Educational Partnerships

Innovative partnerships for pathways through education for all

We partner with schools and colleges across Scotland to help more learners find their pathway into education. Our accessible learning model helps learners develop their skills and self-confidence so they can achieve their academic goals.  

The Open University (OU) can work across themes to help you respond to new challenges and opportunities. Our curriculum can help broaden your offering for learners in your community.  

With a wide range of learning options available - from standalone modules to full degree programmes - the OU offers something for everyone, no matter where they are in their learning journey. 

Furthermore, our credit transfer process awards credit for existing learning from SCQF level 7 upwards and could help college learners complete their degree sooner. 

Group of young people sitting together at a table

College students, graduates and staff across Scotland are benefiting from The Open University's partnerships with colleges.

Studying with the OU is flexible and supportive, guided by expert tutors every step of the way. We give students all the essential course resources and materials they need, plus our dedicated student support teams are always there to help when advice or guidance is required.

We have developed bespoke partnerships across Scotland, including our on-campus collaborative partnerships with City of Glasgow College and Fife College.

College learners are given the chance to continue their studies beyond Higher National Diploma (HND) and complete degrees with The Open University by transferring academic credits.

Find out how OU in Scotland can support you.

Delegates at Mock COP29

Our work with schools is varied and targets both learners in schools and staff. Our Young Applicants in Schools Scheme (YASS) is a bridging programme, reaching hundreds of senior phase pupils every year across the length and breadth of Scotland.

Our annual Mock COPs event goes from strength to strength; having started online with schools in the Highlands and Moray in 2021, we are now moving to hosting two events this year in Inverness and Dumfries. We work with local partners like Developing the Young Workforce and Highland One World, to ensure Mock COP is delivering positive impact on pupils and community engagement with climate action.

The School and educator opportunities section of our website provides a one-stop shop for anyone working, aiming to work, or learning in the education sector in Scotland. This includes learning resources, links to key OU qualifications, and ideas for how to improve your subject knowledge.

Find out how OU in Scotland can support you.

I thought a degree was impossible for me and now I'm studying my postgraduate degree with the OU, Sara Haldane, Fife College Graduate.

Read Sara's full story.

Educational organisations who have worked with The Open University in Scotland include:

Developing Young Workforce Inverness Central Highland logo
Highland One World logo