Unlock your potential

Scalable

Reaching organisations right across the nation, those with single or multiple sites, from those in remote and rural to urban areas.

Flexible

Innovative online delivery optimises time in the workplace and accommodates business priorities and personal commitments.

Work-based

Our high-quality solutions provide learners with skills and experience which can be applied immediately to the workplace.

Unlock the potential of your workforce

At The Open University (OU), we promote opportunity by widening access to high-quality learning to all who wish to realise their ambitions – and this includes supporting organisations to address their skills needs through the provision of exceptional workforce development solutions.

As Scotland’s largest provider of flexible part-time higher education, with over 50 years experience of providing innovative distance learning, we are uniquely equipped to help industries address national skills priorities and support employers to develop a futureproof talent pipeline in an ever-changing world of work.

Scottish employer webinar: Access funded training through the Flexible Workforce Development Fund

Watch our webinar to explore how The Open University (OU) can support your organisation to develop your staff and volunteers via the Flexible Workforce Development Fund, which is supported by the Scottish Government via the Scottish Funding Council.

fwdf webinar

Watch on demand

What's it like working with The Open University in Scotland?

Working with The Open University allows us to develop our staff via a wide range of qualifications. The quality of the course content, and its availability at affordable costs, meant there was almost no contest when it came to choose the university as our learning partner.
Anthony Mackie
Service Manager at Glasgow City Council

Supported open entry

Many introductory modules do not have academic entry requirements, enabling learners to develop confidence in their academic ability and study skills to prepare them for further OU study.

Modular approach and stackable qualifications

Modules can be undertaken individually and used as stepping stones to qualifications including certificates, diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate qualifications.

Study intensity to flex around busy lives

With flexible entry and exit points, individuals can be supported to either increase or reduce their study workload to suit their personal circumstances and work commitments.