The Open University

The Open University in Scotland (OU) is a flexible opportunity to progress your education by gaining a degree using your qualifications gained at Dumfries and Galloway College.

Working with Dumfries and Galloway College the OU can count credit gained by studying an HNC, HND, or a range of other courses at the college. You will be able to tailor your needs by selecting modules and by studying part-time or full-time with flexible hours. It allows you to preference what you may wish to study by building on your subject areas already studied in college or learning new skills and knowledge in other areas of interest.

Students who have an HNC have a credit count of between 90 and 120 credits and students who have an HND can get up to 240 credits. These credits can be used towards getting into the OU degrees with a BA/BSc (open) being 300 credits or a BA/BSc (Open) with Honours with 360 credits. Honours degrees in named subjects are also available and the level of credit transfer awarded for the previous study will differ depending on the degree chosen.

To find out more about out HNC and HND qualifications click here 


Take the next step

The Open University is now accepting applications for courses starting in October 2022. If you have recently studied your HNC or HND you can transfer your credits over and apply for OU. They offer many degrees in subject areas such as:

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Business and Management
  • Computing and ICT
  • Childhood and Youth Studies, Education
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Environment
  • Health and Social Care
  • Languages
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Psychology
  • Science
  • Social Sciences and more

Support and Information

Although the OU is distance learning you will have access to study facilities here at Dumfries and Galloway College at both campuses in Dumfries and Stranraer. This also includes library services, IT and support, social spaces for OU students, and information about study opportunities. Learn more about our libraries 

Financially support is available to part-time and full-time students. Students whose individual income or replacement living cost-benefit is £25000 a year or less can study for free by applying for a Part-Time Fee Grant to cover the fees.