Research at the OU
The Open University is unique among UK universities in combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence. Research and knowledge exchange is fundamental to The Open University's founding principle: to be 'open to people, places, methods and ideas’.
Our research underpins the teaching we deliver to almost 170,000 students as the UK’s largest university. It informs the high-quality free open educational resources we provide to learners worldwide. It feeds into the TV and radio programmes we make with our partner the BBC, which reach an audience of 40 million viewers annually.
Key themes
Our current strategic plan is aimed at strengthening our academic reputation, improving our research environment, ensuring there is intellectual breadth and rigour across all our curriculum areas with a focus on a number of key themes.
About our research
Our world-leading innovative research and development ranks in the top third of UK universities. It influences policy and practices from local to global levels.
Partner with us
Our Enterprise team are dedicated to develop Knowledge Exchange opportunities and are the first port-of-call to begin exploring how the OU can work with you.
Faculties & institutes
Our research is designed to have impact, influence policy and practice and change lives for the better and is carried out across our four faculties and two research institutes.
Research degrees
The OU has a vibrant international community of research students working in state-of-the-art facilities with academics who are leading experts in their disciplines.
Work for us
Our careers mission is to provide excellent training and development opportunities for researchers at all stages of their career so that they excel in their profession.
News & articles
OU research informs new report on Culture in an Age of Uncertainty
A new report into the benefits of international cultural engagement published this month (22 November) draws on rigorous, independent research conducted by the OU, led by Marie Gillespie, Professor of Sociology, and The Hertie School of Governance in Berlin.
- Day 248, Year of #Mygration: Refugees and Mental Health - Should I stay or go back to Syria? 17th December 2018
- Day 247, Year of #Mygration: Refugee Allotment Project 14th December 2018
- Day 246, Year of #Mygration: What happens when ‘East meets West’? 13th December 2018
Open Research Online database
OU research is available to all via our free public access online repository, home to thousands of peer-reviewed publications.
Upcoming Events
Back from the future, forward from the past: The journey that is lifelong learning
Monday, January 28, 2019 - 15:00 to 16:00
Berrill Lecture Theatre, Walton Hall, Open University, MK6 7AA
Professor Devendra Kodwani, Executive Dean of The Open University's Faculty of Business and Law, will introduce the OU's 50th anniversary inaugural lecture series with a lecture on lifelong learning and the role of universities.
Aspects of Open: The evolution of the meaning of open education
Tuesday, February 19, 2019 - 18:00 to 19:00
Berrill Lecture Theatre, Walton Hall, Open University, MK6 7AA
As The Open University celebrates its 50th anniversary and its mission of openness, Martin Weller, Professor of Educational Technology at the OU, will examine what the term ‘open’ means and consider what an ‘Open University’ would look like if we were to invent it now.
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