The Open University

The Prosecutors: behind the scenes with Julian Webb

19 February 2016

A unique OU/BBC documentary series, which goes behind the scenes to reveal how our Crown Prosecution Service really works, begins on BBC Four next week. ‘The Prosecutors: Real Crime and Punishment‘, the first episode of which is on Wednesday 24 February 2016 at 21:00, invites audiences to experience the challenging, and often harrowing environment in which […]

OU Vice-Chancellor Peter Horrocks at Amity University in India.

OU strengthens ties with education in India

18 February 2016

A university group in India is calling on the expertise of The Open University to help deliver quality online education. The new agreement with Amity University will see its “world-leading expertise and learning innovation deployed for the benefit of students in India,” says the OU’s Steve Hill. Amity is a leading educational group in India with […]

Big Data is a big deal

12 February 2016

“Big data is a UK success story*” was one of the key messages about the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee Big Data Dilemma inquiry report published today (12 February 2016). The Open University, an institution at the forefront of developing applications for big data, has welcomed the report but recognises there are many […]

Documentary on personal story of a choice to die

9 February 2016

An observational documentary, co-produced by The Open University and BBC, follows the journey of a man considering assisted suicide. Simon is a successful businessman with a loving family and large circle of friends. His world falls apart in January 2015 when he is diagnosed with an aggressive form of Motor Neurone Disease and given two […]

Climbing up a mountain - Widening Participation

‘We wouldn’t be able to do it without the OU’

4 February 2016

“Three quarters of widening participation students say that without the Open University, they would not have been able to attend higher education at all” That was one of many stark messages delivered by Peter Horrocks, the Vice-Chancellor of The Open University, during his speech at the Widening Participation in UK Higher Education forum today (4 […]

Lifelong learning is the answer for addressing UK skills gaps

2 February 2016

A government plan to fix the foundations of the British economy and boost productivity has failed to acknowledge the benefits of lifelong learning. The Government’s ‘productivity plan’ was published last year, focusing on how to increase UK productivity and growth over the next decade and create a more prosperous nation. But a new report examining […]

Adult education and lifelong learning vital to UK economy

2 February 2016

“Adult education and lifelong learning have a vital role in strengthening the UK’s economy,” and “the Government recognises that there is more to be done to ensure that the UK has the skills and flexibility it needs to grow in the global economy”. That’s according to Baroness Natalie Evans, the UK Government’s Higher Education Spokesperson, […]

OU/BBC series explores the language of William Shakespeare

23 January 2016

Have you ever wondered why a person might wear their heart on their sleeve? Or why the world is your oyster? These literary expressions – and hundreds more – that still feature in everyday conversations are the invention of one of the greatest writers and the subject of a new OU/BBC series, Shakespeare Speaks. 20 […]

Row of university graduates holding their scrolls. Image: Thinkstock

OU says Government must consider all study options

15 January 2016

The Open University has called on the Government to make sure it considers the full range of study options available to students as it develops its higher education policy. In November 2015, the Government published a Green Paper on the future of higher education, with a focus on giving students greater choice and encouraging inclusivity. The document […]

Image of a chalkboard with three personal goals for 2016

New Year’s resolutions with a difference

1 January 2016

The New Year is an optimistic time for many of us with millions making resolutions to better themselves in some way. According to a YouGov survey the top resolutions involve career, health, money, relationships and DIY. But what can make the biggest impact to your life? Do we keep making the promises to change or […]

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Category: Around the OU