Open University Becomes Attractive to Young Undergraduates

Distance learning is a form of education focusing on an instruction system that delivers education to students who are not physically present in a traditional classroom setting. The premier distance learning university in the UK is the Open University (OU), which is noted for having an open entry policy of having no prerequisite entry requirements for most of the university's undergraduate degrees.

The latest educational news about the Open University is that the percentage of young students enrolling in the university have constantly increased so that 25% of the new students in 2009 are in the age group from 17 to 25 years old. The university officials have cited several reasons for the recent popularity of the open university system.

The tuition fees are the most compelling reason because the average fees are between 4,000 to 5,000 pounds for an undergraduate degree, which is lower compared to the average of 9,000 pounds for a campus-based university degree.

Another reason for the popularity of the Open University educational system is the various distance learning methods available to students, which include audio and written materials, disc-based software, television programmes and the Internet.

In addition, many young students in the OU have full-time or part-time jobs who are usually working towards a first or additional degree as a way of career advancement in their present jobs or in future job prospects.

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