Young Applicants in Schools Scheme (YASS)

YASS offers the opportunity to study an Open University module within a range of subject areas, including subjects that might not be offered at school.

The subject areas include arts, business and management, engineering, computing, technology, health and social care, languages, law, marketing, mathematics, science, social sciences, and sport and exercise. Another option is to create your own curriculum through our flexible choice modules.

The level of each module is equivalent to first year level at a traditional university, at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) level 7.

Find out more about the modules offered through YASS.

Top reasons to participate in YASS:

1. Gain university-level experience, in preparation for university or college:

• Take part in online tutorials, communicate with tutors/study advisors, and submit assessments.
• Build confidence and develop skills, including good academic conduct; 90% of participants reported gaining at least one new skill, such as including independent learning, time management, study techniques, or IT proficiency.
• Clarify plans for future; 94% of participants said YASS helped them decide on their next steps after school.

2. Study subjects not offered at school:

• Explore a subject in depth.
• Study online, when and where suits you.

3. Strengthen Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) applications and gain OU credits:

• OU modules studied through YASS can be added as a qualification in the Education Section of UCAS forms (although they can't be counted towards UCAS tariff points). The skills and experience gained through YASS can also be added to the personal statement section of UCAS forms and shared in interviews.
• It may be possible to transfer credit gained from studying YASS modules at 30 credits, towards an OU degree. (It’s not possible to transfer credits from modules worth 10 credits, and it’s unlikely to be able to transfer credits to other universities, as each university has its own credit transfer rules). Most OU students study towards a degree for free with a Part-Time Fee Grant and top-up funding. No qualifications are required to study most of our modules, and students can build up a qualification by registering for one module at a time.

Who can take part in YASS?:

I can now follow a schedule and am better with time management, I have to be prepared and work on my own without help. I have to be able to keep up with the course work and because of this I have also found my reading and note taking skills have got better."

YASS student

• All S6 pupils in full-time education in schools in Scotland are eligible to participate in the Young Applicants in Schools Scheme (YASS).
• No qualifications are required to register for most modules (some require Highers).
• Pupils should be motivated and capable of independent study.

What does it cost?:

• Free for pupils in local authority schools, as YASS is funded by the Scottish Funding Council.
• Pupils at Independent schools may self-fund or be sponsored.
• As an impact of Brexit, pupils from European Economic Areas/Swiss nationals require an additional fee assessment, for which early registration is advised to avoid delays. The outcome of the fee assessment will not impact your eligibility for funding.

How do pupils study YASS modules?:

• Modules are studied online. The module’s website provides all the resources needed for study, including online materials, a study planner, support contacts and assessment information.
• Pupils are expected to participate in online forums, tutorials, and interactive activities, plus sit exams/submit assessments and receive feedback.
• Enrolment support is provided to the participating pupils, through their school’s YASS Co-ordinator. Once modules start, Plus, pupils they can access a wide range of support from The Open University.

How do pupils register for YASS?:

• Pupils register to take part in YASS through their school’s YASS Co-ordinator.
• The registration deadline is the end of June 2026.

Find out more about registering for YASS.

When and where do pupils register and study with YASS?:

• To be able to study with the Young Applicants in Schools Scheme (YASS) in S6, it’s advisable for pupils to start thinking about YASS when they are in S5 and starting to plan their curriculum for S6.
• All modules start in October, but The Open University has strict deadlines for the enrolment of pupils who will be under the age of 18 at the time they start their studies with us. This means that pupils' forms must be supplied before our YASS deadline in June.
• Modules follow a university year rather than a school year. This means that pupils may be expected to study during school holidays, plus they will have assignments due after they have officially left school.
• Pupils study one module, choosing either a 10 credit or 30 credit module. The module options cover one or a mix of subjects. The amount of study required each week will depend on the number of credits (10 or 30) and the length of the module. This can vary from 4-8 hours to 8-10 hours per week.
• Modules are studied online. Pupils study their YASS modules alongside their other subjects. This means managing their YASS study module time independently, often outside of school hours. Pupils should consider how YASS fits alongside their other S6 subjects and commitments.

Key dates for modules starting in 2026:

Registration:

• Opens on Thursday 30 April.
• Deadline for applications is Tuesday 30 June.
• Each school’s YASS Co-ordinator can set an earlier deadline for pupils to complete their registration forms, to ensure the YASS Co-ordinator can check and submit the form before registration officially closes.

Modules:

• Start on Saturday 3 October (websites open on Saturday 12 September).
• End in March, April or June, depending on the module.

Assignments:

• Deadlines take place throughout the module.
• Final assignment in March, April, May or June, depending on the module.

Find out more about studying with YASS.

How can participating in YASS benefit schools?

YASS ticks just about all of the boxes of a good widening access initiative: it fills a curricular gap; it provides opportunities to deepen and broaden learning; it encourages our young people to take responsibility for and be positive about their futures; and it limits the disadvantage faced by pupils from one of the most deprived parts of the country."

YASS Co-ordinator

• Government Insight Reporting: Schools can report attainment through the Scottish Government’s Insight tool
• Expand S6 Choices: YASS module options give S6 pupils access to a wider range of subjects at SCQF level 7- including options not normally available in school.
• Build Key Skills: Studying an OU module can help pupils develop independent study and time management skills that support lifelong learning - and help prepare young people for further study and the workplace.
• Academic Enrichment: Pupils can explore subjects they’re passionate about and may choose to study after school.
• Enhance UCAS applications: OU modules completed through YASS can be listed as a qualification on UCAS forms (but can't be counted towards UCAS tariff points). Pupils are encouraged to showcase the skills and experiences gained in their Personal Statements, such as independent study skills, time management, and academic readiness, helping them stand out and demonstrate they are prepared for future study.

Who can become a YASS Co-ordinator?:

Schools interested in the Young Applicants in Schools Scheme (YASS) should allocate one person to be the school’s YASS Co-ordinator. For example, they could be a teacher, pupil support assistant, or librarian. YASS Co-ordinators are not expected to provide academic support for pupils taking part.

The Open University’s YASS Team will:

• Advise the member of staff about the scheme and answer questions.
• Run information sessions for YASS Co-ordinators.
• Offer in-person or virtual meetings with school staff and pupils to discuss YASS or deliver a presentation.
• Provide resources and support throughout the year, contactable by email or phone.

Find out what YASS Co-ordinators are expected to do.