The Open University

Brain-to-brain learning could be a reality in 2070

31 May 2019

Brain-to-brain learning could be a reality by 2070, according to The Open University’s Future of Learning 2070: Imagine What’s Next report. The findings, which have been released today to mark 50 years of learning with The Open University, predict that artificial intelligence and full sensory virtual experiences could become commonplace for the students of tomorrow […]

Independent panel suggests changes to Post-18 education in England

30 May 2019

With the goal of a joined-up Post-18 system in England that works for everyone, an independent panel led by Dr Philip Augar has published recommendations to the UK Government on what needs to change in the current FE-HE system. The panel makes 60-odd recommendations – spanning skills, higher education, further education, apprenticeships, student finance and […]

Mary Kellett, Martha Lane Fox and Sir David Attenborough

OU family past and present celebrate 50 years of The Open University

23 May 2019

Over the past fifty years, The Open University has touched millions of lives around the world. To celebrate this, honorary graduates, supporters, students and members of the OU family came together at a special 50th Anniversary dinner hosted by Chancellor Martha Lane Fox. Speaking at the event, Martha Lane-Fox expressed her delight at celebrating this […]

Future business stars rewarded by OU

16 May 2019

The winning businesses in this year’s Open University Student Entrepreneurship Competition range from a social enterprise focussed on helping former military personnel transition back to civilian life and work, to a web platform which helps nervous drivers cope with stressors. Now in its fifth year, the competition attracted the interest of over 100 students, spread […]

OU students’ guide to beating writer’s block

9 May 2019

Writing can be fulfilling and frustrating in equal measure. When you’re in full flow and the ideas keep coming, it feels great and you never want to stop. But many of us have experienced the opposite of this: drought. When the words dry up and all you have is a blank page (or screen) with […]

From prisoner to OU student and staff member

7 May 2019

Stephen Akpabio-Klementowski’s story shows exactly how life-changing education can be. His journey has taken him from a prisoner, to an OU student and now to an OU member of staff supporting the Students in Secure Environments team. Stephen first began studying for his BSc in Social Science with The Open University while he was in […]

To the moon and back – OU student Hannah on breaking boundaries

6 May 2019

Hannah Sargeant spends her days exploring the universe. As a planetary scientist and PhD researcher at The Open University, Hannah, 26, is fulfilling her childhood dream by researching all corners of the solar system. During her career, Hannah has been involved with international research projects to support a series of missions to the Moon, ultimately supporting future […]

Shooting for the stars (and beyond)

5 May 2019

How did the planets in our solar system come to be? This is just one of the questions PhD student Vincent Deguin, 28, and his fellow planetary scientists at The Open University are exploring. Vincent is working on pioneering research into the earliest stage of planet formation, building and testing equipment that will help to […]

From the West End to the OU – how study set Karena on a new path

4 May 2019

As an Open University student turned Associate Lecturer, Karena Serdecka-Rhodes-Bell understands first-hand how education can help to open new doors. Karena previously worked as a professional actress, singer and musician, performing in the West End and on TV, film and radio, before her OU psychology degree inspired her to become an OU Associate Lecturer. “I […]

photograph of UK military personnel marching

OU receives £20,000 grant for disabled veteran scholars support services

3 May 2019

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity are delighted to have awarded The Open University a grant of £20,000 to contribute towards the support services of the Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund. This is a unique scheme designed to give disabled veterans the opportunity of a university education when their military careers end. The Ministry of Defence (MoD), along […]

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