The Open University

Andy and Tania Vanburen collect their MBAs at The Barbican, London

“We started together, we studied together, we graduated together”

11 April 2019

Andy and Tania Vanburen have recently completed their MBAs with The Open University. Although they studied side by side and graduated together, their routes to an MBA were very different. Andy Vanburen left school after completing his GCSEs and joined a firm of accountants, studying one day a week for his AAT qualification. He gained […]

From OU Student to Autism Campaigner

4 April 2019

Jane’s story is one of resilience and of achieving against adversity. Despite her own deteriorating health, singlehandedly raising two sons with their own health conditions, homelessness and redundancy, Jane was determined to further her education and be a voice for others. Jane has won awards for her studying achievements and, although she can no longer […]

Demelza Dachtler receiving Commanding Officers Commendation with her mother, Julie

Following in her mother’s footsteps

29 March 2019

As a child Demelza Dachtler grew up watching her mother, Julie, study for a Masters with The Open University. Today, she’s an OU graduate herself, is on the verge of completing her own OU Masters, and is about to become a mother for the first time. We spoke to Demelza last year, and now, in the […]

Honorary degrees celebrate contributions to culture, education, veterinary science and linguistics

22 March 2019

Today’s Open University degree ceremony at The Barbican, London, kicked off the spring graduation season in the OU’s 50th anniversary year. Alongside hundreds of Open University students receiving their awards, Sharon Corr, Baroness Jean Coussins and Professor Noel Fitzpatrick were conferred with honorary degrees. Sharon Corr – exceptional contribution to education and culture Singer, songwriter and […]

Paging the poets!

20 March 2019

Following on from our hugely successful 50 word flash fiction competition in January, we’ve decided to continue the theme for World Poetry Day! All in aid of helping us celebrate our 50th anniversary, join us on social media today for an inspiring photographic prompt, and then get involved by submitting a 50 word poem.

Read more about Paging the poets!

Universities Minister, Chris Skidmore MP, visits The Open University

15 March 2019

Chris Skidmore MP, Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation today visited The Open University campus in Milton Keynes, meeting staff and students. Greeted by Professor Mary Kellett, Vice-Chancellor of The Open University, the Minister was introduced to the OU’s role in society, detailing the reach, scale and diversity of the university. The visit also […]

Proving you’re never too glamorous for Science

13 March 2019

Amy King has been a science enthusiast from a very young age. Her school told her that “science isn’t for girls”; she proved them wrong by achieving straight As at college. A university interviewer told her she was “too glamorous to be a scientist”. Since then, Amy has enrolled on a BSc in Natural Sciences […]

From studying out of a suitcase to social justice campaigner

27 February 2019

Like all children growing up in the UK in the 1970s, Lynnette Thomas’ first interaction with The Open University was via early morning television. This was just the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the OU, which led to her becoming Deputy Director for the OU in Wales last June. The OU connection doesn’t stop […]

OU Student Volunteers explain how they give back

14 February 2019

Last year, more than 570 Open University students volunteered through The Open University Students Association (OUSA). During Student Volunteering Week, we wanted to find out more about why people choose to volunteer, the roles that are open to OU students, and hear about some of their experiences. Huge variety of volunteering opportunities Beth Metcalf, Head […]

Free functional skills courses launched by OU with Further Education Colleges

8 February 2019

A new scheme to bring free Level 1 Functional Skills courses to tens of thousands of people via online learning has been launched by the OU in partnership with Further Education (FE) Colleges in England. It will help people develop basic skills in English and Maths by studying on the OpenLearn platform, and they can […]

OU News