The Open University

BBC documentary marks 50 years of OU

18 April 2019

The BBC marks a half century of The Open University with a new, hour-long documentary capturing the journey of our institution over the last 50 years. Happy Birthday OU: 50 Years of the Open University is the title of the documentary, narrated by comedian, actor and OU alumni Sir Lenny Henry. Sir Lenny gained a […]

Earth From Space: a unique perspective

17 April 2019

A picture is worth a thousand words and this week’s brand new BBC series made in partnership with The Open University shows how true the adage is. Satellite images from space are being used in Earth from Space to tell stories of life on the planet from a brand-new perspective, revealing new discoveries, incredible colours […]

’50 Years’ photography collection launched

17 April 2019

The Open University is marking its 50th year anniversary this month by telling its remarkable story through the power of photographs, in a collection released today. Former and current OU students, including a prisoner turned academic, a woman research pioneer in moon exploration and a soldier who studied in the field with waterproofed books, all […]

Photograph of Martha Lane Fox standing behind a lectern

‘I can’t imagine a more important institution to support and love’

16 April 2019

Baroness Martha Lane Fox, the sixth Chancellor of The Open University, shares her excitement about the university’s big birthday and “can’t imagine a more important institution to support and love”… “I have been lucky to hold many roles and wear several hats during my nearly-50 years on this planet. Without a doubt, one of the […]

OU digital access for prisons and secure hospitals “shone out” in The Guardian University Awards 2019

11 April 2019

A project which provides digital access to study materials for students in secure environments, such as prisons and secure hospitals, has won the widening access and outreach category in the Guardian University Awards. The award, which was presented to the OU team at the Guardian University Awards ceremony in London yesterday (10 April) was for […]

There is never going to be a bricks-and-mortar offering of higher education in every coastal town

4 April 2019

Today, the House of Lords Select Committee on Regenerating Seaside Towns and Communities published a report called: The future of seaside towns. The report looks at the issues, challenges and opportunities these communities face in several areas with education and skills a key part. Professor Ian Fribbance, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and […]

BBC and OU programme explores ‘The Brexit Storm’

1 April 2019

As Parliament continues to negotiate leaving the European Union, The Brexit Storm: Laura Kuenssberg’s Inside Story gives viewers a front-row seat to nine turbulent months of political history. Co-produced by the BBC and The Open University’s Broadcast and Partnerships team, the one-off special airs on Monday 1 April at 9pm on BBC Two. With candid access to many of […]

Blue Planet Live: BBC/OU series celebrates marine life characters

24 March 2019

An exciting week of programmes, delving into the depths of marine life around the globe – begins on Sunday 24 March, in a series co-produced by the BBC and The Open University. Blue Planet Live will aim to assess the state of the world’s seas, following three different marine hotspots: Mexico, Bahamas and the Great […]

Honorary degrees celebrate contributions to culture, education, veterinary science and linguistics

22 March 2019

Today’s Open University degree ceremony at The Barbican, London, kicked off the spring graduation season in the OU’s 50th anniversary year. Alongside hundreds of Open University students receiving their awards, Sharon Corr, Baroness Jean Coussins and Professor Noel Fitzpatrick were conferred with honorary degrees. Sharon Corr – exceptional contribution to education and culture Singer, songwriter and […]

Universities Minister, Chris Skidmore MP, visits The Open University

15 March 2019

Chris Skidmore MP, Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation today visited The Open University campus in Milton Keynes, meeting staff and students. Greeted by Professor Mary Kellett, Vice-Chancellor of The Open University, the Minister was introduced to the OU’s role in society, detailing the reach, scale and diversity of the university. The visit also […]

OU News

Category: Around the OU