Online and distance learning courses for adults

Our online courses are designed to be studied at home at your own pace, making them a perfect choice for adults looking to return to education and continue their learning journey.

It's never too late to learn

Whether you are 30, 50 or 70 years old, it’s never too late to learn something new and continue your education.

As adults we often think that education has to end at college or university. If you have considered taking up studying again you may have explored options such as part-time courses or night school.

Here at Open Study College we believe in making education accessible for everyone. Which is why we provide a range of 700 courses designed to be studied at home, at your own pace, in your own time.

Distance learning means that you can study a course without having to travel to a physical college. You’ll study via an online learning platform or printed course materials that we package up and send to your house, the choice is yours.

Whether you need something to fit around your family, you’re juggling a job or you’re in retirement and looking for something to keep your mind active, distance learning with Open Study College can help.

Our courses range from subjects like gardening and horticulture to history, and from animal care to criminology. We also offer a range of qualifications such as A Levels and GCSEs – all studied from home.

Our learner services team and personal tutors are also on hand to guide you through your course, and for those with additional needs we can provide our materials in larger fonts or on coloured paper where required.

Adult learning has never been easier!

Courses to study in retirement

If you’re in retirement and looking for something to do to fill your time, why not consider an online course?

Hundreds of people in their 60s, 70s and 80s have enrolled with Open Study College. We know that people in retirement are keen to keep on learning about subject matters that really interest them or were once integral to their careers and lives.

Many of our older learners have chosen to study a distance learning course because of the convenience of being able to study from home. If you have been out of education for a long time it may feel daunting to go back to a physical college, or you may not be able to due to mobility issues. We understand the importance of keeping your mind active later on in life which is why we adapt our courses for the young, and young at heart.

Our courses come with the option of studying online or via a paper-based study pack where course materials are sent to your home. We know that this is often a preferred method of studying with our more mature learners.

Courses to further your career

If you’re already working and juggling life commitments such as looking after family or raising children, you may think that studying is off the cards for you.

This doesn’t need to be the case. With distance learning you can study at a time to suit you, whether that be on the weekends, in the evenings or even the middle of the day when the kids are at school! Our online courses are ideal for juggling part-time or full-time jobs too as if life gets particularly busy, you can pause your studies until you’re ready to pick them back up again.

Studying an online course at any age can give you the knowledge and qualifications you need to boost your career. They look great on your CV and may even inspire you to switch careers and do something you love!

When you enrol with Open Study College you’ll be assigned a personal tutor who will be on hand to guide you through your course and provide support to any questions you may have. Although you may not be going to a physical college, you’ll never feel alone.