STUDENT LIFE AT THE OU

A diverse age range of students from all walks of life are attracted to the OU; for most courses there are no entry requirements other than the ability to study at an appropriate level, though most postgraduate courses require evidence of previous study. This fundamental open admissions policy makes undergraduate university study accessible to all.

Approximately 70% of students are in full-time employment, often working towards a first (or additional) degree or qualification to progress or change their career, with over 50,000 being sponsored by their employer. The University is also popular with those who cannot physically attend a traditional (on-campus) university study course because they have health limitations, are working or resident overseas, in prison, serving in the armed forces, housewives caring for family members.

While most of those studying are mature students, the reduction in financial support for those attending traditional universities has also led to an influx of young undergraduates to the OU. In the 2003–2004 academic year, around 20% of undergraduates were under 25 years old.

The University enrolled fewer than 50,000 students in the 1970-1971 academic year, by 1987-1988 yearly enrollment had doubled to 100,000 students, reaching 200,000 by 2001-2002; cumulatively, the University has educated more than two million students.

More undergraduate students were female than male, while there were slightly more males than females taking postgraduate courses; and the majority of the students were between 25 and 44 years old, the median age of new undergraduates being 32.

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