Flexibility, community and support: How the OU model is changing education

From first-time students to career changers, The Open University (OU) supports all learners in a highly personalised and flexible way, transforming education, lives and communities, writes Martin Boyle, Director of The Open University in Scotland.

Higher education today is far more complex than it was decades ago. Students often juggle work, and financial or health challenges; for many, traditional full-time study is simply not an option. We see learners with more diverse needs than ever before, particularly in the current climate of economic uncertainty. In this context, flexibility, accessibility and inclusive support are no longer optional; they are essential.

When last Friday Robin Smith graduated at age 57, she joined hundreds of Scots proving that higher education no longer follows one path. 

At our degree ceremony in Glasgow 660 students, aged 20-90, crossed the stage, marking a moment of achievement for individuals from all walks of life. 48% were the first in their families to attend university, 30% shared a disability, and 63% had their tuition fees covered by a Part-Time Fee Grant.

Learning that fits real lives

Robin’s journey embodies the complex challenges of modern learners and illustrates how our transformative support framework helps students succeed. Originally from the United States, Robin began college but had to leave due to financial constraints. 

Following the breakdown of her first marriage and relocation to Scotland, she returned to education, pursuing a BA (Hons) in English Literature and Creative Writing. She had not been in formal education for over three decades: “I couldn’t have studied, had the flexibility not been there for me to learn in my own time. I was the main income earner, and I had to work to keep us afloat.”

Robin’s determination was supported at every step - including when she had misread an assessment question: “I sent an email to my tutor and proceeded to have a full-blown panic attack. She helped to calm me down, explained the worst-case scenario, and walked me through the plan over the phone. I ended up submitting a proper essay and finished that module with a 2:1.”

Through this combination of flexibility and guidance, Robin not only completed her degree but graduated with a First-Class distinction. Beyond the grades, she has built lasting connections with fellow students and is now working on a short story anthology with OU peers. “The OU just helped pull out the self-confidence that was always there within me. It’s not just about grades, it’s about being supported throughout the journey.”

Support that listens

From the moment a student registers, we connect them with tutors and support teams who understand that life doesn’t pause for study. 

Catriona Bergman, a student from Aberdeenshire, told our recently launched On Track with The Open University in Scotland podcast: “It takes courage to be open about what’s going on in your life, but your tutors can’t support you without that information. When I reached out, they really listened and helped me find a way forward.”

That human connection - a named tutor, a responsive support team and real conversations - remains at the heart of our model. 

Dr Andrew Potter, Senior Lecturer and Staff Tutor in Mathematics and Statistics, agreed: “It’s very seldom that it’s too late. Even if a student misses a deadline, there are always options; extensions, deferrals, new plans. The key is getting in touch. Our tutors are experts in supporting people whose lives are complex and busy.”

In today’s Scotland, this approach feels more relevant than ever. Rather than expecting students to fit the mould, we adapt study to the learners’ rhythms.  

Flexibility for Scotland’s learners

Our open-entry policy means no prior qualifications are required for most degrees, but our uniqueness lies equally in how that openness is sustained: through supported, personalised learning.”

This flexibility is underpinned by a human-centred infrastructure. Though our learners study at a distance, they are far from alone. Digital forums, local events, and peer communities create real connection. 

Karie Westermann, art history student and recent captain of the OU‘s team at University Challenge, explained: “It can be lonely studying on your own, so I make sure to meet classmates for coffee or on Zoom. We even go to exhibitions together. If you reach out, even just in the forums, you realise everyone’s feeling the same.”

Our Student Support Team offers one-to-one advice, wellbeing support and practical guidance - all tailored to individual circumstances. As our advisers Kevin and Davis noted in the podcast: “Study is hard, and that’s okay. Don’t worry about being perfect. We’re here to help you build the skills you need, step by step.”  

The On Track podcast itself serves as a support tool too, featuring real student and staff voices, to support current and potential learners.

A national mission for lifelong learning

As Scotland’s national university for widening access and lifelong learning, we also advocate for a renewed national focus on part-time learners. Funding and support for students who balance work, family, and study have historically been overlooked. Education is not a one-size-fits-all journey, and we want the next Scottish Parliament to prioritise part-time students.

While many universities speak of widening access, at the OU we have made it a reality for more than fifty years. Our open-entry policy means no prior qualifications are required for most degrees, but our uniqueness lies equally in how that openness is sustained: through supported, personalised learning.

Robin’s story exemplifies how our students can pursue ambitions while managing the realities of life: “It has allowed me to receive an education that would never have been within my grasp.” 

With The Open University in Scotland, the future is open.

31 October 2025