The way that the Open University system in Great Britain operates and the use of the mass media are discussed in detail. A number of problems the adult student is likely to face are identified, along with basic differences between U.S. and British societies that influence the application of an open university approach. Attention is directed to: admissions policy, degree requirements, student costs, people who were influential in the planning and development of the Open University, the university's printing and mailing operations, new course development, the structure and procedures of the academic staffs (i.e., course teams), the university's Institute of Educational Technology, developmental testing of courses, the production of media elements, the outside tutorial staff, the program "Bartholomew Fair," and auxiliary studies. Problems that may occur for adult students include: the competing home atmosphere, adults may be out of the habit of learning and may fear failure, the educational experience may change the student's personal and family relations, and the student must learn a new technique of studying with the television mode. Differences in the type of universities, population distribution, broadcasting, and postal service in the United States and Great Britain are noted. (SW)