Find the right distance learning provider for you
Distance learning allows you to study from anywhere, rather than requiring you to attend physical lectures and seminars on campus.
Over the last decade, there has been a significant growth in distance learners. In May 2023, the UK government reported a 38.7% increase in students studying via distance learning between 2015/16 and 2021/22. So it's not surprising that The Open University (OU) is no longer the only option if you want to study online.
Walbrook
Walbrook was founded in 1879. Since then, we've combined our 145+ years of experience in education with our commitment to pushing boundaries, with the launch of flexible online degrees that aim to prepare students for success in the future world of work.
Start your course any month of the year
Choose your exam dates and times
Pay monthly, annually or in full
Future-focused courses based on high-demand skills
Support from your Study Coach and careers team
Self-arranged internship modules optional on all undergraduate courses
Tuition fees
Undergraduate degree: £20,805
Undergraduate degree with foundation year: £26,565
Postgraduate degree: £9,750
MBA degree: £10,250
The Open University
The Open University launched in 1969 in Milton Keynes, with a mission to make learning accessible to all. They offer courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level, that can be studied on a module-by-module basis or as full courses.
Core intake month: October
Fixed exam dates and times
Monthly instalment loan, with interest
Wide range of subjects, traditional and future-focused
Academic tutor and subject-specific academic support
Searchable database of internships
Tuition fees
Undergraduate degree: £20,772
Postgraduate degree: £7,045 – £20,160
How is Walbrook different?
Start your course in any month
Walbrook: flexible start dates
At Walbrook, you can start your course in any month of the year, whenever it most suits your life. When you start, you'll join a cohort of students with the same start date as you, which means you'll be part of a community from your very first day.
The Open University: fixed start dates
Most Open University modules start in October, which is the start of the traditional academic year in line with most traditional UK universities. Some modules also have a February or April start date.
Take your exams whenever it suits you
Walbrook: exams when you choose
At Walbrook, all exams take place remotely and you can book your exam slots any time of the day or night, 365 days a year. You'll be able to book your exam once you've completed a set amount of your module.
The Open University: fixed exams
Exams at the Open University are scheduled on fixed dates. You'll get 12 weeks' notice, so you have time to prepare and to rearrange your other commitments around your exam date and time. If you need to reschedule an exam, there are strict criteria to adhere to. Most exams are remote – if a module requires a face-to-face exam, it will be noted in the module description.
Interest-free flexible fee payments
Walbrook: tuition fee loans or self-fund monthly, annually or in full
Walbrook students can apply for tuition fee loans. Students who self-fund can pay monthly, annually or in full – whatever you choose, the total cost is the same, without interest on instalments. If you choose to pay in full at the start of your studies, you'll receive a tuition fee reduction of up to 10% depending on your study level and duration. We also offer scholarships for eligible students.
The Open University: tuition fee loans or pay per module
Students at The Open University can apply for a tuition fee loan, or they can apply for an 'OU Budget Account Loan' that can be repaid in full or in monthly instalments plus interest. They also accept employee sponsorship, and students can apply for bursaries, grants and scholarships.
Degrees focused on the future
Walbrook: future-focused subjects
At Walbrook, our focus is on providing quality business, technology and data degrees that develop skills employers are looking for. 75% of our undergraduate courses and 70% of our postgraduate courses include an AI-based module – either as a core module or as an elective.
We also offer an online master's degree in artificial intelligence that provides deeper study into areas of machine learning and natural language processing.
The Open University: broad subject catalogue
The Open University offers courses in subjects including arts and humanities, business, computing, health sciences, psychology, law, languages and more. Alongside more traditional university subjects, The OU also offers degrees in environmental science, STEM, and modules in subjects such as renewable energy and programming languages.
Online learning support
Walbrook: learning support
At Walbrook, your Study Coach is on hand to offer advice on study methods, time management, and motivation, helping you balance your studies with your other commitments and achieve your academic goals.
You can also reach out to your module lecturers in your module Course Feeds, where you can engage with insights shared by other students.
The Open University: academic and peer support
Your tutor at The Open University is available for academic advice or guidance. Your specific tutor will let you know when and how you can contact them. The OU also has subject-specific Student Support Teams who can answer questions you might have about your studies.
Career-focused internships
Walbrook: elective self-arranged internship modules
At Walbrook, we offer elective internship modules (subject to eligibility) on all of our undergraduate courses and 75% of our postgraduate courses. The elective internship modules offer you the opportunity secure and complete an internship of your choice, that can be recognised and credited towards your course requirements.
The Open University: searchable internship database
The Open University provides a searchable database of internships organised by their Careers and Employability Services, as well as a guide on how to approach a company you're interested in to propose an internship.
Take your next step with Walbrook
Don't let any obstacles stand in your way. With our flexible approach to education, relevant courses, 100% online teaching, and access to a global professional network, Walbrook is your gateway to creating a successful life. We are committed to teaching industry-relevant skills and ideas, equipping you with the expertise and knowledge that that employers around the world expect and value.
Our website has all the information you need – from course details to student services – and our online application process is quick and easy, allowing you to start your journey with us in just a few clicks.