The Open University

Aerial view of Milton Keynes, showing green parkland, lakes, tree-lined paths and surrounding residential areas stretching towards the horizon.

The Open University proud to see Milton Keynes shortlisted for UK City of Culture

23 October 2026

The Open University is proud that Milton Keynes has been shortlisted to be the next UK City of Culture. The University, which has its campus in Milton Keynes, is a supporter of the City’s bid alongside MK City Council and local businesses and organisations. Commenting on the announcement of the next UK City of Culture […]

Laptop screen displaying the words Never Stop Learning in capital letters. Copyright Geralt on Pixabay

OpenLearn celebrates two decades of trailblazing free learning

20 October 2026

Twenty years ago this October, The Open University launched an experimental platform called OpenLearn, an ambitious experiment to draw on the future possibilities of the new and fast-changing online technology of the time. Back in 2006 some of the world’s most popular, and enduring, online platforms were also emerging – Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, MySpace. The […]

Promotional image for The Book That Changed My Life, showing five readers gathered around stacks of books with the programme title displayed across the centre.

The Book That Changed My Life explores reading’s transformative power

13 October 2026

A new OU/BBC documentary, The Book That Changed My Life, airs on Wednesday 14 October at 9pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. Her Majesty Queen Camilla joins four remarkable people as they reflect on the books that have had a profound influence on their lives. Combining personal stories with wider insights into the value […]

BBC Radio 4 Inside Health programme artwork featuring medical illustrations including syringes, medicine bottles and a stethoscope.

Inside Health returns to BBC Radio 4 with a new series

12 October 2026

A new six-part OU / BBC series, Inside Health begins Tuesday 13 October at 9:30am on BBC Radio 4. The weekly programme demystifies health issues, separates fact from fiction, and brings clarity to conflicting health advice. Episode one explores whether black people are at higher risk of a stroke and how we can stockpile nutritiously […]

Image shows robots at a Smart City event in Milton Keynes. Copyright The Open University

Open University partners in major Milton Keynes Robotics Adoption Hub

9 October 2026

Open University research will form a significant part of a 43-month project to set up a self-sustaining Robotics Adoption Hub that will foster the take-up and solutions for robotics in open public spaces in Milton Keynes. The MK Robotics Adoption Hub – created thanks to £38m funding from the Robotics Adoption programme delivered by Innovate […]

Members of the winning OU team and partner organisations standing in front of a Black Talent Awards banner.

Leadership programme wins national award

9 October 2026

The Open University’s Minority Ethnic Leadership (MEL) Programme has won the Excellence in Education Award at the Evenfields Black Talent Awards, recognising its contribution to developing diverse leadership across the voluntary and community sector. The national awards celebrate the achievements of Black professionals and organisations across the UK. The award recognises the success of the […]

BBC Bitesize and The Open University launch Bitesize Careers Follow Your Passion to help young people discover careers through the things they love

1 October 2026

The new careers initiative aims to tackle the careers awareness gap, as research finds 57% of teenagers have no idea what career they want, but 30% prioritise working in an area they are passionate about. BBC Bitesize and The Open University have joined forces to launch Bitesize Careers Follow Your Passion, a new careers initiative […]

Image shows Clare Davenport-Johnson, Head of Partnerships for the Development Office and Tracy Grunwell, Philanthropy Manager, Development Office at the awards. Photo: copyright the OU.

Open University celebrates win at Armed Forces awards for “exceptional achievement” in the community

18 September 2026

The Open University is delighted to announce it was amongst the winners at the prestigious Armed Forces Community Awards on Thursday September 18th, picking up the Education, Training and Development Award. This auspicious award reflects the life-changing power of education to transform lives and the determination of the veterans that The Open University (OU) is […]

Image shows mother kissing her young daughter. Image credit: Pixabay

New national event to unlock the UK’s untapped maternal talent pool

17 September 2026

Beyondtheschoolrun and The Open University (OU) are to launch a national flagship event to redefine motherhood, potential and the future of work. For generations, the conversation around motherhood and work has focused on what women “return” to: returning to work; returning to confidence; returning to careers; returning to who they were before. Now a new […]