Language is absolutely central to your learning: without it, you cannot make sense or communicate your understanding of a subject.
You will need to develop your language skills, and specifically, your academic English, in order to:
- understand and make the most effective use of your study materials
- develop the specialised language and vocabulary relevant to your subject
- interpret assignment questions and select relevant and appropriate material for your response
- write well-structured and coherently presented assignments, without plagiarism
- communicate your needs to your tutors
- work productively with other students.
Depending on the level of OU study you are engaged in, see the skills you are expected to develop as you learn in the tables below. A good command of English is vital to many of these skills.
Knowledge and understanding
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Show that you know and understand the principles, concepts and terms central to your subject | Show knowledge and critical understanding of the principles, concepts and techniques in your subject | Show your awareness of current thinking and developments. Show your knowledge and critical understanding of your subject, including some specialist areas. |
Analytical skills
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Use your knowledge and understanding to describe, analyse and interpret particular aspects of your subject | Apply your knowledge and understanding to issues and questions relevant to your subject. Apply established techniques to critically evaluate your subject in a range of contexts | Select the appropriate techniques to analyse questions in your subject. Be aware of the limitations of these methods. Synthesize, evaluate and challenge information from different sources. Recognise the limits of knowledge in your own subject. |
Communication
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Develop your skills in communicating information accurately and in a way that is appropriate to your subject, purpose and audience. This includes collaborative and group working. | Communicate information, ideas and arguments effectively, using a style and language appropriate to your subject, purpose and audience. This includes collaborative and group working. | Communicate complex information, ideas and arguments effectively, using a style and language appropriate to your subject, purpose and audience. This includes collaborative and group working. |
Information literacy
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Develop skills in finding, selecting and using data in defined contexts | Find, critically evaluate and use information or data accurately in a range of contexts. | Find, critically evaluate and use information or data accurately in complex contexts. |
Learning how to learn
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Become aware of the ways in which you learn and begin to develop as an independent learner. | Plan, monitor and review your progress as an independent learner. | As an independent learner, plan, monitor and evaluate your own learning and seek ways to improve your performance. |
Practical and professional skills
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Develop, as appropriate, practical skills and awareness of relevant ethical issues. | Engage, as appropriate, with practical and professional skills and demonstrate an awareness of relevant ethical issues. | Engage, as appropriate, with practical and professional skills and relevant ethical issues. |
Personal and career development
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Plan your study pathway to link your learning with your personal and/or career goals | Recognise and record your skills and knowledge to support your personal and/or career goals. | Recognise, record and communicate your skills and knowledge to achieve your personal and/or career goals. |
FAQs
The OU teaches through supported 'Open Learning' which incorporates flexible learning with one to one study support. An OU degree is equal in academic standard to a degree from any other British university.
How prestigious is The Open University? ›
The University itself is ranked among the top UK universities for the quality of its teaching. A third of our UK undergraduate students have entry qualifications lower than those normally demanded by other UK universities.
Is Open University completely free? ›
Qualifications at The Open University are made up of a series of modules. Every module has an individual fee – added together, they give you the total cost. You'll fund your modules as you study them, so you won't have to pay for your whole qualification upfront.
What is the point of The Open University? ›
The Open University (OU) offers a route into higher education for anyone with a desire to learn. There are no entry requirements for the majority of our courses and we're here to help you achieve the qualifications you deserve.
Do employers take Open University degrees seriously? ›
Do Employers Respect Open University Degrees? Depending on your area of study, you may be expected to attend a certain university to work at certain companies or firms. However for the majority of degrees, your employers are going to respect your degree like it is any other degree, after all, it's a degree.
Is a PhD from Open University valid? ›
A Ph. D. is considered valid only if it is pursued in regular or part-time mode at a recognised university. The IGNOU is recognised by the UGC and offers PhDs in regular and part-time modes, so it is valid.
What are the disadvantages of open university? ›
Limited campus life: Open universities typically do not have traditional campuses, which can mean limited access to on-campus resources and activities. Limited support: Open universities often have limited support services, such as counseling, tutoring, and career services.
Is The Open University looked down on? ›
OU degrees in general are regarded with the same or higher degree of standing than any other UK degree. There are two reasons for this: The OU has a rigorous academic discipline in all its courses with a requirement to get a higher mark 85% for a distinction as opposed to 70% at most universities.
Is it hard to get into open university? ›
There are no formal entry requirements for most of our courses.
How expensive is Open University? ›
Fees The fee for a standard 60-credit part-time module is £3,228. To study a full-time, 120-credit module in a year, the fee is £6,456. Study materials, tuition, assessment and exams are all included in the fees.
You do not need qualifications to study at the Open University - it's open to everyone.
Are open universities worth it? ›
Open universities are institutions offering degrees with low or no entry requirements. They are the ideal study options for students who have graduated their previous studies with low grades but want to continue their higher education.
How credible is The Open University? ›
International recognition. Open University degrees awarded are comparable with those awarded by other UK universities. In fact, many employers and organisations worldwide employ Open University graduates and understand that an OU degree is equal in academic standard to a degree from any other British university.
How many hours a week is open university? ›
The number of hours you'll need to put into studying will depend on how many credits you're taking. Per week, that would look like: 60 credits (part time) – around 16 to 18 hours. 120 credits (full time) – around 32 to 36 hours.
Is a degree from open university respected? ›
Do employers recognise distance learning degrees? Yes. Employers accept degrees achieved through distance learning, and view them the same as an identical qualification that was studied on campus.
Is Open University degree valid or not? ›
BR Ambedkar Open University is approved by RCI and accredited with a B+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). Hence, BR Ambedkar Open University degree is valid every where in India. To get admission to this UGC approved university, candidates must fulfill the eligibility criteria.
Are Open University diplomas Recognised? ›
Many of the Open University qualifications and modules are accredited or recognised by a wide range of Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs).
Do companies accept Open University degrees? ›
OU qualifications are recognised and valued by professional organisations and employers. Many graduate employers do not request a specific degree subject so there is a wide range of potential employers for you to consider.
Is doing Open University worth it? ›
If you want to study over a few years or study while living at home then enrolling in a course from the Open University is a great choice. If you prefer to stay at university and learn face to face then a traditional university is also a great choice to improve your career prospects.
