<strong>How distance learning can help unlock your future</strong>

It's time to rethink further education.

The career landscape around us is ever-changing. Employees are prioritising flexibility and hybrid working solutions are becoming more and more in demand.

In this changing landscape, it should stand to reason that our higher education system should adapt to facilitate students who also prioritise flexibility and remote learning. One university that is leading the way in this field is The Open University. For a glimpse of what to expect at The Open University, take a look at this video right here.

At the core of The Open University is its commitment to accessibility, supported distance learning, employability, flexibility and global recognition.

As its name suggests, The Open University is open to all. In fact, many of the courses on offer don't have any entry requirements, beyond a desire to work hard and learn. The university's mission is to empower anyone, anywhere to learn at their own pace. As a result, the university leads the way in online learning, allowing students in the UK and around the world to reach their full potential. Their flexible approach to learning, meanwhile, offers students access to a world-class education while balancing work, family life and other commitments.

What's more, given the current cost-of-living crisis, supported distance learning can enable students to save on accommodation. Recent research from The Open University found that 49% of young adults have reconsidered going to university in the past year due to rising living costs. As The Open University's flexibility allows students to learn remotely and configure their studies around their working situation, it offers an attractive alternative to traditional brick universities. In fact, a new report with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) and the OU estimates that students could potentially save up to £6,555 a year, accompanied with a lower debt burden.

One graduate who credits The Open University for his career is Alex Coniff. Alex is an AIMP Mechanical Engineer stationed at the Rothera Research Station, the largest British Antarctic facility based in the Antarctic Peninsula. 

Alex chose The Open University over a traditional brick university because he was working overseas at the time, and struggling to find part-time study courses that would fit in with his career.

"The OU was the ideal solution to my needs while studying outside of the UK," he tells Joe.

As well as the flexibility offered in the OU's courses, Alex loved the top-quality module content and how respected the degrees are. In fact, he is currently considering returning to the OU for additional studies when his daughter is a little older.

For those who may be on the fence about studying at the OU, Alex advises starting slow.

"If it seems like a daunting commitment, just try a single module," he says. "You can study modules in isolation, once you realise what you are capable of achieving, the study bug will catch you and before you know it, you'll be graduating."

Ready to learn more?

Registration is currently open for courses starting in October and closes on 7 September. To browse courses, learn more and kickstart your next chapter, visit The Open University's official website right here.

Brought to you by The Open University.