The Open University

OU honours leading science educator for widening participation in space science

22 September 2017

Science writer and educator, Emily Lakdawalla, has been awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her contributions to planetary and space science communication. The OU presented Emily Lakdawalla with a Doctor of the University at its recent Barbican Degree Ceremony. Senior Editor of The Planetary Society, Emily is respected internationally as a passionate advocate for […]

Extending our reach – how validation helps more people gain degrees

22 September 2017

The role of universities in validating degrees – rubber stamping degrees which are achieved at a different college or institution – will be more important than ever in the emerging Higher Education landscape. So says Phil Berry, Director, OU Validation Partnerships, who reflects on the place of validation in UK universities. Writing on the HE […]

The Detectives: Murder on the Streets

19 September 2017

The chilling BBC/OU Co-production The Detectives: Murder on the Streets returns for a second series this autumn, following Manchester’s homicide detectives as they work to unravel complex murder cases. With unparalleled and intimate access, this four-part series follows the Manchester team over the course of a year as they try to crack complex cases in real time. Open University […]

OU and National Extension College campaign to widen access to Higher Education

14 September 2017

The OU and National Extension College (NEC) are launching a joint campaign to improve the life chances of those from low income groups or without previous qualifications through distance and lifelong learning. In response to a 50% decline in the number of students aged over 21 entering into Higher Education in the last ten […]

There has been a massive drop in the number of mature students studying at UK universities

13 September 2017

If you step on to a university campus in any town or city across the UK, chances are that most of the students you will see will all be of a similar age. Yes, there may be the odd “mature student”, but for the most part, a lot of the students look to be in […]

English in Action wins top award for innovation in international education

11 September 2017

The OU’s English in Action project has won the award for progressive education delivery at this year’s PIEoneer Awards. The Awards, which took place in London on 8 September 2017, celebrate the most innovative work being done across the international education sector. Matthew Foster, director of the International Development Office at the OU says: We […]

Low skilled workers can’t move up the career ladder

7 September 2017

New market research on skills commissioned by the OU has found that the vast majority of people in low and semi-skilled work are not getting the training and opportunities they need to move up the career ladder. The online survey of 4000 UK adults found that of the 42% that described themselves as ‘Not In Skilled Employment’ (NISKE), […]

Times Higher Education Awards 2017 - banner on website

OU shortlisted for three Times Higher Education Awards 2017

7 September 2017

The OU has been shortlisted for three prestigious awards for its innovation in teaching and research impact, with The Open University Business School (OUBS) also in the running for ‘Business School of the Year 2017’. Recognised as the ‘Oscars of Higher Education’, the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards celebrate the dedication, innovation, and talent of individuals […]

Innovative teaching at the OU recognised at prestigious international awards ceremony

5 September 2017

The team behind the OU’s innovative approach teaching has been recognised at the Higher Education Academy’s (HEA) inaugural Global Teaching Excellence Awards (GTEA). The team, led by Professor Hazel Rymer, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Learning and Teaching Innovation at the OU, was shortlisted from a 27-strong field of universities from around the world. Professor Rymer said the pioneering […]

OU/BBC documentary to explore history of Milton Keynes

15 August 2017

Milton Keynes and Me: Wednesday 16 August 2017, 21:00: BBC Four The most famous new town in the UK – Milton Keynes – has turned 50 and so (it just so happens) has the documentary maker, Richard Macer, who grew up there. In this special programme, which is due to broadcast on BBC Four on […]

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Category: Around the OU