Learning Design at The Open University
The Open University (OU) has an established methodology for Learning Design that focuses on putting the student experience at the core of our designs. This has been carefully developed through research, practice and evaluation since an initial JISC-funded project which ran from 2009-2012.
OU Learning Design has since developed into a full end-to-end design and evaluation process with supporting resources, tools and techniques to ensure that all of our curriculum maintains this tight focus on student experience. When working externally we are able to deliver bespoke support based on our expertise and experience gained over the past decade and a half of delivering Learning Design services internally.
What do we offer externally?
We have six core offerings and we can also deliver bespoke sessions based on your needs. All offerings will be provided by a fully trained OU Learning Designer. Below is a summary of the workshops, which are described in more depth in our brochure (the link will download the brochure to your device).
- Learning Design workshop: Our Learning Design workshop can help you to create a high-level design plan for your curriculum which is centred on student experience. The workshop will be facilitated using evidence-based OU Learning Design approaches.
- Train the trainer: We can provide the above LD workshop with the addition of training. This will provide your staff with opportunities to develop themselves as Learning Designers.
- Capacity building: We can support your team in developing Learning Design skills by teaching how to apply good Learning Design tools and techniques.
- Expert facilitation and advice: Our Learning Design team are all fully trained and accredited facilitators and can offer facilitation support in focused conversations, consensus building and strategic planning.
- Evaluation using data: Using our research-based Analytics4Action framework, we can show you how to use learning analytics to make evidence-based changes to curriculum.
- Expert review: Our fully trained Learning Designers can review your curriculum to ensure it meets pedagogy and design standards.
Each of the workshops or approaches above can be customised to suit your context, and your Learning Designer will work with you to agree the plan for the work to be delivered. When you make contact with us, we will work to understand your context and to draw on our expertise and experience from internal and external work to meet your needs.
Articles about some of our external work
- Innovating Learning Design in Higher Education: Reflections from an International Collaboration
- Out and about with Learning Design: Learning from working with others
Learning Design Team Awards
- Association for Learning Technology Awards 2019: Team Award: Highly commended
- Green Gown Awards UK & Ireland 2023: Staff sustainability champion team: Highly commended
- Association for Learning Technology Awards 2025: Award for Case Studies in Ethical EdTech: Winners
Contact Us
Follow the link by clicking the ‘contact us’ button below to navigate to an initial form. Completing this is your first step towards expert Learning Design support.
Further information
Bluesky: @ou-ld-social.bsky.social
Linkedin: Learning Design Team at the Open University
Blog: Learning Design
