The Open University

Lack of budget and technical skills holding UK businesses back from improved productivity

28 October 2024

As the UK grapples with stagnant productivity growth, a new report from The Open University reveals that one in four businesses (27%) believe productivity has declined over the past five years, reflecting broader concerns ahead of the upcoming Budget. The report, based on a YouGov survey of over 500 UK businesses, uncovers a disconnect in […]

Olympic comedown’ is a common ailment after the games – here’s what it is and how athletes cope

15 August 2024

Helen Owton is Lecturer in Sport and Fitness in the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies. Here she explains why athletes experience a ‘comedown’ after the Olympics. “Comedown” is a term usually associated with withdrawal from stimulant drugs. But the feelings experienced by athletes are not so different. The high athletes get from their […]

Cute little child girl reading a book. Image credit: Thinkstock

On World Book Day find out how the OU’s Reading Schools Programme is helping more children to read for pleasure

7 March 2024

Today is World Book Day and as children around the world excitedly mark the occasion by dressing up as their favourite literary character, or join in with special events at their school, it is important to remember that behind the buzz and excitement of the day there is an important message – to encourage more […]

A statement from Professor Tim Blackman, Vice-Chancellor of The Open University regarding the recent employment tribunal judgment

26 January 2024

On Monday 22nd January, the University received the judgment from an employment tribunal following a claim brought against it by Professor Jo Phoenix. Professor Tim Blackman, Vice-Chancellor of The Open University responds to the ruling: This judgment made for difficult reading for all of us. In several areas we fell very short. We apologise unreservedly […]

OU research reveals shocking level of online violence experienced by women and girls across the UK

7 September 2023

Over one in 10 women in England have experienced online violence, while three in 10 women (30%) have witnessed online violence Seven in 10 (68%) believe that current legislation is ineffective at tackling online violence against women and girls in England One in eight (13%) of women in England who experienced online violence say this […]

Nearly 1 in 2 school leavers in England have reconsidered going to university, as cost of living soars

9 August 2023

New survey from The Open University shows that 49% of 18–19-year-olds in England have reconsidered going to university in the last year, due to rising living costs 71% say they would consider distance learning if it meant saving money The Centre for Economic and Business Research (Cebr) estimates that studying with the OU could potentially […]

OU launches two free courses to improve the care of older people with learning disabilities

19 July 2023

The Open University has launched two free courses aimed at supporting professionals and families who care for older people with learning disabilities. Supporting older people with learning disabilities and their families and Caring for an older family member with learning disabilities have been developed using inclusive research overseen by Louise Wallace, Professor of Psychology and […]

Attorney General champions government legal career at Open University

18 July 2023

Diverse routes into law and how the work of government lawyers impacts all aspects of public life were themes discussed by the Attorney General as she spoke to the Open University’s law students. Attorney General, Victoria Prentis KC MP, visited The Open University campus in Milton Keynes on Thursday July 13 part of the Law […]

Success for OU students at RCN Nurse of the Year Awards

7 July 2023

Open to all UK nurses, midwives, health visitors, nursing students and nursing support workers, the awards highlight excellence within the nursing profession and celebrate the contribution that nursing staff make to the health and well-being of their patients. The RCN Northern Ireland (NI) held their 2023 Nurse of the Year Awards ceremony in Belfast, whilst […]