The Open University review

The Open University is the only option here that is a full university built for distance learning, and it suits an adult who wants a complete degree rather than separate courses. You can study a certificate of higher education (120 credits), a diploma (240 credits) or an honours degree (360 credits), or take single modules such as An introduction to business and management (B100) or Beginners' Chinese (L108). Access modules in arts, business, psychology and science prepare new students for degree work. Part-time study runs at about half the pace of a full-time campus student, so the fees page lists an honours degree at six years part-time. The fees we read are in pounds and set for students in England, valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027, so we could not confirm a US dollar price and mark it pending. England students with household income up to £25,000 can take an Access module free, and credit transfer can count earlier study.

Who it is for

adults who want a full accredited degree studied part-time online

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Certificates (120 credits), diplomas (240 credits) and honours degrees (360 credits) studied part-time or full-time
• Single modules from OU level 1, such as An introduction to business and management (B100)
• Access modules to prepare for degree study in arts, business, psychology and science
• Credit transfer for previous academic study
• Free Access module for England students with household income up to £25,000

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Full degrees, not only short courses
• Strength: Part-time study is planned at half a campus student's pace
• Strength: Credit transfer can shorten a degree
• Weakness: Fees on the page we read are in pounds and set for students in England
• Weakness: An honours degree is listed at six years part-time
• Weakness: Costs far more per year than any other option on this list

Key facts

• Honours degree: 360 credits, 6 years part-time
• Fees listed: For students in England, in GBP
• Fees valid: Modules starting before 31 July 2027
• Free Access module: Household income up to £25,000

Where it ranks

The Open University is No. 8 in our Best Online College Courses verdict.