Press Release

The Open University prepares to welcome A-level student enquiries

17 Aug 2006

The Open University is preparing for enquiries from school leavers who are looking to make their move into university education – as its campaign to encourage young people to consider OU study continues.

About one in eight (12.4 per cent) of the University’s undergraduate students are aged 24 or under – a figure up from 5.3 per cent in 1996/1997. The trend has prompted the university to specifically market and promote itself as a viable and practical higher education option to school leavers.

Research shows five factors make the OU an attractive option to the under-24s:
- the opportunity to study for a well-respected degree while making a headstart in a career;
- the chance to earn while they qualify, avoiding the need to take out loans to cover fees and living costs;
- the value that employers put on the skills and attributes that OU students develop, including time management, commitment and ambition;
- the opportunity to join the OU’s very diverse student community, online or face-to-face;
- the teaching quality and high levels of student satisfaction.

The University is ranked in the top five of all UK universities for teaching quality, according to the Sunday Times University Guide 2005. OU students are more impressed with the quality of their courses than those at any other university, according to the findings of the National Student Survey 2005.

The marketing and communications campaign aimed at younger students includes a newspaper advertising campaign during clearing, a “hot link” to the OU on the UCAS website, displays at careers and university fairs, and activity aimed at sixth form advisers and counsellors in schools. A longer-term campaign to reach those students who are considering university study in 2007 is also underway.

Typical fees for an Open University undergraduate honours degree run from £2,850 to £3,700. This cost, which can be spread over several years, can be covered by parental help, students’ earnings or government grants for part-time students. Students earning less than £15,000 may not have to pay for their course at all.

Will Swann – Director, Students for the University – said the campaign reflected the increasing attraction that the University has for younger students, including school leavers.

He added: “While The Open University is not officially part of the clearing process, we want all prospective students to be aware of the many benefits that the university offers – an excellent degree, the chance to start their career at the same time as they study and no debt worries.”

Younger students who are looking for more information about Open University study can call 0870 333 4340 or visit the new website at www.openuniversity.co.uk/five