Birmingham 2012 graduates share their stories
OUgraduates at the Birmingham 2012 degree ceremony share their stories…
Christine graduated with a BSc (Open) and volunteered on the alumni stand at Birmingham's degree ceremony..
Victoria Harris achieved her MBA…
Angela studied while working full time and having a baby…
OUgraduates at the Birmingham 2012 degree ceremony share their stories… Christine graduated with a BSc (Open) and volunteered on the alumni stand at Birmingham's degree ceremony.. Victoria Harris achieved her MBA… Angela studied while working full time and having a baby… 0
Video chats with OU graduates at Torquay degree ceremony
These OU students graduated from the Torquay 2012 degree ceremony…
Julia’s psychology degree is already helping her career, thanks to sponsorship from her employer…
Sue got a BSc (Open)…
Gretna took on two degrees!
These OU students graduated from the Torquay 2012 degree ceremony… Julia’s psychology degree is already helping her career, thanks to sponsorship from her employer… Sue got a BSc (Open)… Gretna took on two degrees! 0
Video: Want to know what an OU degree ceremony looks like?
Want to know what an OU degree ceremony looks like? Meet some of the OU's graduates at the Barbican degree ceremony, London, in March 2012 as they talk about their motivation for study, what it's like and what they're planning next...
Want to know what an OU degree ceremony looks like? Meet some of the OU's graduates at the Barbican degree ceremony, London, in March 2012 as they talk about their motivation for study, what it's like and what they're planning next... 2.4 Average: 2.4 (5 votes)
Starting a new life thanks to OU degree
OU graduate Claire Trease shares her hopes for a "new career and a new life" thanks to her degree...
OU graduate Claire Trease shares her hopes for a "new career and a new life" thanks to her degree... 1.5 Average: 1.5 (2 votes)
Starting a new life thanks to OU degree
OU graduate Claire Trease shares her hopes for a "new career and a new life" thanks to her degree...
OU graduate Claire Trease shares her hopes for a "new career and a new life" thanks to her degree... 2 Average: 2 (1 vote)
Don't let dyslexia hold you back
Julia Sudbury graduated from the OU in March 2012. Here, talking while in the midst of her degree ceremony at the Barbican, London, she explains how the OU helped her challenge the misconception that she was stupid at school, gave her support for her dyslexia and how she worked hard and grew her confidence to graduate with a first.
Julia Sudbury graduated from the OU in March 2012. Here, talking while in the midst of her degree ceremony at the Barbican, London, she explains how the OU helped her challenge the misconception that she was stupid at school, gave her support for her dyslexia and how she worked hard and grew her confidence to graduate with a first. 3.5 Average: 3.5 (4 votes)
Graduation videos from OU's Barbican degree ceremony (March 2012)
Covering topics like how to juggle study and a very busy life, studying abroad, boosting both careers and confidence, here are some informal video chats with graduates collecting their awards at The Barbican degree ceremony, London, on 30 March 2012.
Jose Ribeiro, originally from Portugal, graduated with a degree in International Studies after five years of study to enhance his work as a member of air cabin crew. Jose hopes the degree will enhance his career and expand his horizons and his top tip for current OU students is to keep good time management.
Bobo Ling Bobo Ling graduated with an Open Degree combining her love for psychology and film history…
Irene Adler travelled from Austria to graduate with an MBA at the OU’s Barbican degree ceremony. Irene travels to Europe and Asia for work and often found herself studying on planes on business trips. At a tutorial in Austria she even found a fellow business traveller and met up in Shanghai, in between business trips, to talk OU study.
Originally from Edinburgh, Christopher Cosgrove graduated with a humanities and music degree to complement his passion for music and to enhance his career, and is now considering postgraduate study with hopes to one day become a teacher.
Miranda did a BA in English Language and Literature and says “go for it” to anyone thinking of OU study. She’s now hoping her degree will open the door to new job opportunities.
“I wanted to change my career prospects,” says Stephen Tiplady, who’s currently a factory worker and hopes to get into environmental work.
Abera Desta works for an international NGO in Ethiopia. He chose to study his MBA with the OU because of its excellent reputation and the calibre of OU MBA alumni in Ethiopia.
Living and studying in Italy Jonathan Jones is an engineer working in the oil and gas industry and chose an Open Degree for flexibility and personal achievement…
“I loved every minute of it” says Margaret Cox, who was born and raised in Malta. She didn't have access to higher education when she was younger so is delighted to have realised a dream with her OU degree.
Covering topics like how to juggle study and a very busy life, studying abroad, boosting both careers and confidence, here are some informal video chats with graduates collecting their awards at The Barbican degree ceremony, London, on 30 March 2012. Jose Ribeiro, originally from Portugal, graduated with a degree in International Studies after five years of study to enhance his work ...
OU researcher finds new way to treat cancer
An OU PhD graduate has found a new method to treat cancer which will lead to new immunotherapeutic strategies against the disease.
Roberta Zapposodi received her PhD at the Open University's graduation ceremony on Saturday 31 March 2012 at the Barbican, London.
Roberta studied whether the immune systems of cancer patients could be stimulated by certain vaccines on the grounds that the immune system is the most powerful weapon humans have against malignant cells. She studied a dendritic cell-based vaccine which was designed to stimulate the immune system of indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients to fight against their own tumours.
Roberta compared patient's pre and post-vaccination status and looked at key immune system indicators as a result of vaccination.
"I was particularly interested in understanding how this vaccine could re-educate the immune system of patients with indolent lymphona so that it recognises and eliminates tumour cells,” said Roberta.
Roberta’s findings on mechanisms underlying tumour immunity open up new treatment options for the therapy of indolent NHLs. This information also has potential relevance for the treatment of other haematological malignancies as well as solid tumours.
Notably, Roberta’s study on the characterisation of the antibody (Ab) response in vaccinated patients led to the serological discovery of HSP105 as a novel, valuable lymphoma target for monoclonal Ab (mAb) therapy.
“I found that the more aggressive B-cell lymphomas are, the higher levels of cell-surface HSP105 they express,” said Roberta. “In addition, its targeting with a specific Ab significantly impairs lymphoma growth in preclinical models.”
Roberta studied under the supervision of Dr Massimo Di Nicola (MD, Co ordinator of Cellular and Molecular Laboratory of the Medical Oncology Department, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori of Milan, Italy) and Dr Karen Pulford (Emeritus University Reader in Immunodiagnostics, University of Oxford Nuffield Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK) for a PhD validated by the Open University.
“This discovery has a dual significance: on one hand it can help to improve the diagnosis of aggressive lymphomas, on the other, it may offer a new biotarget for a more specific treatment of these diseases,” said Dr Di Nicola.
Having finished her PhD, Roberta has now started a postdoctoral programme at the Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori of Milan where she is developing anti-HSP105 mAbs to be validated as a novel passive immunotherapy strategy for B-cell NHLs.
An abstract of Roberta’s PhD: Active and Adoptive Immunotherapy in Indolent Lymphoproliferative Diseases is available.
An OU PhD graduate has found a new method to treat cancer which will lead to new immunotherapeutic strategies against the disease. Roberta Zapposodi received her PhD at the Open University's graduation ceremony on Saturday 31 March 2012 at the Barbican, London. Roberta studied whether the immune systems of cancer patients could be stimulated by certain vaccines on the grounds that ...
OU research student portrays police protests in a new light
Dr Laura Allan, who conducted research into The Public History of the UK Criminal Justice System received her PhD degree at the a degree ceremony at the Barbican in March 2012.
During her research, which was supervised by Dr Chris Williams at the OU’s History Department, Laura looked at how academic information is usually presented in museums and then developed an exhibition on police and protest, with a particular emphasis on the 1984/5 miners’ strike.
“I based my exhibition on a controversial topic where the criminal justice system is often criticised, not only in the public eye but also in the academic world,” she said.
She found that most police museum display material is similar to the traditional version of history and tends to be linear with little context or analysis. Her challenge was to take some of this material and present it in a way that encourages people to engage with events and take a more questioning and analytical approach.
Her results have influenced exhibiting practices at the Galleries of Justice Museum and led to her being appointed as Discover Greenwich Supervisor at the Old Royal Naval College.
“I aim to persuade more museums to look at how academic information is presented in their exhibitions too, so that they can make them more interesting and relevant for visitors.”
Commenting on Laura’s research, Dr Chris Williams said: “Laura's project was pioneering in that she worked in both academic and museum worlds, her research examined the gap between those worlds, and her thesis and exhibit helped to bridge that gap. I'm really proud to have helped her make such a good job of this complex project.”
An OU PhD research student who's just graduated ran an exhibition which portrayed police protests in a way that changes public perception of history. Dr Laura Allan, who conducted research into The Public History of the UK Criminal Justice System received her PhD degree at the a degree ceremony at the Barbican in March ...
Ernie, 87, gets his degree
Ernie Fitzgerald, 87, graduated at the Barbican degree ceremony in March 2012 after studying for 10 years at the OU. He’s pictured here with his wife Julia and OU Director of Communications Lucian Hudson.
Ernie Fitzgerald, 87, graduated at the Barbican degree ceremony in March 2012 after studying for 10 years at the OU. He’s pictured here with his wife Julia and OU Director of Communications Lucian Hudson. 4 Average: 4 (3 votes)
Former Olympic cyclist and OU graduate on why sport and art can coexist
Caroline Boyle has competed in cycling events in two Olympic Games but now the Open University graduate – who’s currently studying Latin – faces a new challenge, to find a career which combines her sporty experience and classical qualifications.
But the difficulty she now faces, is carving a career out of her unique combination of skills. “My life experience is diametrically opposed to my academic qualifications. It will be a real challenge to find a profession which will accommodate what I have to offer particularly as my personnel circumstances restrict me to distance learning. But I am equally passionate about both sport and the arts and I want if I can to help diffuse the tension between the two which the forthcoming Olympics has undoubtedly spotlighted. There seems to be a myth that art and sport cannot coexist in harmony but for me they are inextricably linked.”
When Caroline left school she went to work at the local shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness. Along with many of her peers she studied towards a foundation degree in Engineering. “I found school pretty uninspiring which is perhaps why I opted for an apprenticeship underpinned by the subjects I had found more challenging.
"Likewise, it was this nascent desire to be pushed beyond my comfort zone that led me enter a triathlon when I was 20 on a borrowed bike … and I won it. I’d been a county level swimmer and middle distance runner in my teens, but surprisingly I posted the fastest time in the cycling element of the event. Instead of being average at three sports I decided to try to excel at one and chose to focus on cycling. So after finishing my apprenticeship I gave up my job to train full time.”
And the training paid off. Caroline had a fantastic cycling career under her maiden name of Alexander, competing in the Olympic Games in 1996 and 2000 and in the first ever mountain bike race in the Commonwealth Games in 2002. She also excelled in the World Cup finishing second overall on two occasions and won the European Championships. But the Olympic medal she coveted so much eluded her as she encountered mechanical problems in both Atlanta and Sydney, as well as crashing heavily in the 1996 Olympic road race.
Representing Scotland in the Commonwealth Games, she finished fifth in the road race and was cruelly denied victory in the mountain bike event when a slashed tyre forced her to withdraw despite having built up a commanding lead. “It was one of the few times in my sporting career that I’d managed to peak on the right day – an art form in its self!
'The OU was a great option for many of us here on the Furness peninsula when the shipyard downsized so I feel a certain degree of loyalty. In fact I can’t praise the OU enough'
"I had started to think about life after cycling and because I’d always been interested in antiquity, I had begun studying with the OU, initially to convert my foundation degree from Engineering to Humanities. I soon discovered that training and study really complemented each other, as the latter gave me something else to focus on, and helped me to keep my mind agile while my body was recovering.
“Scotland allowed me complete autonomy over my Commonwealth Games preparation, the bulk of which was spent at high altitude, and I had won a number of international races both on and off road in the build up, therefore I knew I was close to my best physically as well as mentally. A few days before my event Paula Radcliffe, who had so often been the bridesmaid, won the Commonwealth title, an achievement which I considered significant – I truly believed it would be my turn too!”
For the first year after she retired Caroline continued to train while studying 120 points with the OU. “Although I didn’t race I wanted to keep my options open and be fit enough to compete if I decided to make a comeback. The following year earning a living intervened and I only managed 60 points at Level 3 instead of the 120 I’d intended. Kids were the next obstacle to academia, Felicity in the summer of 2006 and Penelope at the close of 2009, before I finally took up the reins again in 2010 and graduated with a BA (Hons) in Humanities with Classical Studies and Literature in 2011. “
“Next on the agenda is postgraduate study," she added. "However, sadly the OU’s MA in Classical Studies is problematic for me as the most heavily weighted assignment is due in at the end of the school holidays - two young children and 60 points at postgraduate level is an excluded combination for me! The powers that be threw me a lifeline when they decided to postpone the final presentation of A860 until 2013 by which time Penelope will be old enough to go to Kindergarten, but whether further study in this field will enhance my employment prospects is open to debate.
“The OU is a fantastic institution and I’ll be loathed to go elsewhere. It’s reliable, superbly organised and you know exactly what you’re getting, plus I’ve had some fantastic support from my tutors. It was a great option for many of us here on the Furness peninsula when the shipyard downsized so I feel a certain degree of loyalty. In fact I can’t praise the OU enough, I’ve had such a positive experience. So much so that I decided to sign up for A397 Continuing classical Latin in 2012. Although a mere 30 pointer it has been quite an undertaking given that I had no previous Latin until last summer when I embarked on a correspondence course! But then I do like a challenge!”
Caroline will be attending London 2012’s mountain biking events, to enjoy the sport and meet up with friends who still race.
Caroline Boyle has competed in cycling events in two Olympic Games but now the Open University graduate – who’s currently studying Latin – faces a new challenge, to find a career which combines her sporty experience and classical qualifications. “The skills I gained as an athlete are directly transferable to study – discipline, drive and the ...
Psychology degree to published author with a little help from the OU
Why I chose to study with The Open University (OU)
I always regretted not being able to stay on for higher education after school, instead I ended up getting a job in a bank. It was years later when I was a house wife with two young children that The Open University adverts that I had seen in local media attracted me to send off for a prospectus.
I chose the OU as I am registered disabled, and I wanted to work at my own pace, fairly flexibly and to fit my studies in with my own personal circumstances. I also thought that the fees were reasonable, and the way the prospectus described the different levels and paths of subjects you could take to eventually achieve your goal, was easy and accessible.
Getting advice and support to study
The one thing that worried me was whether the demands the studying needed outweigh my own personal limits. I looked at the higher levels to see if it was a necessity to attend a residential school, as I knew that it would be inappropriate for my personal circumstances, although when I read the reviews I regretted that I would not be able to attend. My worries were not necessary as there was alternative learning experience (ALE) program in place, and I also read with interest the support that the OU was able to give to disabled students.
I was taken back with the friendly response, motivation and eagerness of the disability department to come out and visit me to talk about my personal requirements. I was very apprehensive, but was soon put at ease by the gentleman who visited me, and his advice was so valuable, I was also fortunate to receive financial help as well as an adaptation in my learning and studies to help suit my needs.
Successful studying
Initially I studied Understanding Health and Social Care (K100) as I was always interested in helping others and at one stage had wanted to work with the elderly or children. I realised that if I was to commit myself to study I wanted to achieve a significant goal such as a degree. I was able to work out that in my first course in Health and Social Care I could gain a Certificate after the first level which would be an achievement in itself, and if I wanted to continue I could count the level towards a degree.
As I could not attend tutorials the OU arranged telephone contact, from my tutors, and I was even told that I was eligible for a home exam. The Invigilator was a very kind and professional lady who I nicknamed in my head ‘The Sergeant Major” as we had to synchronise watches after her first visit. I should not have worried as in my very first course I managed to achieve a distinction, and was so proud of my achievement. This also spurred me on to enroll in the next course towards a degree.
A degree in psychology to focus on long-term writing ambitions
I decided to pursue psychology, as my son had dyslexia, and I had suffered from mental health problems and wanted to learn more about them. I was also trying to work hard on my book that was a true account of my past called ‘A Fine Line A Balance to Survive by Lisa WB'. I had suffered from extreme child abuse and was interested in learning more about psychology to not only improve my expertise but to also help with my writing.
As I studied with the OU my confidence increased, and each time I had to study a new course, I initially worried about whether the new tutor would understand that I couldn’t attend tutorials and be empathetic towards my needs as my illness is unpredictable. At some stages I would be unable to study for a few days or even weeks. I tried to combat this by working as hard as I could when able to keep ahead in case I was ill.
Once again I am still astonished at the response by the Open University staff, all my tutors were very friendly, understanding and supported my needs. At the ALE they even let me promote my book in one of the forums at the end of the course.
It was in December 2011 that I received my results and I was fortunate to have achieved a 1.1 First Class (Honours) Degree in Psychology.
I will always be grateful to the Open University, as I believe it was because of the University’s willingness to support my disability and the way they helped me manage my studies I was able to achieve what I did. One of the tutors even endorsed my book when it was published.
I was so sad when I took my final exam as I felt I was leaving a friend behind, although, through the Open University I have made many new friends.
Becoming a published author
The University helped me with my confidence to finish my book: A fine line, which has been praised by The British Psychology Society, and the ebook has been a best seller in many categories for over a year.
I am now writing a sequel called The Survival, and am hoping to include some of the expertise learnt from my psychology degree.
I hope if other people are thinking about studying, they give the Open University a chance, as it has been one of the best experiences in my life.
Find out more:
Lisa Whenham-Bossy chose to study with the Open University as she is registered disabled. She believes the support she received from the OU during her time as a student, enabled her to ‘spread her wings’ and achieve not only a First Class (Honours) Degree in Psychology, but go on to become a published author. Why I chose to study with The Open University (OU) I ...
OU degree ceremonies – volunteers needed
What does it involve?
Our volunteers assist OU staff in congratulating graduates on their special day as well as handing out information on the Alumni Association. Your help will ensure that we are able to speak personally to many more graduates, both about their experiences of studying with the University, and their plans for the future.
If you would like to come and help us on the Alumni stand, please email alumni@open.ac.uk (Title DC volunteer) or telephone +44 (0)1908 653815 for more details.
* Please note lunch and refreshments will be provided on the day where applicable but volunteers are responsible for their own travel costs to and from the venue.
Find out more:
Can you spare a few hours or a whole day to help on the OU Alumni Stand at one of our 2012 degree ceremonies?* What does it involve? Our volunteers assist OU staff in congratulating graduates on their special day as well as handing out information on the Alumni Association. Your help will ensure that we are able to speak personally to many more graduates, both about their ...
Ceremonies 2012: Bookings now open
In 2012 graduation ceremonies will be taking place all around the UK and overseas. Booking are now open.
Photo by: Karen Parker
Here is your chance to celebrate the success of your studies. In 2012 graduation ceremonies will be taking place all around the UK and overseas. Booking are now open. Photo by: Karen Parker 1 Average: 1 (1 vote)
Military director on OU MA and life in the Navy
Platform caught up with Mike at the Manchester degree ceremony to find out how his studies helped him advance his career and why he would recommend OU study to anyone in the military.
At what age did you leave school? Did you go straight into the navy and was this what you always wanted to do?
I left school at 18 after my ‘A’ levels which didn’t go very well. In fact my results were F, O, E (because of that my Dad commented that I was my own worst enemy!). I then went and worked for the health service as a Blood Technician but I knew really always wanted to join the military and that it was the Navy I wanted to join as it offered the best opportunities to travel. I started as an apprentice when I was nineteen. I always thought any military career would suit me as my dad was in the forces and I was already used to the lifestyle.
Did you travel round with him as a family when you were younger?
Yes. I don’t know how many schools I went to but we just travelled and travelled: Australia, Germany, Holland, all kinds of places.
You have had an incredible career….. Can you talk us through the roles you have had? How have you progressed?
When I joined the navy I joined as engineering technician (weapons engineering artificer), looking after bits of equipment, modifying them and making sure the ship was ready to fight. I got a bit bored of fixing things so I became an Operations Officer or Warfare Officer as it is known in the Royal Navy. They drive the ship and look after the navigation, weapons and radar systems and actually conduct the operations and fight the ship on behalf of the Captain. I’ve followed a pretty standard naval warfare officer career since then.
We look at the big plan for the operations in Libya (i.e. the military plan) and make sure the organisations and headquarters beneath us are following their own published plans. We guide, control and reset anything that is not going right or according to the commander’s direction and priorities. It’s a big job, and mainly a co-ordination role. It involves looking at where we are in the campaign and how the plans and priorities need to change and how we communicate that to the subordinate Head Quarters. When we say a subordinate that is not meant in any derogatory way it’s just how we work in the military, using a hierarchical system.
You have done a lot of study whilst in the Navy and have just achieved your MA (EPS) (Open) – congratulations! …
Where did you exams take place and how did you manage assignments and sitting exams?
That’s a big question. Most of it, the work and assignments, was done initially at sea. I was very lucky as quite often I was able to get back for my exams, which is not always the case for personnel on deployments. At sea I didn’t find it that difficult because do you have your own space and quiet time and in many ways you need a distraction. Even though you’re really busy working long days, occasionally you need some “me” time and my study became the thing I did for myself. The most difficult time was when we went to war (Gulf war II in 2003). Due to the intensity of the operation it was often hard to find the time to study and complete assignments, or to benefit from interaction with students and tutors on the OU module forum. Also, I was on an American ship so getting assignments back on time was difficult but the OU have always been very flexible.
So I didn’t find it difficult, but it was rather inconvenient at times. I really respect people who are at home with their families and have to do it alongside the pressures family life can bring. As I wasn’t distracted by other things that needed doing at home it was probably easier for me than for most OU students.
Did you have to do any exams whilst you were on the ships?
I did a many of my assignments at sea but most exams I came ashore for at British Forces education centres. I did do a couple of exams when I was posted to Canada and the OU made arrangements for me to sit them locally. I just want to advertise to any British Forces members out there that it’s really good the way the OU works with the Armed forces. The OU staff in the West Midlands region have always been flexible and willing to find a solution that made the exam arrangements fit my unusual circumstances.
Mike talks about how his MA will help him with his career:
Mike McGuire, previously Director, Current Operations Watch at NATO HQ (Operation Unified Protector) has 24 years experience in the Royal Navy. He recently gained his MA in Environment, Policy and Society with the OU and achieved a BA with the OU. Platform caught up with Mike at the Manchester degree ceremony to find out how his ...
Royal Navy officers graduate with Foundation Degree in Military Aviation Studies
Royal Navy officers who completed their Operational Flying Training have been presented with a Foundation Degree in Military Aviation Studies from The Open University.
More than a dozen Navy officers graduated at the Barbican, London, alongside other OU graduates on Friday 16 September 2011, delighted to be able to support their practical experience with a qualification.
The initial degree programme provides budding pilots and observers (tactical navigators) with the skills, attitude and knowledge to become fully trained aviation warfare officers and utilise state-of-the-art simulation and computer-based training combined with more practical based tasks when airborne. The degree, validated by The Open University, gives students the option of topping up to gain an Honours qualification while going straight into a frontline Naval Air Squadron.
Lt Chris Jones, from Portsmouth, was named the scheme’s top graduate, has completed operation service in Afghanistan in 2010 and Libya in 2011. Listen to his interview:
Lt Joanne Adams, whose mum is also an OU graduate, couldn’t attend the degree ceremony because of official duties but she’s already working towards a full degree in psychology with the OU. Her plans are to conduct a postgraduate study into the effect of stress on aviators and to qualify as an observer instructor.
Lt James Wallace said it was his boyhood dream to become a pilot and joined the Navy straight from school. Starting as an operator mechanic he served on HMS Norfolk, Westminster, Illustrious, Campbeltown and Lancaster to name a few, and travelled Europe, America and the Far East before deciding to try his hand at naval aviation. James now serves on the frontline with 846 Naval Air Squadron based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset.
He is delighted to have the chance to complement his hands-on experience with a qualification: “I’m proud to be graduating with my foundation degree and thankful that the Flying Start Scheme exists. Without it, as a non-graduate, I would only have GCSEs, despite my hard work throughout flying training.”
Listen to James’ interview:
And Sub-Lt Rachel Boast, who says the Navy is becoming an increasingly appealing career option for women, hopes to be able to turn the foundation degree into a full degree, possibly majoring in meteorology.
Commander Ivor Milne MBE, who designed the Foundation Degree in Military Aviation Studies, said: “The real value of having flying training as a validated degree programme is that we can now recruit people in competition with universities. That means we can recruit A Level students; they will come in younger, they will stay longer and reach a higher rank younger.
“So, the value is to them, it’s part of the education for life process; they get to do the first part with us, in terms of a degree, and they can go on throughout the services and even take it to Masters or PhD level. So we’re the start of their lifelong learning, which is very rewarding. And we also benefit by attracting younger recruits who stay with us longer. It’s a win-win situation for everybody.”
Useful links
- First Fleet Air Arm pilots graduate
- Open University Validation Services
- Royal Navy careers
- Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm
Royal Navy officers who completed their Operational Flying Training have been presented with a Foundation Degree in Military Aviation Studies from The Open University. The Royal Navy’s ground breaking Fleet Air Arm (FAA) has an innovative Military Aviation Academy which has successfully combined military flying training and education into a Foundation Degree in Military ...
OU students graduate from Versailles
Colin Robertson from Scotland describes his 30-year journey to get a degree...
Swiss-based entrepreneur Dirk Junghans studied in hotels and planes. His MBA has helped him launch Taiga Elements, an international renewable energy business...
Netherlands-based Margaret Ogunmefun says the OU fitted round her demanding lifestyle...
London-based American Mary McCue describes how her MBA studies have expanded her horizons...
Mother of two Rachel Smith is going on to do a Masters degree...
Simon Mason plans to use his degree when he retires from the Army...
Students based in the UK and continental Europe chose the beautiful backdrop of Palais de Congres, Versailles, as the setting for their graduation ceremony. Some of them took time out to chat to Platform... Colin Robertson from Scotland describes his 30-year journey to get a degree... Swiss-based entrepreneur Dirk Junghans studied in ...
Graduating at Portsmouth Guildhall: students tell their stories to camera
Nicky Elmes, who, thanks to her OU studies, is now a social worker in a job she's hugely passionate about..
Nikki Worsdell, a bank branch manager who wanted a change of career and is now a primary school teacher...
Marie Vistartas, from Milton Keynes, wants to use her first class degree to get a job with the OU helping other disabled students to "get out there and get a degree"...
Suzi Hoskins started as a school volunteer, looking after the pond, and is now a primary school teacher thanks to her studies...
Ericka Richards-Morrison shared her 40th birthday with the OU and is planning a career in social policy...
Tony Bateman loved the flexibility of OU study as his engineering job often takes him abroad...
Christopher Lister, who grew up in children's homes and confessed to barely attending school as a child, now has a history degree and plans to become a teacher to "give something back"...
Basil Mompati Molefe, a qualified nurse from South Africa, studied politics...
Portsmouth Guildhall was the backdrop for hundreds of graduates attending an OU degree ceremony on 10 September 2011 and some members of the Platform team were there to capture some of their stories on camera, including... Nicky Elmes, who, thanks to her OU studies, is now a social worker in a job she's hugely passionate about.. Nikki Worsdell, a ...
OU delivers first graduates of Youth Justice Foundation Degree
“I’ve got an interest in working with young people in trouble. I’ve not had a privileged life growing up and I’d love to work with the sort of children I grew up with. I have a lot of young people around me who look up to me and listen to me, so maybe I can help them and work with them,” she told Platform just moments after graduating at The Barbican, London, in September - one of the OU’s first Youth Justice graduates.
Open University degree ceremonies in London and Manchester in 2011 award the first graduates of this programme with their degrees – and Nicolle hopes to use it to do work in her local community, helping young people create opportunities for themselves.
“I didn’t realise I was one of the first to complete this course but I’m very proud of myself,” she said. “It was hard work and I’m overwhelmed and relieved to get here.”
Last year a quarter of million children were arrested, including over 22,000 aged 10 to 13 and the recent eruptions of looting, arson and disorder have resulted in the prosecution of children as young as 11.
The Open University, in partnership with the Youth Justice Board, has spent the last five years developing a Foundation Degree to address these questions and equip the people who work with children and young people in the youth justice system with the knowledge and skills to do so more effectively and creatively.
Students will have completed four modules, each involving 32 weeks of study that has to be combined with, and draw from, their work with children and young people in trouble with the law; Nicolle volunteered at a young offenders’ institution.
Working with young children at the moment, Nicolle found the course enjoyable, covering topics like crime, youth crime and law, and which complement the legal secretarial courses and early years foundation courses she’s already completed.
Rod Earle, an ex-youth justice practitioner himself and Lead Academic for youth justice in the OU’s Faculty of Health and Social Care, says: “These students are likely to work with some of the most difficult and challenging young people in our society. They have to combine their care and concern for children’s welfare and rights with conflicting demands for their punishment.
“Working in and around the youth justice system is not easy. It is a complex area of practice in which research and knowledge about young people’s offending behaviour has grown enormously over the last 10 years.”
Nicolle Gordon has just graduated with a Foundation Degree in Youth Justice with the Open University - one of the first graduates of this programme - and will plough her newfound knowledge into helping young people in her own community. “I’ve got an interest in working with young people in trouble. I’ve not had a privileged life growing up and I’d ...
The Law is no longer a pipe-dream for plumber Jeremy
An unhappy result in court following a road accident inspired a plumbing and heating engineer to pursue a new career as a lawyer.
And thanks to the OU Jeremy Vernall is well on his way after picking up a law degree.
Jeremy, aged 50, of Choppington, Northumberland, received his degree at a ceremony at Sage Gateshead in June.
He was driving home from work several years ago when another driver pulled out and collided with the side of his vehicle.
The other driver denied careless driving and after appearing in court was cleared.
The experience left Jeremy vowing to join the legal profession, he told the Newcastle Journal,
“In the hope that one day I could make a difference if I was on the other side of the fence.”
He did an OU social sciences course before the four-year LLB (Hons) law degree.
Jeremy hopes to gain further qualifications to become a trainee solicitor.
He said: “I have nothing but praise for the OU law degree course and would recommend it without hesitation to others who want to study while working.
“The bonus of distance learning was the accessibility of the tutors, who were a massive encouragement and nothing was a trouble,” he said.
An unhappy result in court following a road accident inspired a plumbing and heating engineer to pursue a new career as a lawyer. And thanks to the OU Jeremy Vernall is well on his way after picking up a law degree. Jeremy, aged 50, of Choppington, Northumberland, received his degree at a ceremony at Sage Gateshead in June. He was driving home from work several years ago ...
