Open University case study: Flexibility meant I was able to study whilst working full-time

The 22-year-old, from Aberdeen, is currently studying for a BA (Honours) in English Literature, whilst pursuing an acting career.

She does most of her studying in her own time, but attends monthly tutorials and sits external exams in some courses.

She said: “My mum studied at the Open University and that was the only thing I really knew about it”

“I had the mindset that I was going to be the only young person, but at the bigger tutorials there are more young people.

“I think the main reason is that they give you a lot of help when it comes to managing your finances, and it allows you to continue to work. I know from speaking to a lot of friends who are at university that they are struggling to keep up with part-time hours. The cost of living, especially if you have to move away from home, is really expensive.

“When I first began at the Open University, I was living away from home, so not working full-time wasn’t really an option for me.”