Students in secure environments

A close-up shot of a person reading a book

Over 50 people in 16 secure facilities across Scotland – prisons and hospitals – currently study Open University undergraduate modules.

Tailored, supported studies

Our specific prospectus (.pdf) sets out options for studying with us in secure environments, and we provide specialist information, advice and guidance for our students.

From applying and registering, right through to exams and graduation, we tailor the on-course support that is available during your studies.
Modules on offer do not require collaborative elements or placements.
As students have no, or very limited online access, we create printed packs of module materials to send to you by post.
Students are allocated a tutor and can have one-to-one telephone tutorials, depending on the requirements of your individual establishment.
We connect with our students through the establishment's Learning Centre staff. Your assignments are submitted to Centre staff who then submit them to us on your behalf.
Students sit exams in the establishment's Learning Centre.

We work with partners

OU study in prisons in Scotland is made possible by the Higher Education Access Scheme. This partnership initiative is unique to Scotland and includes the Scottish Prison Service, Fife College, a private sector prison and the OU.

Separate to this, we also work with staff in a range of secure hospitals across Scotland who may be supporting individuals in their establishment who wish to study with the OU.