The
Open University (
OU) is a public
distance learning and research university, and one of the biggest universities in the UK for undergraduate education. The majority of the OU's undergraduate students are based throughout the United Kingdom and principally study off-
campus; many of its courses (both undergraduate and
postgraduate) can also be studied anywhere in the world. There are also a number of full-time postgraduate research students based on the 48-
hectare university campus where they use the OU facilities for research, as well as more than 1000 members of academic and research staff and over 2500 administrative, operational and support staff. The OU was established in 1969 and the first students enrolled in January 1971. The University administration is based at
Walton Hall,
Milton Keynes in
Buckinghamshire, but has regional centres in each of its thirteen regions around the United Kingdom. It also has offices and regional examination centres in many other European countries. The university awards undergraduate and postgraduate
degrees, as well as non-degree qualifications such as
diplomas and
certificates or
continuing education units.