You will learn how to recognise the threats that could harm you online and the steps you can take to reduce the chances that they will happen to you.

Study (Part-time)

24 Hours

Gain a digital

Badge

Course cost

Free

How does OU study work?

We offer a range of options that allow you to develop your knowledge and skills, whatever your study goal. Not ready to commit to a degree? You could start with a certificate or diploma of higher education. These are respected qualifications in their own right, but they also allow you to gradually build your studies, so if you opt for a degree later, you’re already part way there.

You can also develop your knowledge and skills with a microcredential, short course, or by studying a standalone module.

If you already have a degree, you may be interested in our postgraduate qualifications.

Funding your study

Fees and funding in Wales

An Open University qualification might be more affordable than you think. In this section, you can learn how much your qualification will cost and how to finance your studies. Our Finance Finder will highlight possible funding options that are tailored to you. Open University qualifications are made up of a series of modules. Every module has an individual fee – added together, they give you the total cost. You’ll fund your modules as you study them, which means you won’t have to pay for your whole qualification up front.

Whether you choose to study part-time or full-time will affect how much it costs each year. With us, you can study flexibly, meaning you can switch between part- and full-time intensity throughout your studies. There are lots of options to fund your study in Wales, from a tuition fee loan, employer sponsorship, scholarships or direct payment. We also offer bursaries for disabled veterans, care experienced young people, carers, those who identify as being from a black background or displaced from your homeland. You may already have a degree, and wish to reskill, so you could be eligible for a tuition fee loan and support for living costs.

Register your interest in WULF

Microcredentials, short courses and Access courses can be funded through the Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF). Eligibility applies and you will need to register your interest first.

Your questions answered

What equipment do I need to do an OU course?

The OU courses are online.  You will need regular access to a laptop or desktop computer to study.  Mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones are helpful, but it may be difficult to fully engage with the course using just these.  Free desktop access can be found at the local library, or you may have a learning suite at your workplace.

What are modules, credits and qualifications?

A module is the basic building block of Open University study. Modules usually take 9 months to complete. When you successfully complete a module, you’ll earn credits.

You can study a module on its own, or you can study multiple modules to work toward a nationally recognised qualification such as a certificate, diploma or degree.

For more information about modules, qualifications and credits, visit the OU website.

How are OU modules taught?

You’ll be allocated a tutor who will guide you through your studies. Modules are taught through entirely online study, or a combination of online and printed materials. Most tutorials are delivered online, so you’ll be able to dial in anywhere you can get an internet connection.

Will I attend lectures? Is any of it face-to-face?

As The OU is a distance learning university, you won’t need to attend traditional lectures. Most of your study will take place through your module website and course materials. Some modules may offer you the opportunity to participate in field trips or require you to attend a residential school. The module descriptions will tell you more.

How do I access my course materials?

Your course materials will be unique to the modules you study – these could be purely online, or a balance of online and print materials. Any online materials will be accessible through your module website and, if your module has printed materials, you’ll usually be able to download electronic copies.

If you need your module materials in an accessible or alternative format, be sure to let us know in plenty of time before your module starts. If you want to know more about accessibility at the OU, visit the disability support website.

How accessible are your courses?

All OU qualifications are made as accessible as possible with a comprehensive range of services to support all OU students. For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual course descriptions. For an overview, please see Accessibility at the OU.