Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about YASS

YASS is The Open University in Scotland’s primary bridging scheme for young learners. It is an opportunity for S6 pupils in Scotland to study an Open University (OU) module alongside their other studies. It encourages pupils to become independent learners, builds confidence and gives them a taste of university level study.

More information is available in the ‘What’ section of the YASS website homepage.

Taking a YASS module can help the transition from school to higher or further education or employment. It helps pupils develop important skills such as time management, digital literacy, and the ability to think and work independently. Studying a YASS module can also make UCAS applications stand out by providing valuable content for personal statements and interviews.

More information is available in the ‘Why’ section of the YASS website homepage.

Module options can change from year to year so please check our current List of Open University modules offered through YASS.

Yes. YASS modules are rated SCQF Level 7 - the same as Advanced Highers and level one at a traditional university.

YASS is funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). Fully funded places are available for 10 and 30 credit modules for pupils in S6 who attend local authority schools. Pupils can choose one module from our current module list. Pupils who attend independent schools can fund the modules themselves or be sponsored by their school.

The scheme works best for pupils who are motivated, committed and able to cope well with independent learning. Before considering the scheme, pupils need to be aware of the extra study requirements. For example, a typical 30-credit module runs from October to June and will need up to 14 hours of independent study each week.

Most YASS modules have no entry requirements, but a small number of modules do require pupils to have a Higher in a specific, related subject.

Pupils must also be aware of the computing and software requirements. It’s possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook but they may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, so all pupils need access to a desktop PC or laptop computer (with Windows 11 or latest supported macOS) and broadband connection. Pupils can check the Study Materials tab on the module information website to check for any other specific requirements.

More information is available in the ‘Who and How’ section of the YASS website homepage.

The school's YASS Co-ordinator contacts the YASS Team at [email protected] to request the key documents relating to enrolment, including the YASS Registration Form. Registration Forms are not available online because pupils must speak to their school YASS Co-ordinator about taking part in YASS prior to registration, and all forms must be sent to us by the YASS Co-ordinator.

Once the pupils have completed their Registration Forms correctly, the school YASS Co-ordinator is responsible for returning them to the YASS Team via our secure ZendTo system, before the final application deadline. For data protection reasons, forms must never be sent to us by email.

On receipt of the forms, pupils will go through the OU registration process before being registered onto their module. All pupils receive an email confirming their enrolment and letting them know a bit more about their module and studies with us. The YASS Team will also send regular emails to schools, letting them know exactly where each pupil is in our enrolment process. We will also confirm if registered students have signed in and accessed their accounts yet.

More information is available in Registering for YASS.

Once pupils are registered on their modules, they will receive a confirmation email from the OU which includes StudentHome page log in details. It is important for pupils to log on to their StudentHome page before the start of their module, because this is how they access their study calendar, study materials, academic support and much more. We also strongly advise school YASS Co-ordinators to check with pupils prior to the start of their modules that they can access the StudentHome page.

If a pupil has not received a confirmation email or is having trouble accessing their StudentHome page, they are advised to contact our OU Computing Helpdesk.

More information is available in the 'What do I need to do when I’m registered’ section of Registering for YASS.

The support available will depend on the module taken. Pupils taking shorter 10 credit modules will normally be supported by a team of Study Advisers who they can contact via an online forum. Pupils taking 30 credit modules will be supported by an individual tutor who can be contacted by telephone or email.

All YASS students have access to the OU’s team of Educational Advisers. Tailored support and advice about study techniques, assignments and other study-related queries is also available via their Student Support Team.

More information is available in the 'What do I need to do when I’m registered’ section of Registering for YASS.

Assignments will differ by module subject and length. For shorter 10 credit modules, the only marked piece of work they will have to submit is an End of Module Assessment (EMA). For larger modules, they will have to submit Tutor Marked Assessments (TMAs) or Computer Marked Assessments (iCMAs) throughout their module and an EMA.

More information about the assignments, assessments and exams in each module is available in the List of OU modules offered through YASS webpage.

Once pupils have completed their modules and their assignments have been marked, the YASS Team will contact the school co-ordinators to let them know their pupils’ results.

The role of the school YASS Co-ordinator differs depending on the school. As a minimum, we ask that the YASS Co-ordinator undertake the following two tasks:

• Selection of pupils for YASS programme and distribution/collection of registration forms.
• Serving as the main point of contact for the OU at the school regarding any issues/developments that might arise.

The YASS Team will also send regular, monthly updates regarding each pupil’s engagement with their module. If pupils haven’t engaged recently then this can be sign that they might need extra support to help them catch up or overcome a study issue.

Most school YASS Co-ordinators therefore also meet with their YASS students at various times throughout their module, to check and discuss their progress and make sure they are coping with their studies. School YASS Co-ordinators also serve as the go between for their students and the YASS Team at the OU.

More information is available in the ‘Further information for school staff’ section of the YASS website homepage.

The OU’s YASS Team (0131 549 7112) at the OU is always available to help school YASS Co-ordinators with any questions or concerns they might have about the scheme. School Co-ordinators receive an information pack prior to the start of their pupils’ studies which includes copies of the study calendars for the modules their pupils are undertaking. This allows them to follow along with their pupils’ progress should they wish to do so.

School Co-ordinators are not expected to answer pupils’ questions about the content of modules or OU study in general. We provide all schools with a Quick Contact sheet, to help them direct pupils to the correct person or team, to help with their query or issue. If the YASS Co-ordinator isn’t sure where to direct pupils, they can contact the YASS Team at the OU who will be happy to help.

More information is available in the ‘Further information for school staff’ section of the YASS website homepage.