The Open University
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom • QS 2012 #601-725
Updated Sep 2026 · Source: open.ac.uk
Overview
Based in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, The Open University is a public university that functions as a higher-education provider within the United Kingdom.
The Open University's academic profile: it teaches across bachelor's through doctoral programmes, is organised into multiple faculties and runs an extensive programme catalogue.
The institution serves 124,580 students.
The Open University is ranked #802 globally and #53 within the United Kingdom.
Location & Contact
Address, phone, email, and online links for The Open University are listed below.
Academic Details
The figures below cover The Open University's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing.
Faculties & Divisions
The Open University's faculties and the subjects each covers are listed below.
Research in Computing (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
Arts and Social Sciences (Faculty) 22 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art History
- Arts and Humanities
- Classical Languages
- Criminology
- Design
- English
- Film
- Fine Arts
- Geography (Human)
- History
- International Studies
- Literature
- Media Studies
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Writing
Business and Law (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Law
- Leadership
- Management
- Marketing
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) (Faculty) 18 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Biology
- Biomedicine
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Earth Sciences
- Electronic Engineering
- Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Geology
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Physics
- Software Engineering
- Statistics
- Technology
Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies (Faculty) 19 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Child Care and Development
- Development Studies
- Education
- English
- French
- German
- Health Sciences
- Linguistics
- Modern Languages
- Nursing
- Preschool Education
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Social Welfare
- Social Work
- Spanish
- Sports
- Translation and Interpretation
Educational Technology (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Educational Technology
- Information Technology
Knowledge Media (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cognitive Sciences
- Multimedia
Programs Offered
Browse The Open University's programmes by level, or filter by name.
187 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom
Honours Degree 72 programmes
Showing 10 of 72.
Master of Business Administration 2 programmes
Master's Degree 30 programmes
Showing 10 of 30.
Professional Doctorate 2 programmes
Diploma 56 programmes
Showing 10 of 56.
Postgraduate Certificate 12 programmes
Showing 10 of 12.
Postgraduate Diploma 9 programmes
Scholarships in United Kingdom
Financial-aid options for studying in the United Kingdom, applicable across institutions including The Open University.
How to apply to The Open University
A five-step guide to applying to The Open University.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. The Open University runs 187 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Before applying to The Open University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United Kingdom.
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3
Get your documents ready
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with The Open University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Apply through UCAS or direct entry
Route your application through UCAS (ucas.com) for undergraduate entry to The Open University. For postgraduate entry, apply directly through The Open University's own admissions portal at www.open.ac.uk.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Open University
Common questions about The Open University — answers from its published profile.
Where is The Open University located?
The Open University is located in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom.
Is The Open University public or private?
The Open University operates as a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at The Open University?
Student enrolment at The Open University is around 124,580.
How is The Open University ranked?
The Open University is ranked QS 2012 #601-725.
What programmes are available at The Open University?
The Open University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
What is The Open University's official website?
The Open University's official website is www.open.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
Ranking methodologies vary across the United Kingdom — national rankings, subject-specific rankings, and international tables can each tell different stories about the same universities.
Faculties at nearby universities
These universities are located near The Open University, listed below for students comparing options by location.
Where Else to Study Social Sciences & Education
Social Sciences & Education is also taught at these universities in the United Kingdom.
Universities Compared with The Open University
The institutions below are of a similar academic scale to The Open University.
Studying in United Kingdom: guides and resources
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