North-east MP welcomes uptake in Open University courses

Gordon MP Richard Thomson has highlighted the popularity of the Open University in the constituency after figures showed that 450 local residents are students of the pioneering distance learning institution.

The Open University is open to everyone, regardless of age, income, geography and background and with no requirement for entry qualifications.

Flexible study is core to the university’s attractiveness, with 74 per cent of Gordon-based students working either full-time or part-time.

Mr Thomson said: “The university offers high-quality online skills and learning to students, lifelong learners, communities, employees and businesses, working in partnership with other universities, colleges, NHS social care, the third sector and over 230 employers across Scotland.

“I’m pleased to see a number of locally-based companies sponsoring staff members to study there.

"In addition, the Open University has links with secondary schools in Huntly, Ellon, Dyce and Bridge of Don providing a funded online bridging programme for S6 pupils to help them gain university level study skills in a range of subjects."

Visit www.open.ac.uk/Scotland to find put more about the courses the Open University has to offer.

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