Study support

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Supporting students throughout their whole study journey is paramount to The Open University (OU) 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.

If you're struggling, it’s advisable to access help sooner rather than later, as the earlier you do so, the more you’re likely to be able to stay on track.

The OU offers a wide range of support to address common study challenges. For example: resources including a Help Centre covering key topics, such as study skills information; opportunities for peer support through online Welcome Events; and help from tutors and the Student Support Team, for students struggling with assignments. 

Find the study support information you need below. 

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Your tutor is here to support you. The earlier you contact your tutor, the better they will be able to help, such as if you're struggling with assignment deadlines.

Contact details for your tutor can be accessed via your Student Home page. Sign in to Student Home with your username and password. (Computing help is available).

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The Student Recruitment and Support Scotland Team is here to help you, including if you’re finding it difficult stay on track with your studies.

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 0131 226 3851 / 0300 303 5303 (Monday to Friday 08:30 – 17:00)

British Sign Language (BSL) users can also contact us through the Contact Scotland BSL video relay service.

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OU Ready induction:

The short online induction resource OU Ready has been created to prepare you for Open University (OU) study; it will help you to understand where things are, who will support you and what studying with the OU is all about.

Help Centre:

The OU’s Help Centre is a key support resource, from the start of your studies and throughout your study journey.

Topics include: induction (getting set up on your first module), changing your study plans, computing help, careers and employability services, library (including referencing guidelines), life events (including if you think you need to stop studying), and study skills information.

Student Home - your personalised study portal:

Open University serves as your central hub for all aspects of your distance learning experience.

For example, Student Home includes access to your module information, such as your study calendar, study materials, tutor contact details, and module forum. It's also the place for managing your assignments, as you can try a dummy Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA), and submit and collect your assignments.

Sign in to Student Home with your username and password. (Computing help is available).

Further study skills resources:

The OU’s free learning site OpenLearn offers a range of study skills support resources ready to try anytime. This includes Open Uni induction resources and a study skills collection. Plus, you can pre-sample module content by entering the module name into the Search bar.

Further advice about the nature of Open University study is available on the OU website courses homepage, such as 'What is distance learning?' and 'Can I do it?' .

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Welcome Events and Big Blethers:

The OU in Scotland hosts Welcome Events online, for all new students based in Scotland. They provide an opportunity to chat with staff and fellow students. They run around the start of each academic year, from August until early October, and are expected to be introduced for courses starting in February, from 2026 onwards.

Big Blether events are also held online, as a fantastic opportunity to connect with other students and OU staff in a relaxed and welcoming space. Big Blethers are planned to occur monthly between October 2025 to June 2026.

Future dates will be publicised on our Events page.

Open SU – The Open University’s Students Union:

The Open University’s Students Union, Open SU offers opportunities to get involved, feel informed, and interact with fellow students.

For example, through an online magazine, societies, and a wide range of online and in-person events. Open SU's social channels also provide a chance for students to interact, such as through the Open SU Facebook.

Module Forums:

You can link up with fellow students via the forum for your module, accessible through Student Home.

Sign in to Student Home with your username and password. (Computing help is available).

On Track with The Open University in Scotland

A podcast developed to support students in Scotland with starting and continuing to study with The Open University, is available on a wide range of audio streaming platforms.

The first 40 minute episode of On Track with The Open University in Scotland focuses on support provided to address common study challenges. Future episodes are planned to explore other challenges that OU students sometimes juggle with their studies.

The podcast is relevant to students of all subjects and undergraduate qualifications, as a chance to hear study hacks from fellow students, as well pointers from OU in Scotland staff.

Find out more about the podcast.