Additional background on The Open University

The Open University is a world leader in open and distance learning and our institutional mission is to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We have pioneered innovative learning and teaching methods that enable people to study at times and in places that suit them, to achieve career and life goals.

Since our foundation in 1969, we have provided education for more than two million people across 150 countries and our students presently equate to 41% of the UK part-time student body. People of all ages and backgrounds study with us for a wide variety of reasons – to update their skills, gain a qualification, boost their career or keep mentally active. As such, there is no typical OU student. Furthermore, the majority of our ~174,000 undergraduate and taught postgraduate students do not attend a physical campus but study from their own homes. This contrasts with the majority of our ~900 postgraduate research students who are typically campus based at the OU, another university or an affiliated research centre.

Our ~8000 staff also have a diverse range of backgrounds, educational and professional experiences. Many currently study with the University or are graduates of it and they either work from home or one of our seven sites in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

While the context in which the OU functions differs from other higher education organisations, supporting our students and staff with their mental health and wellbeing is still an important part of all we do.