About the OU
Open to People, Places, Methods and Ideas
About the OU > The OU Explained
The Open University is a world leader in modern distance learning, the pioneer of teaching and learning methods which enable people to achieve their career and life goals studying at times and in places to suit them.
The OU’s mission is to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. Find out about our open admissions policy and services for disabled students, how we are widening participation in education and making learning resources available free of charge - without sacrificing quality.
The OU has developed a unique way to deliver distance learning that we call "supported open learning". Find out how we develop courses and teach our students.
The OU offers more courses to more people in more places than any other UK university.
The OU changed the face of higher education when it launched in 1969, and continues to do so.
We work with other organisations in many ways, collaborating to produce materials, licencing courses for others to use, and sharing our expertise through consultancy and validation services.
View the enhanced 2011/12 OU Annual Report or the standard pdf version.
The OU offers almost 600 courses leading to around 250 qualifications. Find out about studying with the OU
The OU is an official partner of Race Online 2012 - the campaign to get the UK's entire adult population online.