Open University Low cost modules

Access to Success Route

The Access to Success Route is our unique access provision designed for people on low incomes, who are new to higher education, and who do not have the qualifications traditionally required for university entry.

Will I be eligible for a place?

If you’re new to the OU, have an annual household income of less than £25,000 and live in England you may be eligible for a place.

Places are limited and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

If your household income is higher than £25,000 and you’re still looking for an introduction to higher education you may be interested in one of our short introductory Openings modules as a standalone course.

What can I study?

The Access to Success Route is a two-step process:

1. In Step 1 you'll start with one of our short introductory Openings modules. With lots of support and no examinations, these modules are specifically designed to give you a gentle introduction to a subject and to study with The Open University.
2. On successful completion of Step 1 you will then be prepared to move on to Step 2. This involves studying a more in-depth subject module in the area of your choice.

How much will it cost?

All we'll ask you to pay is a £25 contribution towards the cost of Step 1 (normal price £625) and a £50 contribution towards the cost of Step 2 (normal price £2,500). So, in total, you will be asked to pay just £75 for modules that would normally cost in excess of £3,000.

How to apply

Please note that you are unable to register for this route online. To ensure a place in this provision you will need to get in touch with us either by phone or email. Our team of advisers are here to help you and make sure you get on the right study path.

• Contact our registration team on 0845 300 6090
• Email us, quoting Access to Success in all correspondence 
• http://www8.open.ac.uk/choose/ou/access

You may also wish to take a look at our online tool to try some of our activities to help you decide whether you're ready and if the Access to Success Route is the right starting point for you.