Taking part in research

The Open University is actively interested in your experiences of studying with us, and we conduct regular research on a range of aspects relating to our modules and qualifications.

We use the results of these projects to carry out routine monitoring of our performance and we also carry out special interest projects which help to to identify areas where we can make improvements and to test and explore innovations in the way we teach.

We run our routine surveys at specific points: for example, you will receive an Internal Student Survey (ISS) at the Start, Mid and End points of your module. We make sure that we do not invite students who have told us that they do not want to be contacted for research purposes.  

If you would like to learn more about our processes for carrying out research to improve the student experience at the OU, please contact us at [email protected]. 

The Open University also has a wide range of opportunities for students to engage with quality enhancement (Student Voice) – these are highlighted on the Student Voice website. Many of these are volunteer opportunities and some are incentivised in a variety of ways. You can keep in touch with opportunities by signing up to the Student Voice mailing list.