Enabling people to change their lives through learning, across Northern Ireland.

The only university in Northern Ireland dedicated to distance learning, we are open to people, places, methods and ideas. We promote educational opportunity and social justice by providing high-quality, university education to all who wish to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.  We are here to help individuals, local business, the community and the economy of Northern Ireland.

Banner with a dark blue background featuring bold white text: 'Registration closes 9 January for courses starting in February.' Below, it says, 'Join over 57,000 people across Northern Ireland who we have helped fulfil their potential and open up their future.' A button-shaped purple section on the right reads 'Choose from a wide range of courses.' The design includes abstract purple shapes.

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Study with us

Free your ambition by studying with The Open University and change your life with our flexible way of learning.

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Free Online Learning

We’ve got a huge range of free online learning to help you explore your passion or need.

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Future Nurse Programmes

For over 17 years, we've delivered a highly successful work-based pre-registration nursing programme in partnership with healthcare employers.

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A Peace of Us - The Good Friday Agreement Podcast

Marking the 25th anniversary of The Good Friday Agreemenet, 'A Peace of Us' explores it's impact beyond our political institutions.

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About Us

Find out more about who we are and why we do what we do here in Northern Ireland.

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Skill Up - The Flexible Skills Fund

Fully funded courses to help you reskill and upskill into areas where job growth is expected.

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Libraries NI Partnership

We work in partnership with Libraries NI to provide enhanced library access and free learning opportunities for both OU students and Libraries NI customers.

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Our Manifesto

Embedding a culture of lifelong learning in our society will be a game-changer. Essential to that is accessible part-time, flexible higher education. Recognising its value and prioritising its growth is key to addressing skills shortages, economic productivity, regional imbalances, and social inclusion. 

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Transition to HE Hub

A hub to assist new students to prepare for and settle into their studies at universities, university colleges and further education colleges across Northern Ireland.