Welcome! Congratulations on being offered your new role at The Open University

Since its inception, the Open University has supported the learning of millions of students across the world. The original ethos of being open to people, places, methods and ideas continues to drive the innovative delivery of higher education that transforms lives - and we would like you to be a part of that.

This series of welcome pages will give you a brief introduction to the Open University and provide you with useful information that will support your transition into your new role over the first few weeks and months.

The Open University was established by Royal Charter (.pdf) on 23 April 1969 and celebrated our 50th Birthday in 2019. We are the leading University for flexible innovative teaching and world-leading research in the United Kingdom and in 157 countries worldwide. Uniquely placed to understand the needs of part-time students, combining their learning while earning, our innovative, award-winning distance teaching credentials have seen over 2 million students receive an education, otherwise denied to them at campus-based universities. Take a look at the below topics:

About us

Before you start

Your first day

Your first week

Your first 90 days

Other useful information