The Open University (OU) is the largest academic institution in the UK and a world leader in flexible distance learning. Since it began in 1969, the OU has taught more the OU has taught more than 2.2 million students worldwide and currently has over 205,000 students.

Seventy per cent of directly registered students are in full-time or part-time employment, and 75 FTSE 100 companies have sponsored staff to take OU courses.

In the latest assessment exercise for university research (Research Excellence Framework, 2021), over three quarters (76%) of OU research was assessed as 4 or 3 star – the highest ratings available, awarded to research that is world-leading or internationally excellent. The OU’s commitment to research and societal impact is recognised too with 82% of its research impact assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.

The OU has had a unique educational partnership with the BBC since 1971 and today focuses on supporting the University’s social mission by extending reach and engagement. Each year the OU co-produces a wide range of television, audio – radio and podcasts, digital and social content with the BBC.

Our programmes have achieved more than 286.10m* viewing and listening events last year which prompted more than 630,700* visits to our broadcast related content, hosted on the OU’s Broadcast and Partnerships website.