The Open University

‘I thought I’d lose my mind to grief, then I found the OU’

5 September 2022

In the summer of 2016, Helen’s life changed overnight after the sudden loss of her husband of 31 years. Three months later, feeling lost and looking for a bolthole, Helen started a Classical Studies degree at The Open University. For Helen, what began as a distraction during the most turbulent time in her life became […]

‘The OU was my perfect option after college’

15 August 2022

When Kianna Graham, 21, had to decide what life would look like after college, she says The Open University was the only option. Being able to continue working a job she loves and being surrounded by friends and family whilst furthering her education with a BA (Hons) degree in Business Management ticked every box. University […]

Open University implements landmark decasualisation deal for tutors

2 August 2022

The Open University (OU) has implemented new permanent contracts for over 4,800 Associate Lecturers, in the biggest decasualisation programme to take place in the higher education sector. As a result of the new contracts which were introduced on 1 August 2022, staff are now benefitting from enhanced job security and a pay uplift of between […]

Student Katelyn Owens shares her 'life-changing' OU journey

“The OU saved my life. Now the sky’s the limit!”

1 August 2022

“Everybody takes a different path in life. You just have to find what’s right for you.” That’s the advice from 23-year-old Katelyn Owens who, after transferring to numerous universities and battling a substance use disorder has regained confidence and taken back control over her life. BA (Hons) Criminology & Sociology student Katelyn, now living in […]

OU delivers opportunity for FE colleges in England to boost their technical skills offer

14 July 2022

Further education colleges in England can now apply to access support from The Open University to boost their higher technical education provision. The scheme is backed by £10 million of UK Government funding and is designed to increase the number of communities that can access high-quality, higher, technical education locally. Under the scheme, the OU […]

Female noise and vibration engineer oversees student testing vibrations through software

Future of education is identified in the OU’s Innovating Pedagogy Report 2022

7 July 2022

‘Dual learning scenarios’ and ‘influencer-led education’ feature among the top 10 approaches to learning and teaching in this year’s landmark edition of the Innovating Pedagogy Report from The Open University. Every year academic researchers at the OU’s Institute of Educational Technology explore new advancements in pedagogy and how they can be effective in different learning, […]

National Student Survey results 2022 – Full update

6 July 2022

The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) 2022, commissioned by the Office for Students (OfS) have been published, with The Open University (OU) ranking sixth amongst 175 participating degree-awarding providers. The OU achieved an overall satisfaction rating of 86% across the UK, which remains well above the sector average of 74%. As the only institution in the […]

Where is the OU taking you? Share your story on social media

21 June 2022

The Open University is calling on members of its community to demonstrate the value of learning and the role it can play in shaping futures – by sharing their own stories on social media. In a time when flexible, open education has never been more important, we’re looking firmly to the future to how we […]

Times Education Commission “demonstrates need for flexible lifelong learning” says The Open University

15 June 2022

The Open University has welcomed the publication today of the Times Education Commission’s final report. Commenting on the report, Professor Tim Blackman, Vice-Chancellor of The Open University, said: “This is a vital piece of work that highlights the challenges faced across the education system and the importance of bringing forward solutions to tackle these systemic […]

Michelle Donelan, Universities Minister and Ben Everitt, MP for Milton Keynes North talk to students from The Open University with Professor Tim Blackman, Vice-Chancellor.

Universities Minister visits OU campus in Milton Keynes

10 June 2022

Michelle Donelan, Universities Minister, came to The Open University to learn how it designs and produces its high quality distance learning curriculum and to hear the needs of its learners. Joined by Ben Everitt, MP for Milton Keynes North she was welcomed to the University by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Blackman. Meeting students from across England, […]

OU News