Let’s face it — not everyone in Northern Ireland gets the chance to head off to uni at 18, suitcase in one hand and freshers’ timetable in the other.
In fact, for thousands of people here, the idea of “going to university” feels impossible. Not because they aren’t smart or ambitious — but because life gets in the way.
So, what’s really stopping people from studying? And how do we start breaking those barriers down?
1. “I can’t afford to go”
With the cost of living continuing to rise, many people are rightly asking: how can I afford a degree when I’m already struggling to pay the bills?
But studying doesn’t have to mean moving away or racking up huge debt.
At The Open University in Northern Ireland , most students:
Save thousands by choosing a degree that costs 48% less than a degree from a brick university
Study part-time, so they can still work and earn
Learn from home, saving on travel and accommodation
Pay per module, not per year — making it more manageable
And crucially, there’s financial support available In fact, many OU students in NI qualify for a part-time fee grant, making it one of the most affordable ways to get a UK degree.
2. “I’m too busy”
Between jobs, kids, caring responsibilities and the daily demands of life, many people don’t have time to sit in a lecture theatre five days a week.
The Open University flips that idea on its head. There are no fixed timetables and no classrooms — just learning that fits around your schedule.
“I study in my lunch breaks at work, while travelling, and in the evenings mostly. Sometimes I go to the library to study for longer sessions, especially when I have assignments due.” says Hailee from Belfast, who is studying for her STEM degree with the OU.
You study when and where it suits you — and you set the pace.
3. “I don’t think I’d fit in”
For a lot of people here, especially those who didn’t go to uni straight from school, there’s still a feeling of “university’s not for people like me.”
But that’s changing.
The average age of an Open University student in Northern Ireland is over 28 . Many have families, jobs, and real-life experience. Some are retraining, others are picking up where they left off. All of them are proof that there’s no such thing as a “typical” student anymore.
"I think leaving school with 1 GCSE, growing up in a council estate, and no one in my family having attended university before meant people didn't expect much from me. So achieving this degree is a massive achievement," says Jason, age 29 from Belfast.
4. “I wouldn’t know where to start”
Even the idea of applying to university can feel overwhelming.
That’s why The Open University in Northern Ireland offers free, friendly advice to help you explore courses, understand funding options, and work out what’s right for you.
There are no UCAS points needed, and you can even dip your toe in with a free OpenLearn short course before committing to a degree.
A new path, on your terms
Going to university isn’t just for school leavers, or people who can pack up and move across the country.
It’s for:
Parents looking to reskill
Workers ready for a change
Carers and key workers who study in spare moments
People who never thought “university” had a place in their lives
And with The Open University in Northern Ireland, it finally can.
