Edinburgh · Founded 1969
Specialist InstitutionThe Open University in Scotland
The UK's largest university by student numbers, offering fully distance-learning degrees with no entry requirements for most undergraduate courses. The OU in Scotland operates from Edinburgh but students study from home anywhere in Scotland. It's the primary route for mature students, career changers and those combining study with work or caring responsibilities. SAAS funding for part-time OU study follows different rules — check eligibility carefully.
Rankings
- Guardian
- —
- Times
- —
- Student satisfaction
- 85%
Cost of Living
- Rent (halls)
- —
- Rent (private)
- —
- Other costs
- —
OU Scotland students typically study from home, so there is no accommodation cost. Your main expenses are course materials and module fees.
Known For
Students
16,000
Location
Edinburgh
SAAS code
O11
Entry requirements for Scottish students
Typical Higher offers for 2026 entry. Always check with OU Scotland directly.
Most undergraduate degrees
No formal Highers requirements
Pick a Stage 1 module to start
BA/BSc (Honours) Open
You design your own subject mix
BSc Computing & IT
Maths skills helpful but not required
BSc Health Sciences
Some Stage 2 modules require prior science study
BA Business Management
No prerequisites
LLB Law
No prerequisites
Entry requirements sourced from The Open University in Scotland prospectus, April 2026. Competitive courses may ask for higher grades.
SAAS tuition — what you’ll actually pay
If you’re a Scotland-domiciled undergraduate, SAAS pays The Open University in Scotland’s tuition fee (£1,820/year) directly — you pay nothing. The SAAS code is O11.
Open days 2026
Confirmed 2026 open day dates for OU Scotland. Always book a place directly via the university website.
21 May 2026
Virtual
23 Jun 2026
Virtual
Dates sourced from OU Scotland’s official open days page, checked April 2026. Confirm current details before travelling.
Who is OU Scotland best for?
The Open University in Scotland is the right choice — and often the only practical choice — for adult learners, parents, carers and anyone working full-time who wants a degree without leaving the workforce. There are no entry requirements for most undergraduate courses; you start with a Stage 1 module and build from there. Funding for part-time OU study is via SAAS but with a different process from full-time campus study (the Part-Time Fee Grant). Course materials are excellent and tutorials are now mostly online. Don’t expect the social side of a campus university — this is study, not student life. But the academic standards are real, and OU degrees carry full UK university credibility.
Student life at a glance
Student community
OU Students Association — entirely online and regional. Local "in-person" tutorials a few times a year for some modules. Active forums and study groups.
Study setup
You study at home, on your own schedule. Most students work alongside study. Tutors are accessible but contact is mostly email and online video sessions.
Graduate prospects
OU graduates are well-respected, particularly in business, IT, healthcare and education. Many use the OU degree to step up within an existing career rather than for first-graduate-job recruitment.
Considering OU Scotland? Also look at
If you want some campus contact alongside flexible/part-time study
View profileStrong widening-access record with part-time and evening on-campus options
View profileMultiple campuses + flexible study modes, strong in nursing and education
View profileRelated guides
Frequently asked questions about OU Scotland
What is The Open University in Scotland known for?
The Open University in Scotland's strongest subject areas include Distance Learning, Part-time Study, Business, Health & Social Care. These are the departments most commonly cited in league tables and by employers. OU Scotland also has strong graduate employment in these areas — check the university's own graduate outcomes data for the most current figures.
What type of university is The Open University in Scotland?
The Open University in Scotland is a specialist institution with a focused academic offer rather than the broad faculty structure of a traditional university.
Find accommodation near OU Scotland
Compare student halls and private accommodation options.
Unipol
Accredited student accommodation — halls and private lets vetted for quality
Browse options →Student.com
Book student halls worldwide — instant booking and flexible cancellation
Browse options →AccommodationForStudents
UK-focused private student lets — compare prices in your city
Browse options →Rightmove Student
Private rental market listings near your university
Browse options →Rankings, rent, and living-cost figures checked April 2026.
Rankings source: Guardian University Guide and The Times Good University Guide. Rent figures are indicative averages from council and university accommodation pages. Entry requirements sourced from OU Scotland prospectus 2026 entry. Always confirm current prices and requirements directly with OU Scotland. See our editorial policy for how we source and update this data.