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The Open University
(OU)
About
The Open University (OU) is a public research university and the largest university in the United Kingdom by number of students. The majority of the OU's undergraduate students are based in the United Kingdom and principally study off-campus; many of its courses can also be studied anywhere in the world. There are also a number of full-time postgraduate research students based on the 45 ha (110-ac...
The Open University (OU) is a public research university and the largest university in the United Kingdom by number of students. The majority of the OU's undergraduate students are based in the United Kingdom and principally study off-campus; many of its courses can also be studied anywhere in the world. There are also a number of full-time postgraduate research students based on the 45 ha (110-acre) university campus at Walton Hall in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, where they use the staff facilities for research, as well as more than 1,000 members of academic and research staff and over 2,500 administrative, operational and support staff.
Ranking Overview
Ranked Top 801 worldwide across 3 major ranking systems
Ranked in 25 subject rankings
QS World University Rankings
Times Higher Education World University Rankings
Academic Ranking of World Universities
U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings
Key Facts
- Students
- 70,690
- Student-Staff Ratio
- 22.7 : 1
- Int'l Students
- 9%
- Female : Male
- 67 : 33
Historical Trend
Longitudinal View
THE
ARWU
US News
Top Subjects
Best-performing areasSubject Rankings
Detailed breakdownARWU
12 subjects|
Subject
|
Rank
|
Score
|
Year
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administration | 24 | 136.9 | 2025 |
| Geography | 101-150 | - | 2025 |
| Education & Training | 101-150 | - | 2025 |
| Earth & Marine Sciences | 151-200 | - | 2025 |
| Law & Legal Studies | 151-200 | - | 2025 |
| Sociology | 151-200 | - | 2025 |
| Communication & Media Studies | 151-200 | - | 2024 |
| Politics | 301-400 | - | 2024 |
| Business Administration | 301-400 | - | 2019 |
| Computer Science | 401-500 | - | 2019 |
| Human Biological Sciences | 401-500 | - | 2022 |
| Psychology | 401-500 | - | 2021 |
QS
10 subjects|
Subject
|
Rank
|
Score
|
Year
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Education & Training | =96 | 70.1 | 2026 |
| Development Studies | 101-150 | - | 2026 |
| Geography | 151-200 | - | 2020 |
| Geology | 151-200 | - | 2021 |
| Linguistics | 201-250 | - | 2026 |
| Philosophy | 201-225 | - | 2026 |
| English Language & Literature | 251-300 | - | 2021 |
| Social Sciences & Management | 451-500 | - | 2020 |
| Arts & Humanities | 501-550 | - | 2025 |
| Computer Science | 651-700 | - | 2026 |
THE
11 subjects|
Subject
|
Rank
|
Score
|
Year
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Education & Training | 126–150 | 49.6 | 2026 |
| Law & Legal Studies | 301–400 | 24.7 | 2026 |
| Social Sciences | 401–500 | 34.6 | 2026 |
| Arts & Humanities | 401–500 | 27.4 | 2026 |
| Psychology | 501–600 | 28.2 | 2026 |
| Computer Science | 601–800 | 30.0 | 2026 |
| Life Sciences | 601–800 | 29.3 | 2026 |
| Physical Sciences | 601–800 | 32.8 | 2026 |
| Business & Economics | 601–800 | 28.8 | 2026 |
| Clinical & Health | 801–1000 | 22.9 | 2026 |
| Engineering & Technology | 1001–1250 | 21.4 | 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ranking of The Open University?
The Open University's performance in the latest university rankings: THE Rank 801–1000, ARWU Rank 901-1000, US News Rank 888.
When was The Open University founded?
The Open University was founded in 1969.
What are the top subjects at The Open University?
Top subjects at The Open University include: Public Administration, Education & Training, Geography, Development Studies, Earth & Marine Sciences.
Where is The Open University located?
The Open University is located in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom.