The Open University
South East, England
How much do Open University graduates earn by subject?
Open University graduates earn a median salary of £31,000 five years after graduation. The highest-paying subject is Engineering at £49,600, while Education and teaching graduates earn £23,700.
+ 14 more subjects
Salary growth: how do earnings change over time?
Graduate salaries typically grow significantly in the first five years. Subjects like medicine and engineering tend to see steeper growth, while creative fields may start lower but offer non-linear career paths.
| Subject | 15 months | 3 years | 5 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | - | £43,500 | £49,000 |
| Computing | £36,000 | £35,750 | £42,500 |
| Economics | £34,000 | £24,000 | £27,500 |
| Business and management | - | £32,000 | £37,500 |
| Mathematical sciences | £32,000 | £30,000 | £36,000 |
| Health and social care | £28,000 | £26,500 | £31,500 |
| Politics | - | £24,500 | £30,500 |
| Allied health | £27,000 | £28,000 | £31,750 |
| Biosciences | £28,000 | £26,500 | £31,500 |
| Creative arts and design | - | £27,000 | £29,500 |
| Languages and area studies | - | £18,500 | £21,500 |
| History and archaeology | £31,000 | £22,000 | £26,000 |
| Psychology | £29,000 | £22,500 | £25,500 |
| Education and teaching | £31,000 | £23,000 | £26,500 |
15-month data from Graduate Outcomes survey. 3-year and 5-year data from LEO (Longitudinal Education Outcomes). Growth is calculated from 15 months to 5 years after graduation.
What are the employment outcomes at Open University?
83% of Open University graduates are in sustained employment or further study 5 years after graduation. The university offers 24 subjects with median salaries ranging from £23,700 to £49,600. (Satisfaction = NSS teaching score)
| Subject | Employment | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | 88.2% | £49,600 |
| Computing | 86.4% | £45,300 |
| Materials and technology | 82.1% | £42,300 |
| Economics | 86.6% | £42,000 |
| Business and management | 85.9% | £37,400 |
| Mathematical sciences | 78.3% | £36,500 |
| Health and social care | 86.4% | £35,400 |
| Politics | 77.2% | £34,300 |
| Philosophy and religious studies | 78.9% | £33,600 |
| Nursing and midwifery | 94.6% | £32,700 |
| General, applied and forensic sciences | 83.8% | £32,500 |
| Allied health | 84.3% | £32,100 |
| Biosciences | 84% | £32,100 |
| Geography, earth and environmental studies | 82.7% | £30,700 |
| Creative arts and design | 68.9% | £30,300 |
| Sport and exercise sciences | 86.3% | £29,200 |
| Sociology, social policy and anthropology | 79.3% | £28,500 |
| Law | 80.8% | £28,500 |
| Languages and area studies | 78.2% | £27,600 |
| English studies | 76.3% | £27,400 |
| History and archaeology | 77.5% | £27,400 |
| Combined and general studies | 76.1% | £27,400 |
| Psychology | 79.3% | £27,000 |
| Education and teaching | 85.2% | £23,700 |
* Avg. Tariff: Average UCAS tariff points of students who enrolled on this course. This is not the entry requirement — enrolled students often exceed requirements. Always check the official university website for actual entry requirements.
Reference: A*=56, A=48, B=40, C=32 points. Example: AAA = 144 points. Calculate your tariff →
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Highest Earning Subjects
- 1 Engineering £49,600
- 2 Computing £45,300
- 3 Materials and technology £42,300
- 4 Economics £42,000
- 5 Business and management £37,400
Quick Facts
Tuition Fees
UK students: £9,250/year (government-capped)
International students: £15,000–£40,000+/year (varies by course)
Check the university website for exact international fees.
Data Source
Graduate earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset and Graduate Outcomes survey via Discover Uni 2024/25. Figures show median earnings at 15 months, 3 years, and 5 years after graduation. Continuation rates show the percentage of students who progress in their studies.
View source data →