THE OPEN University Business School has opened a enquiry and advice centre in Holles Street, Dublin. The school is part of the long established, British based Open University, which teaches its students by distance learning.

Since the business school was set up in 1983, more than 125,000 people throughout Europe have participated in its certificate, diploma and MBA courses.

There are roughly 700 Irish people enrolled on Open University management development programmes, and there are regional study centres in Limerick, Cork, Galway, Dublin, Belfast and Portlaoise. The school offers professional qualifications at certificate and diploma levels as well as its MBA programme.

"Supported distance learning is particularly advantageous to employers and employees alike, as there is no disruption to a manager's work or career as he or she remains in the workplace for the full duration of the programme," says Helena Broderick, manager of the Holles Street centre.

"In addition, supported distance learning offers independence and mobility - managers can continue their management education while away on business or even if they move abroad."

Open University courses are geared specifically for distance learners; students are supplied with specially prepared texts which form the core content of the course. Support is provided by a network of local tutors, and students also have the opportunity to meet each other at local study groups and at residential summer schools.

No entry qualifications are required for OU courses, other than for higher degree programmes. The amount of work expected of students varies from course to course, but a typical undergrad course would involve 12 to 14 hours of study weekly.