5th June 25
learndirect has announced a new progression agreement with The Open University (OU), offering learners on selected Online Degree Pathways the chance to graduate with a full BA or BSc Honours Open degree from one of the UK’s most respected universities.
The UK’s leading online learning provider continues its mission to make education more accessible and flexible for all by creating clear and affordable routes to university-level qualifications.
Through this agreement, eligible learners who complete one of learndirect’s Online Degree Pathways, which covers Year 1 and Year 2, will be able to transfer their credits and apply to enter into Year 3 of the OU’s BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree, which is a flexible and multidisciplinary programme recognised worldwide.
Wayne Janse van Rensburg, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at learndirect, said: “We are proud to be working with The Open University to create a new progression route for our learners. For those on eligible courses, this means they can begin their studies with learndirect and graduate with a full OU degree without the need for relocation, and with greater control over how and when they learn. It’s a more accessible, flexible, and affordable way to reach university-level education.”
The Open University was named the Daily Mail University of the Year for Teaching Excellence 2025, ranks in the top three UK universities for employability*, and is one of just 34 universities to receive Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023.
Through this pathway, learners can complete their final year with the OU entirely online. Funding options may be available to help cover tuition costs, depending on where learners live.
The new progression route is available to learners enrolled on the following Online Degree Pathways with learndirect:
*University Compare 2025
