The article presents the results of the study on the professional and pedagogical aspect of developing open education in higher education institutions in the UK. It is established that as a result of society informatization, the new requirements for training of future specialists arise. Solving requirements means to create an improved open (computer-based) environment with advanced computer facilities of educational institutions, laboratories, libraries; updating methodological support, pedagogical technologies and the content of distance and e-learning based on the use of ICT; introducing new forms and methods of organizing the education process; introducing open educational systems; using the method of forming information and communication competences in scientific and pedagogical workers, methods for evaluating the quality of open electronic systems and free access to open educational resources; as well as to study the condition, trends and monitoring of open education development. The principles of constructing professional training in British universities are presented, namely, the consolidation of educational courses into blocks (general, special and professional and pedagogical), the use of innovative technologies (distance, credit, modular, personalized, mutual, tutoring, massive open educational courses (MOOC)) and innovative forms of education such as eco-education, media education, peace-education (education in the spirit of peace) and intercultural education. It is proved that the main advantages of open education are accessibility, flexibility, parallelism, modularity, efficiency, internationalization and co-ordination, which make it possible for everyone to receive education. The use of elements of open education provides not only access to digital content, but also helps to improve the system of education management and monitor its quality.