If you would like to try out university study, why not try one of The Open University's short taster courses, Openings?

Aimed at people who have had a break from studying, or who left school with few qualifications, these courses are the perfect way to refresh the brain and develop study skills.

With no classes to attend or exams to sit, study is done from home and requires about six hours work per week. Tutor support is available online or by telephone.

You can find out more about Openings and all the other courses available from the Open University by coming to an Open Event at the University of Durham, Elvet Riverside, on Saturday, September 6, from 11.30am-to 5pm.

"The event is an ideal opportunity to meet staff who can answer questions about which course is best for you, what financial help is available and what it's really like studying with the OU," said Hilary Bennison, one of the OU advisers.

"You can also look at the course materials, try out our interactive study aids and get careers advice."

For further information about the event and our courses or to get advice by telephone, contact The Open University in the North on (0191) 2841611 or visit www.open.ac.uk