The Open University

Rethinking our national and international issues

4 June 2025

If you’ve ever wondered how a major emerging national or international issue might play out through alternative solutions by decisionmakers, then check out The Open University/BBC radio series Rethink on BBC Radio 4. The OU’s Professor of Politics and International Studies Simon Usherwood was the consultant to programme makers for this third series that looks […]

Listen to the new season of radio series, Rare Earth

30 May 2025

Today at midday (30 May) the OU/BBC radio series, Rare Earth, returns with a fifth series with environmental journalist Tom Heap and physicist Helen Czerski on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. Rare Earth is a weekly podcast and radio show which digs into the biggest issues facing our planet. Each week, hosts Tom and […]

New series revels in the genius of Jane Austen

28 May 2025

If you love the feminine bonnets and bustles, handsome eligible young men and the haughty outrage of female chaperones in 18th century fiction then feast your eyes on the new docudrama Jane Austen, Rise of a Genius. The three-part Open University/BBC co-production, available on BBC iPlayer, coincides with the 250th year of Austen’s birth and […]

Honour for a swordplay expert who carved a career in films

27 May 2025

A multi-talented character in the UK’s creative and cultural industry has just been made an honorary graduate of The Open University, recognising his work in the arts. Andy Wilkinson, who lives in Harpenden, Herts, dreamt of a showbusiness career and used his skills at fencing and other weaponry to help him enter the profession, gain […]

Wildlife lovers’ favourite, Springwatch, is back for its 20th season

23 May 2025

The ever-popular OU/BBC programme Springwatch is back with a brand new series, this time celebrating its 20th anniversary. Springwatch begins on 26th May at 8pm on BBC Two, with new episodes shown Mondays – Thursdays across the next three weeks. You can also catch up on episodes via BBC iPlayer. As Springwatch embarks on their […]

Open University graduate wins prestigious national nursing award

22 May 2025

Open University graduate, Fay Dudson has won the Student Innovation in Practice Award at the annual Student Nursing Times Awards. The ceremony, which took place in a glitzy ceremony on 2nd May in London, honoured the outstanding achievements of the upcoming generation of nurses and their mentors, recognising those who consistently go above and beyond […]

John Lewis Partnership and The Open University to support more care experienced young people into higher education

22 May 2025

The Open University (OU) is now accepting applications for scholarships from people aged 30 years and under who have experienced the care system, funded by the John Lewis Partnership (JLP) and OU donor support. The OU’s social justice mission states that everyone – regardless of background or circumstance – should receive the same opportunities and […]

Powerful new OU/BBC documentary tells the story of the murder of George Floyd and the backlash that followed

20 May 2025

Airing on Wednesday 21st May on BBC Two at 9pm and BBC iPlayer, Blacklash: The Murder of George Floyd” tells the story of one of the most shocking and defining moments in modern history, one that not only exposed police brutality and birthed the Black Lives Matter movement, but also exposed deep divides in the […]

Honour for bereaved Bedfordshire mother whose work has improved life for those living with sickle cell

19 May 2025

A bereaved mother from Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, whose daughter died from sickle cell disease 25 years ago, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by The Open University for her work to raise awareness of the condition ever since. Cecilia Ayisi-Shoetan, formerly from Romford but now living in Leighton Buzzard, has campaigned to help improve the […]

OU tackles workplace barriers to support mothers’ career re-entry

16 May 2025

New evidence review from The Open University highlights 10 key barriers that hinder working mothers, spotlighting the ongoing ‘motherhood penalty’ Practical toolkits for employers and mothers are launched at an event with opening remarks delivered by Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern MP to support mothers and primary care givers returning to work Partnership with the […]

OU News

Category: Around the OU