As one of the leading distance learning colleges in the UK, we have taught over 250,000 courses and empowered over 150,000 students to change their lives.
How it works
We’re passionate about helping you to achieve your goals without the restrictions of a traditional college. With over 700 online courses and qualifications to choose from, we’re sure you’ll be able to find the perfect course for you and your goals.
The distance learning experts
We understand that everyone’s learning journey, whatever that may be, is personal, different, exciting, and sometimes difficult. Here at Open Study College, we know that we are in the privileged position of being the enablers of positive life-altering change.
Our team are here to do what we can to help people achieve their goals. We are an expert, a friendly ear, a 24/7 support, and your wildly enthusiastic cheerleader!
We will empower you to move forward with your goals and we will always have your best interests at the heart of what we do. The entire Open Study College family is here to help you achieve your ambitions, and we will provide you with the excitement and encouragement you need throughout your journey with us.
Courses and qualifications
Our distance learning courses are specifically designed to be studied from home. We have made it easy to study at home around your busy schedule using either a course pack or your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access our e-learning platform.
We understand that everyone learns in different ways and at a different pace. With the exception of a few qualifications, such as A Levels, GCSEs, and Access to HE, there are no strict deadlines to contend with. Submit your coursework to your tutor in as much or as little time as you need, allowing you to set your own study schedule.
All of our qualifications are independently accredited by established awarding organisations. We offer courses from recognised bodies such as AAT, NEBOSH, Active IQ, and NCFE CACHE courses to name a few.
How an online college works
Study from anywhere
Distance learning simply takes location out of the equation when it comes to studying your course. You are still able to study a fully recognised and accredited course or qualification with an online college without the commute or class timetables. You choose where you study, whether its from home, work, your commute, or a local coffee shop. It’s about you taking control of your studies and learning in an environment that works best for you.
Flexible learning
Home learning puts you in charge of your studies. This means you can study around your commitments instead of fitting your life around your learning. On each course page on our website, you’ll find approximately how many study hours are required for each course, which should help you decide if it is achievable alongside your other commitments.
There are no scheduled classes to attend or timetables to abide by. Our online courses are designed for people who need to fit learning around their existing commitments.
Tutor support
Distance learning shouldn’t mean that you are on your own. Throughout your study experience, you will receive a specialist, personal tutor, who will offer unlimited expert support and guidance during your course. You’ll have full access to our online helpdesk and our learner services team is just a phone call away.
Home learning, your way
When enrolling with us, you can tailor your experience to suit you. The study method you choose will depend on your personal learning style. For most of our distance learning courses, you will be able to choose from the following two options:
Study pack: if you choose the study pack option, you will be sent a set of printed course materials which you can highlight and annotate as you go.
Study online: if you choose the online study option, you will be sent your login details to our online learning portal through which you will access your digital course materials.
Exam packages
For some of our qualifications, including AAT, A Levels, and GCSEs, we offer exam packages where we will book and pay for your exams (and practical sessions where necessary) for you, taking some of the unnecessary stress away and allowing you to focus on your studies.
Our online learning platform
Manage everything in one place, from submitting assignments to tracking your progress. Check out a quick demo of our bespoke online learning platform, Ohana.
Why choose Open Study College?
Trusted qualifications
Accredited by nationally-recognised, independent awarding bodies, you can feel confident you’re working towards a qualification that will help you achieve your goals. Benchmarked against the highest of industry standards, our online courses could open the door to your dream career!
Dedicated tutor support
Throughout your learning experience, your specialist tutor will be on-hand to offer unlimited expert support and guidance throughout your studies.
There are no scheduled classes to attend or timetables to abide by. Our online courses are designed for people who need to fit learning around their existing commitments.
Externally verified
As one of the leading online colleges in the UK, we have the seal of approval from external associations such as the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council. This means you can feel confident that you are studying with a trusted online learning provider.
Student perks
Once you have enrolled with us, you will receive a FREE XO student discounts membership, allowing you to enjoy a variety of exclusive student discounts on clothes, food, holidays, and more.
Affordable study
Our affordable and competitive prices allow you to invest in your future without worry. We offer flexible monthly payment plans to enable you to spread the cost of your studies across monthly, stress-free payments.
Career support
We are invested in you and your career, that’s why when you enrol with us, you’ll get access to benefits that will help you achieve the career you dream of.
Getting started
Find your perfect course
Browse our range of over 700 courses on our website. Once you find the right course to help you achieve your goals, you can enrol online.
If you have any questions or would like advice on choosing your course, our super friendly education specialists are always happy to help. You can schedule a call back with an adviser, or if you prefer, you can message us on WhatsApp!
Choose your payment option
Choose whether to pay for your course upfront and in full using a credit or debit card, or you can spread the cost with one of our flexible monthly payment options.
Starting your course
Once you have completed your enrolment, we will either send you your course materials in the post or email you your login details depending on the study method you choose. Once you have access to your course, you can start studying straight away!
You're in control of your future
Progress at work
If you’re looking to climb the career ladder or earn a promotion, we have professional courses and qualifications to help you get there. Studying via distance learning not only boosts your skills and demonstrates your commitment, but also provides the recognised qualifications you need to meet job requirements and stand out to employers.
Change your career
If you’re ready for a more rewarding career, or you’d love to turn something you’re passionate about into your job, we’re here to help you take that next step. Life’s too short to feel stuck in a job you don’t enjoy, so why not make a change?
With over 700 online courses to choose from, there are plenty of opportunities to explore something new. Whether you’re interested in childcare, education, accounting, healthcare, beauty, or something completely different, we have a course that can help you move closer to the career you’ve been dreaming about.
Get into university
If you didn’t get the grades you needed on results day, or you’re returning to education with the ambition of going to university, we have options for you!
- You can study your A Levels online with us, all from the comfort of your own home. They’re fully accredited and recognised, giving you the UCAS points you need to move forward with your plans.
- We also offer Access to HE Diplomas in subjects like Health, Law & Criminology, and Computer Science. These nationally recognised qualifications are equivalent to three A Levels and can be studied entirely from home. And the best part? No exams are needed to achieve it!
- We also offer a range of online GCSEs, including maths and English, as well as Functional Skills qualifications, so there are plenty of ways to get back on track and reach your goals.
Learn something new
Not everyone wants to study to benefit their career, and that’s okay! If you’re curious and want to learn something new just for the joy of it, we have courses that let you explore your interests at your own pace.
Who are Open Study College?
Open Study College are a distance learning college committed to helping people achieve their personal or career goals. We understand that life is busy, that’s why we offer over 700 courses, all designed to allow you to study around your existing work and life commitments. As a family-founded college, we think of everyone as an extended member of our family. We’ve got over 18 years of experience in providing distance learning courses that enable our learners to move forward with their goals.
HOW EXAMS WORK
We take care of the tricky stuff behind the scenes, so you can focus on what matters most - your learning.
In-person exams
For many recognised qualifications where formal exams are involved, such as A Levels & GCSEs, the final exam is taken in person at an approved exam centre.
For any courses and qualifications where an in-person exam is required, choosing the ‘with exams’ option means we take care of everything for you. That means no searching for centres, no navigating different awarding body requirements or worrying about entering for the correct specifications, and no trying to line everything up yourself.
Choosing the 'with exams' option
Guaranteed place
Finding an exam centre isn’t always straightforward. Not all centres accept private candidates, and availability can vary depending on your subject and awarding body.
Because we work with a network of approved partner centres, we’re able to secure your place without you having to research options or contact centres individually.
Exam dates
To ensure availability and avoid late fees, exams often need to be booked months in advance.
As soon as you let us know you are ready to enter for your exams, we take care of your booking and handle the entire process for you, helping to avoid last-minute stress or unexpected additional costs.
Arrange access arrangements
Need special accommodations or extra support? We can help collate the evidence and submit your request to your chosen exam centre.
Any access arrangements are subject to exam centres approval but we can support you every step of the way to get your request considered.
Coursework marking and authentication
When you include exams with your enrolment and are studying a subject with a coursework element, we handle the marking and authentication of your coursework, along with submitting it to the exam centre on your behalf, leaving you free to focus on your exam preparation.
Arrange science practicals
With the science subjects at GCSE and A level, you are required to undertake practical elements. We can take the stress of booking these practical endorsements at one of our partner centres with the options of weekend and weekday sessions available. If you are studying A level Geography or Environmental Science, we can also get your place confirmed for the fieldwork element of your studies.
With exams
- Exam centre booking for written exams
- Booking practical sessions
- Coursework marking and authentication
- Avoid late booking fees as we let you know the entry deadlines
- Access arrangements
Course only option
- Self-managed booking: With the course only option, you'll need to book exams yourself. This includes finding an approved centre, navigating awarding body requirements, placing your entry, arranging and fieldwork/practicals, take responsibility for coursework submissions and tracking deadlines.