The Open University

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, […]

“I failed a module, but came back stronger”

6 June 2022

Aqua Koroma first started her university journey in 2000 but pressed pause on her studies when she became mum to two boys. After her marriage broke down years later, Aqua was inspired to return to study Law with The Open University and pursue her dream of becoming a solicitor. Her journey to graduation wasn’t without […]

“I’m studying so I can set up my own environmental consultancy”

31 May 2022

Proud Open University student Kevin Odhiambo Onyango lives in Kenya and is studying for his MSc in Environmental Management – in preparation for setting up his own environmental consultancy firm. He shares how OU study has changed his life so far. “I am finding my experience of being an international OU student very exciting because […]

OU to provide skills boost for local communities

25 May 2022

The OU will partner with further education providers to provide high-quality, higher and technical education to more local communities across England, backed by £10 million of Government funding. Under the scheme, announced by Higher and Further Education Minister Michelle Donelan today (25 May), The Open University will work with colleges that do not currently offer […]

OU student Craig shares his experience in microcredentials.

“The OU microcredentials are so good that I’m on my fourth!”

24 May 2022

Craig Finnie first dipped his toe into the OU microcredentials waters in 2020 and says these short courses were such a great opportunity to upskill that he’s now done four – all via the OU’s social learning platform, FutureLearn. They’ve even helped him to land a new job. With two distance learning undergraduate degrees under […]

OU responds to Education Select Committee report about prisoner education

18 May 2022

The House of Commons Education Select Committee has today published its report ‘Not just another brick in the wall: why prisoners need an education to climb the ladder of opportunity’. The Open University is the primary provider of higher education in prisons and secure units in England and Wales, operating in over 150 prisons across […]

REF 2021 recognises 82% of OU research impact as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent.’

12 May 2022

The Open University (OU)’s commitment to research and societal impact is recognised today (Thursday, 12 May), with 82% of its research impact assessed to be ‘world-leading’ (4*) or ‘internationally excellent’ (3*) by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. These results are a welcome acknowledgement of the impact of OU researchers’ work in transforming lives, shaping […]

OU academics contribute to new BBC Ideas film: ‘Does it ever pay to represent yourself in court?’

29 April 2022

Appearing in court without representation is becoming increasingly common. But is it a sensible strategy? Academics from The Open University’s Open Justice Centre have answered exactly this question in a new BBC Ideas film titled ‘Does it ever pay to represent yourself in court?’. Open Justice Centre Director Francine Ryan, Professor of Law and Social […]

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