The Open University

Singer Tim Wheeler joins 277 students for degree ceremony in Belfast

24 October 2016

Singer, songwriter and Alzheimer’s campaigner Tim Wheeler was honoured by The Open University (OU) with the award of Doctor of the University at a ceremony in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on Friday 21 October. Mr Wheeler had his award conferred alongside 277 graduating students – from all walks of life, of all ages and backgrounds and […]

OU-led study will focus on ‘urgent’ need to assess impact of outreach to adult learners in HE

20 October 2016

The Open University (OU) is to lead a new research project to determine the best ways universities are reaching out to mature learners, particularly those in under-represented groups. The six-month project, commissioned by the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) will address a critical gap in Widening Participation policy: sector understanding of outreach aimed, not at […]

University honours for actress Helen Griffin and campaigner Shahien Taj

19 October 2016

Two leading figures in Welsh culture and society have received honorary degrees from The Open University. Actress and comedian Helen Griffin, and charity leader and campaigner Shahien Taj, were honoured with the degree of Doctor of The Open University at a ceremony in Cardiff on Friday (14 October). The honorary graduates collected their doctorates alongside […]

OU honours campaigners of social equality

13 October 2016

The Open University has honoured independent filmmaker, Professor Franny Armstrong, and campaigner for social equality and justice, Ms Ceri Goddard, for their contribution to society by awarding each an honorary degree. Professor Franny Armstrong Professor Armstrong is one of the most important and innovative independent filmmakers in Britain. Her films focus on issues of public […]

Prof Mark Fenton O'Creevy with Dr Etienne Wenger-Trayner at the Gateshead Ceremony

Social learning specialist honoured at OU degree ceremony

11 October 2016

The Open University has honoured social learning theorist Dr Etienne Wenger-Trayner for his exceptional contribution to society by awarding him an honorary degree. A globally-recognised thought leader in the field of social learning theory, communities of practice and their application to organisations, Dr Wenger-Trayner’s work influences both theory and practice in a wide range of […]

OU backs report saying social mobility policy must embrace adult learners

10 October 2016

The Open University’s Vice-Chancellor Peter Horrocks CBE welcomes a Universities UK report out on Monday October 10 calling for older learners to feature in government policy on social mobility. The new report says that to leave mature students out of the picture, when considering social mobility, risks effectively excluding a large proportion of the population. It states: […]

The Open University Chancellor Asa Briggs addressing the audience at a graduation ceremony.

OU pays tribute to Asa Briggs, former OU Chancellor

5 October 2016

Members of the OU community, past and present, attended yesterday’s thanksgiving service for the late Asa Briggs. The former Vice-Chancellor Sir John Daniel, representing the OU and a close family friend, paid tribute to Asa’s remarkable contribution to the OU and announced the new Asa Briggs Chair in History. All the speakers brought out just […]

Swedish philanthropist, founder of the Sutton Trust and two national journalists honoured at degree ceremony

16 September 2016

The Open University has honoured four leading figures in UK society for the exceptional contributions they have made. Martin Lewis OBE, former editor of The Guardian Alan Rusbridger and philanthropists and social justice activists Sir Peter Lampl and Dr Sigrid Rausing all received honorary degrees from The Open University. Personal finance champion Well known personal […]

Silhouettes of Business People. Image credit: Thinkstock

Social mobility must focus on adult learners too, says OU Vice-Chancellor

15 September 2016

Social mobility is certainly the hot potato where the May Government is concerned. But is the new Prime Minister really looking in the right places? asks OU Vice-Chancellor Peter Horrocks. Theresa May’s aspirations for education policy – her recent announcements on more grammar schools and allowing universities to support state schools – show a boldness that […]

Scotland and the Battle for Britain

9 September 2016

Former BBC political editor Andrew Marr, born in Glasgow, presents Scotland and the Battle for Britain, a two-part documentary exploring Scotland’s political transformation during the historic events of recent years. Produced in partnership with The Open University, the programmes look at the impact of the Scottish referendum on independence, the success of the SNP in last […]

OU News

Category: Around the OU