Find out more about The Open University's BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree.
This collection of courses and content is perfect for both new and returning university students, designed to help you settle into your studies from day one, or as a great way to refresh your skills after a break in studying. Work through the courses at your own pace and in your own time, or focus on a specific skill you’d like to improve. ‘Being an OU student’ is recommended for all newly-enrolled OU students.
So welcome (or welcome back) to studying with the OU. Bookmark this page and use these free resources as and when you need them.
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Study skills: one-minute tips
Check out our series of one-minute animations exploring revision tips, beating procrastination, what’s involved in a remote exam and other study skills.
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Am I ready to be a distance learner?
Distance learning can open up opportunities for study. You might have not studied for a while, you might be returning to education, or you might not have had the chance to study at a higher level before. This free course, Am I ready to be a distance learner?, will help to boost your confidence. You'll explore useful skills so you can discover ...
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Succeed with learning
This course is for people who want to feel more confident about their learning skills. Informal in approach, the course builds on each person's own qualities, knowledge and skills to develop a deeper understanding of the nature of learning and of their own potential. It introduces some core ideas about learning and academic study, and some ...
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Making social media work in Higher Education
This free course explores the potential of social media as a space that can be used in higher education/University to enhance educational experiences. It examines how students can take advantage of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Whatsapp to engage and connect with other fellow students and their lecturers. While, also examining the ...
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Time management and study
Whether you’re a full or part-time student, studying is likely to mean adding another commitment to your life. Having a lot to balance can sometimes affect our wellbeing and leave us feeling overwhelmed.
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All my own work
Plagiarism comes in all shapes and forms. Step into the shoes of a university student to learn the challenges and temptations facing her during her assignment, and help make it all her own work.
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Building confidence in using online forums
Learn about the benefits of online learning forums, with strategies for participating more fully.
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Good Academic Practice Collection
Explore our range of free resources on developing good academic practice and discover how to build them into your studies.
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English: skills for learning
Develop the English reading and writing skills needed for university success.
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Reading and note taking – preparation for study
Reading and note taking are two essential study skills. How do you read? This free course, Reading and note taking preparation for study, will introduce you to different techniques to help you to alter the way you read according to the type of material you are studying. You will also learn the techniques behind successful note taking and how to...
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Essay and report writing skills
Writing reports and assignments can be a daunting prospect. Learn how to interpret questions and how to plan, structure and write your assignment or report. This free course, Essay and report writing skills, is designed to help you develop the skills you need to write effectively for academic purposes.
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Revision and examinations
Do you get stressed at the thought of an examination? Does the idea of revision fill you with dread? This free course, Revision and examinations, will provide a host of tips to help you improve your revision and examination techniques and enable you to manage your time effectively by creating a timetable for your revision.
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Write it right: seven common writing mistakes
Tutors told us that students make several of the same common writing mistakes which can impact the grades they receive for their Open University assignments.
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Skills for study
Thinking about studying for the first time or after a long time away? Refresh your skills and prepare for success with these free courses.
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