Address and Location
Most students at The Open University (OU) study via distance learning so will never actually need to visit the main campus. The OU does, however, have a 48 acre campus in Milton Keynes as well as 13 regional centres around the UK.
Background and History
The OU was founded under the guiding vision of Michael Young, a sociologist and political activist who believed in creating a meritocracy' in education to counter the ingrained privilege in university education at the time. A combination of vice-chancellors, leading educationists and members of the BBC planned the university, with the BBC having a role as many lectures were to be aired on television to allow a greater audience. The OU opened for its first students in 1971, accepting 25,000 entrants with an open' entry policy as a time when there were only 130,000 university students in the country.
Location and Accessibility
By Road: The main Milton Keynes campus is just off the M1 in the south east of the town. Access and parking are good should you need to visit the campus.
By Rail: Milton Keynes Central is about two miles away from the campus but the smaller stations of Bow Brickhill and Fenny Stratford are closer if you're getting a local service.
Most facilities are wheelchair friendly and accommodation is available designed for usage by people with disabilities.
What's on Offer
BA, BSc, MA, MSc, MBA Graduate Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, MRes, MPhil, PhD.
Entry Requirements
The OU is famous for its open' access policy so entrance onto undergraduate courses is not dependent on an applicant's previous academic achievement. To study post-graduate courses or a research degree some form of evidence of suitability for the course will be necessary such as an undergraduate degree or significant work experience.