Buy Open University Learning Resources

Most of the Open University videos are made for OU students to help them more fully understand a variety of different,often complex, subjects they are studying. In as many cases as possible OU Worldwide attempt to bring this expertise to the wider market, though obviously we are not always able to do this as sometimes the costs involved in clearing third party material is too expensive. The videos we do clear for sale are targeted mainly at educational institutions to enable them to bring their teaching to life. In this role as a teaching tool they actually offer exceptional value as they can be used time and time again and are of a very high standard. As is the case in any programme made for theatre, tv or video the costs involved can be extremely high and as we don't sell through high street shops or launch our films through the cinema we are unable to benefit from the economies of scale of large production runs and box office sales, our market is much more limited and specialist. We do attempt to run promotions and discount older videos as much as possible so do please check our 'special offers' page.

If the book you have selected is an Open University co-published title, you can buy in on-line from Eddington Hook, who are suppliers of academic books. We link directly to the site so by simply pressing the link button 'To buy from supplier' which replaces our own shopping basket icon, you will leave OU Webshop to enter Eddington Hook's website at the relevant place to buy your book from them.

When any of the Open University books are copublished it is then the responsibility of the other publisher to take over the role of selling the book for profit, the OU will only use their stock for OU students. All commercial sales of these books, therefore, need to go through a 3rd party so they can be purchased directly from the other publisher.

To find the item(s) you require you can search by the broad subject categories in the Browse Subjects list, or use the keyword Product Search. If you wish, you can narrow down your keyword search further by choosing the media type you require (e.g. 'software' or 'study pack'). If you know the order code or ISBN number of the product you are looking for, you can type this in the keyword search and go straight to the item you require. If you would like to see all the available materials from an Open University course, simply type the course code in the keyword search box.

This website uses Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) throughout. This technology is supported by the latest versions of Internet Explorer and Netscape. In Netscape 4 browsers you may find that certain sections of text have inconsistent sizes. In level three browsers and below we have disabled the CSS so that the site continues to function. The 'print' icon in our terms & conditions page is not supported by level 3 and below browsers. Please use your browser's print function which can be found in the 'file' menu.If you are experiencing problems or have any comments please email customer services ouw-customer-services@open.ac.uk.

We would strongly recommend that you have your tutors trained in our teaching methodology of Supported Open Learning as well as training on teaching particular courses on specific subjects. If your aim is to offer an Open University award this is mandatory.

We employ a two stage security process for the details you supply to us including your name, address and credit/debit card details. Firstly we use SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), an industry standard system for transferring data securely over the internet. Secondly we store your details in an encrypted format with only authorised personnel able to read them.

Your credit/debit card will not be charged for the cost of the goods you have ordered until we have checked that the items are in stock and can be sent to you. For this reason you may find that the total cost of the goods you have ordered has been charged to your credit/debit card in instalments. Your credit/debit card may also show more than one debit if the goods you have ordered come from different Open University departments. However, the sum of these amounts on your statement will always be the same as the total price you agreed to pay.

Your goods will be delivered to you either by second class post or by parcel post, depending on the weight. You may receive your goods in instalments, depending on the availability of the items of you have ordered.

Yes, you can view the material at your nearest Regional Centre. You will need to telephone the Centre first to make an appointment. Visit the Open University Addresses webpage for further details.

Please see our Terms and Conditions or telephone +44 (0)1908 858793 for details of our 14 day money back guarantee.

Please telephone our Customer Services department on +44 (0)1908 858793 and they will be able to help you.

Some products are available in accessible Adobe Portable Document File (PDF) format and are supplied on disk. For further information follow the link to Alternative Formats.

The prices on this website are for VHS format videos. Other formats are available at an additional cost. Please contact a member of our Customer Services department by email ouw-customer-services@open.ac.uk for details.

Most Open University software is designed to run on Windows 95TM although some of our software products are also available for Windows 3.1. The only software products currently available that are compatible with both PC and mac are those from Geology (S260).

Please contact a member of our Customer Services department ouw-customer-services@open.ac.uk if you require details.

Please visit our software support website.

Software is supplied on either 3.5" floppy disk or on CD-ROM. The format of each piece of software is indicated in the software description.

Open University software can only be copied if a multi-user licence has been purchased. Please email ouw-customer-services@open.ac.uk for details.

Multi-user licences are available for most of our software programs on floppy disc. We do not offer multi-user licences for our software programs on CD-ROM. Instead, we offer a multiple copy discount. For further information about multi-user licences and multiple copy discounts please contact Customer Services ouw-customer-services@open.ac.uk tel: +44 (0) 1908 858793.

No. The software can only be used on the licensed site.

Open University software is generally designed to work on a PC with either Microsoft Windows 3.1 and/or 95. The exact specification for the computer varies but you can find out exactly what is required by reading the product description on this website.

Study packs are multimedia resource packs on a wide variety of topics. They are designed to be used as and when you wish and are an accessible, flexible and cost-effective resource, providing the basis for learning and professional development whether undertaken individually or in groups.

No, not usually. However, if you purchased an assessment pack with your study pack, and completed and returned the Computer Marked Assignments, you will be sent a Certificate of Participation.

Study Packs do not gain credits towards an Open University Degree, they are purely for your own interest. They can also be used or for information relating to your work or skills needed for your work or study.

The recommended time differs depending on the pack you are studying but you can take as long as you like to work through the packs as they are completely stand-alone.

No.

Why are the videos more expensive than shop-bought videos?

How do I buy co-published books?

Why doesn't the Open University sell the books from its own site?

How do I find the item(s) I am looking for?

What browser has this website been designed for?

Do we need consultancy/tutor training?

How secure is my personal information?

When will my credit/debit card be charged?

How will my goods be delivered to me?

Is there anywhere that I can go and view the material before deciding whether I want to purchase it?

If I purchase an item from Open University Worldwide Ltd and it is not what I want can I have my money back?

I would prefer not to buy online, what should I do?

Do you supply products in alternative formats?

In what format are the videos available?

Which operating system does Open University software require?

I have a problem with my Open University software, where can I get help?

What format is the software available in?

Can software be copied?

Can I buy a software multi-user site licence for my organisation?

Can I use the software outside my institution, for example when I am on a lecturing tour?

How do I know if the software will work on my computer?

What is a study pack?

Do I get a certificate after completing a study pack?

Will I gain any credits that I can put towards a degree?

How long does each study pack take to complete?

If I purchase a Language Study pack and then register on the corresponding Open University language course, do I get a refund?