can you go straight from GCSE to an open university course?

I went straight to studying with the Open University with NO A-Levels and only bare passes on my GCSE’s. There are no qualification entry requirements for the OU. If you are not used to university level study start with a Level 1 course as I did. They are tailor made to ‘break in’ new students to studying and are absolutely fabulous!! The tutoring is more intensive and extensive on Level 1 courses. The tutors themselves are also counselors as such, and help with ANY problems relating to your studies. So – yes – you can go straight to level 1 study. I would not recommend going straight in at Level 2 or 3, even for someone with an already existing degree as its important to get used to the OU system with this additional support. The regional advisors are great and do go to the website and speak to one of them. Also, if you don’t want to compete to a 60-point course, there is a range of short ‘openings’ courses etc that give you a taste for OU studying in an area that interest you. Theres some great publications also to help you that you can find cheaply on Ebay.

However, if you are young and at ‘A-level age’ then do them for free (for the UCAS points as well), and then I would say go onto the OU degree study and work at the same time in the industry you want to get into so as to gain valuable work experience to give you an absolute edge in your job search.

Do email me for further info if you want to, but I say go for it on a level 1 or shorter course if that suits you better!!

I am in my 6th and final year with the OU and have got jobs on the strength of me being an OU student.

Go for it and GOOD LUCK!!!

If you read their degree course descriptions, they always state that if you are new to study you should start with a level 1 course. These go toward getting you on to a degree programme. OU is suitable for those who have no formal qualifications as they can start you off on numerous levels of study.

If you’re the regular GCSE age I’d advise you to go through your A-Levels though as, for one thing, they are free. OU are a little pricey!

Good luck with what ever you decide.

in order to go to uni you would have to do some form of a-level course. a-levels are like the decider- if you do really well, then that means you are ready for uni.

take a-levels then think about uni-

there are no shortcuts,