New college partnerships

The Open University (OU) in Scotland has announced three new partnerships with colleges in Scotland, providing students who want to progress to degree-level study with flexible and innovative routes that recognise the value of college qualifications.

At Ayrshire College we will be delivering Level 2 of the BA (Hons) Social Work (Scotland) programme as part of a collaborative “Transition into Social Work” project with the College.

This new delivery model will involve students who have undertaken an HNC in Social Services at the College progress directly into the Level 2 programme delivered on campus. This model builds directly on our shared experience of delivering the BA (Hons) Social Sciences programme on campus at the college.

At Dundee and Angus College, the new ‘OU Choices’ programme is aimed at students aspiring to Higher Education level study but requiring more support in developing the necessary skills.

The partnership enables students to combine the study of an OU Access module with college provision. Students will have a range of progression options on completion, with the College, the OU or another University.

At Fife College, the Open University is re-introducing a campus-based programme for HND Social Science students and offering the R23 BA (Hons) Social Sciences qualification for the first time on campus.

A lecturer from the College will act as Associate Lecturer for the OU and students will have the opportunity to compete the degree in just one year.

Steven McGeever, Partnerships Manager at the OU in Scotland, commented:

“The common thread driving the development of these delivery models is a shared commitment between the OU and partner colleges to widen access to Higher Education and allow more learners to benefit from high quality degree programmes.”

Around 18% of our new student intake each year comes to us with HNC/HND qualifications achieved at college. 

Formal partnerships with 15 of Scotland’s colleges underline our commitment to supporting students making the transition from college to university study. These routes are important in enabling college students to progress without duplicating study they have already undertaken.