YASS resources

YASS guide and course listYASS Guide and Course List

The YASS guide and course list (PDF, 4.17 MB) takes you through what YASS is, who it is for, and the benefits of taking part.

It also contains details for each course available through YASS.

Guide for teachers and resources

We have a guide that is designed for teachers (PDF, 1.54 MB) in schools that are interested in registering pupils to take part in YASS. 

YASS Teachers GuideIt includes details of how the programme works, the role of the YASS co-ordinator in school, and support available.

Our YASS information session resource pack can be used in school when talking to prospective students and their parents/carers about YASS. YASS co-ordinators can request a copy or find out more by emailing the YASS team.

Co-ordinators whose schools register to take part can now access key additional information for supporting students, in the 2025/26 YASS Co-ordinator Guide (PDF, 238 KB).

Frequently asked questions 

Read our answers to questions that are frequently asked (PDF, 51.6 KB) about the scheme by potential YASS students and school co-ordinators.

Studying with the OU

Induction

Once you have been enrolled on your YASS course, you will have access to our induction course: OU Ready. The course will introduce you to what studying with the OU is about, and help you to become familiar with the online study websites, as well as key sources of support that are in place for you and the skills you need to succeed. 

The course takes up to 20 hours to complete but you can work through it at your own pace. 

How will I study at the OU

About three weeks before you are due to start, your module website will open. This video explains more about how our module websites work:

StudentHome page

Your StudentHome page has links to everything you need during your YASS studies with The Open University, including:
 
  • Your module websites, with their study resources and links to tutors and fellow students
  • Tutor details
  • Assignment and exam information, and the online TMA and EMA service for submitting and collecting assignments
     

YASS student support

Find out more about Open University support services which can be accessed by registered YASS students, for example if they have questions about OU study and general processes, disability support, and IT-related matters.

Educational resources

Discover more about educational resources, from our companion app for OU module websites, and college study spaces, to free OpenLearn resources, and the OpenSTEM Labs. 

Careers advice and guidance

Pupils who study a YASS course can access the OU's Careers and Employability Service while studying their course and for up to three years after completing their course.

This includes being able to book a consultation with a careers advisor and access OU careers webinars and forums.