The Open University
Also known as: OU
5 Star Employer Ranking
Walton Hall, Kents Hill, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK
Also known as: OU
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Bank Holiday | 1 January 2025 | National holiday in the UK, offices closed, ideal for starting new modules with fresh motivation. |
| 📅 | February Module Start | 1 February 2025approximate | Beginning of spring modules, students enroll in various distance learning courses. |
| ✝️ | Good Friday | 18 April 2025 | Christian holiday, break for reflection and family time. |
| 🐰 | Easter Monday | 21 April 2025 | Bank holiday following Easter, extended weekend for rest. |
| 🌷 | Early May Bank Holiday | 5 May 2025 | Public holiday, time to catch up on studies or relax. |
| 🏞️ | Spring Bank Holiday | 26 May 2025 | Late May break, often used for module assessments. |
| 📝 | Summer Module Assessments | 15 June 2025approximate | Period for submitting assignments and exams for summer terms. |
| ☀️ | Summer Bank Holiday | 25 August 2025 | End of summer holiday, preparation for autumn modules. |
| 🍂 | October Module Start | 4 October 2025approximate | Main intake for new academic year modules. |
| ❄️ | Winter Assessments Begin | 15 November 2025approximate | Start of exam and assignment period for autumn modules. |
| 🎄 | Christmas Day | 25 December 2025 | Major holiday, university services closed. |
| 🎁 | Boxing Day | 26 December 2025 | Following Christmas, extended break for festivities. |
| 📊 | End of Year Review Period | 31 December 2025 | Time for students to review progress and plan ahead. |
| 🗓️ | Module Enrollment Deadline | 15 January 2025approximate | Cutoff for February module registrations. |
| 👩🏫 | Tutor Assignment Period | 15 February 2025approximate | Assignment of tutors to new module students. |
| 💬 | Mid-Module Feedback | 1 April 2025approximate | Opportunity for students to receive interim feedback. |
| 🔬 | Research Symposium | 10 July 2025approximate | Virtual event for sharing research findings. |
| 🎓 | Graduation Ceremonies | 20 September 2025approximate | Celebration for completing students. |
Are you planning on applying to OU next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at OU. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📝 | Module Registration Opens | 1 September 2025 | Start of registrations for 2026 modules at OU. |
| 💰 | Financial Aid Application Deadline | 30 November 2025 | Cutoff for funding applications for upcoming year. |
| 🗓️ | February Module Enrollment Closes | 15 January 2026 | Last day to enroll for spring start. |
| 🌍 | International Student Query Deadline | 31 December 2025 | For visa and support inquiries. |
| ⏰ | October Module Early Bird Registration | 1 June 2026 | Early registration for autumn modules. |
| ✅ | Admission Confirmation Period | 31 January 2026 | Confirmations sent for enrolled students. |
| 🏆 | Scholarship Application Deadline | 31 October 2025 | Applications for OU scholarships. |
| 💻 | Orientation Webinar | 25 January 2026 | Virtual session for new students. |
| 🚪 | Final Enrollment for Year | 15 September 2026 | Last chance for 2026 modules. |
The Open University (OU) operates on a unique academic calendar tailored to its distance learning model, emphasizing flexibility for adult learners balancing education with work and family. Unlike traditional universities with rigid semesters, OU's calendar revolves around module start dates, typically in October and February, allowing students to enroll in courses that fit their schedules. This structure supports part-time study, with modules spanning six to nine months, and includes key periods for assessments, tutor-marked assignments, and exams. Historically, OU was founded in 1969 to democratize higher education, and its calendar has evolved to incorporate online learning advancements, making it accessible globally. Compared to campus-based UK universities like Oxford or Cambridge, OU's approach avoids fixed terms, offering rolling admissions and self-paced progression. For students, this impacts planning by providing freedom but requiring self-discipline for deadlines. International students benefit from no on-campus requirements, aligning with diverse time zones. Holidays integrate with UK observances like Christmas and Easter, often providing natural breaks for reflection. Faculty enjoy adaptable workloads, and the calendar supports research alongside teaching. To get insights into teaching quality, check out Rate My Professor for OU tutor reviews. Prospective students should note how the calendar aligns with admissions, which are open year-round but tied to module starts. This flexibility is a hallmark, enabling lifelong learning without disrupting life commitments. OU's calendar also considers bank holidays, ensuring minimal disruption. For job seekers in academia, explore higher ed jobs at OU via Academic Jobs. Overall, understanding this calendar is crucial for effective planning, whether you're a student mapping out modules or faculty scheduling tutorials.
At The Open University, the academic year doesn't follow traditional semesters but is structured around module presentation periods, usually starting in the autumn and spring. This allows for flexible class planning, where students select modules that align with their availability, often combining full-time work. Tips for planning include reviewing module durations early, prioritizing core requirements, and using OU's online tools for scheduling. Ratings from platforms like Rate My Professor can help choose tutors with strong feedback on flexibility. International students appreciate this model for accommodating different time zones, avoiding conflicts with local holidays. For faculty, planning involves preparing materials in advance for asynchronous delivery. Compared to rigid schedules at other UK institutions, OU's approach reduces stress, promoting better work-life balance. Students often plan around key assessment points, ensuring time for revisions. To view or contribute to professor evaluations, visit Rate My Professor. This system supports diverse learners, from career changers to parents, making education inclusive. For those interested in academic careers, check lecturer jobs at OU.
Exams at The Open University are typically scheduled at the end of modules, with options for online or in-person sittings depending on the course. Preparation involves utilizing OU's vast resources like study guides and forums. Tips include creating study timetables that fit personal schedules, joining virtual study groups, and practicing past papers. The flexible nature means exams align with module endings rather than fixed terms. Students rate their experiences highly when preparation is thorough, as seen on Rate My Professor. Faculty provide extensive support through tutorials.
The Open University academic calendar incorporates UK-specific holidays like Christmas, Easter, and bank holidays such as May Day and August Bank Holiday, providing natural breaks for students to recharge. Unlike US universities with thanksgiving or spring break, OU aligns with British traditions, offering time for family during festive periods. Travel tips include booking early for Easter getaways or summer holidays, especially for international students visiting home. Planning around these breaks helps in scheduling module work, ensuring deadlines aren't missed. For example, the Christmas period allows reflection on progress, while Easter might coincide with revision time. Faculty use these times for professional development or research. To learn more about university life, explore Rate My College. This integration enhances the learning experience by respecting cultural observances.
Faculty at The Open University manage work schedules around module timelines, with deadlines for marking assignments and providing feedback. This requires efficient time management, often using digital platforms. Tips include setting reminders for key dates and collaborating with colleagues virtually.
Meetings at OU are often virtual, with grading periods aligned to module ends. Staff are invited to rate their employer on platforms like Academic Jobs. For career opportunities, see employer profiles.
Historically, OU calendars have adapted to technological changes, with patterns showing consistent module starts. Archives provide insights into past structures, useful for long-term planning.
Key events include orientation webinars and virtual commencements. Students are invited to rate professors on Rate My Professor to share experiences.
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Bank Holiday | 1 January 2026 | Start of the year with national closure. |
| 📅 | February Module Start | 7 February 2026approximate | Launch of spring distance learning modules. |
| ✝️ | Good Friday | 3 April 2026 | Holiday for observance and break. |
| 🐰 | Easter Monday | 6 April 2026 | Post-Easter bank holiday. |
| 🌷 | Early May Bank Holiday | 4 May 2026 | Spring public holiday. |
| 🏞️ | Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May 2026 | Late spring break. |
| 📝 | Summer Module Assessments | 20 June 2026approximate | Assessment window for summer courses. |
| ☀️ | Summer Bank Holiday | 31 August 2026 | End of summer holiday. |
| 🍂 | October Module Start | 3 October 2026approximate | Autumn module commencement. |
| ❄️ | Winter Assessments Begin | 20 November 2026approximate | Start of winter evaluations. |
| 🎄 | Christmas Day | 25 December 2026 | Festive holiday closure. |
| 🎁 | Boxing Day | 26 December 2026 | Day after Christmas holiday. |
| 📊 | End of Year Review Period | 31 December 2026 | Year-end planning. |
| 🗓️ | Module Enrollment Deadline | 20 January 2026approximate | Registration cutoff. |
| 👩🏫 | Tutor Assignment Period | 20 February 2026approximate | Tutor allocations. |
| 💬 | Mid-Module Feedback | 15 April 2026approximate | Feedback sessions. |
| 🔬 | Research Symposium | 15 July 2026approximate | Annual research event. |
| 🎓 | Graduation Ceremonies | 25 September 2026approximate | Degree celebrations. |
