Support and services for students

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Students on their Open University journey can access a wealth of dedicated support and services to help them achieve their ambitions, and play an active part in our community. 

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Study support

Supporting students throughout their whole study journey is paramount to The Open University in Scotland. Your tutor and the Student Recruitment and Support Scotland team are here to help you throughout the whole of your OU study experience. There is also a wide range of resources to support you along the way.

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Care experienced

Care experienced students are provided with specific support to study with us. We know many have faced challenges in accessing higher education and managing studies amid busy lives.

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Careers and employability services

From study registration and up to three years after, the OU’s Careers and Employability Services can help you discover how to make your OU study work for you.

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Carers

Carers receive specific study support, and have the flexibility to fit studying around their caring commitments. Our resources and support can help carers get into learning.

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Ceremonies

Eligible students may wish to book attendance at a ceremony to celebrate their qualification. Locations include Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

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Gender-based violence

We encourage students to disclose if they experience gender-based violence, and to feel confident that they will be supported.

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Mental health and wellbeing support

Students’ mental health and wellbeing is a priority at the OU: discover the help available. We support over 10,000 students who have told us they have a mental health difficulty.

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Student voice

Find out ways that students can engage with us, helping to inform decision-making and impacting on the experience we provide, as well as connecting with fellow learners.

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Students in secure environments

Our modules are studied in 16 secure facilities across Scotland - prisons and hospitals - with tailored support and materials supplied.

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Students with disabilities

More disabled students choose us than any other UK university. 30% of OU in Scotland students share they have a disability. We strive to make all aspects of study accessible.