The Open University

OU’s innovative learning earns global awards

1 April 2016

The Open University is celebrating after winning top awards for its innovation and open education learning, both internationally and in the UK. The OU was named winner in four categories in the highly-competitive 2016 Awards for Open Education Excellence, presenting accolades for excellence to sites, courses and projects across the world in the field of […]

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

Asa Briggs on his secret passion for writing poetry

21 March 2016

Former OU Chancellor Asa Briggs will always be remembered as one of the most important historians in Britain, world-renowned for his work in social history, culture and communications and a ‘towering figure’ in the world of education. Much less well known is that he was also a writer of poetry. Just a fortnight before his […]

Mark Lancaster MP and Keith Zimmerman, University Secretary signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

OU committed to supporting Armed Forces

16 March 2016

The OU has underlined its commitment to the Armed Forces, pledging to continue supporting servicemen and women with access to flexible higher education. The university has a long-standing relationship with the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces, with 2,000 serving members currently OU students. The university supports members of the Armed Forces into Higher Education, recognises the […]

‘Towering figure’ and former OU Chancellor, Asa Briggs, dies

15 March 2016

The OU is sad to hear of the passing of Asa Briggs, who served as the Chancellor of The Open University from 1978 to 1994. He died today (15 March) at his home in Lewes, aged 94. He played a significant role in the development of the University and remained a great friend and supporter […]

Tributes pour in for Professor Doreen Massey

14 March 2016

It was with great sadness that colleagues and students heard the news that Doreen Massey, Emeritus Professor in the Social Sciences Faculty, died on Friday 11 March. Doreen was an eminent and pioneering intellectual, who received many awards and accolades at the highest level throughout her career. Doreen developed an understanding of social space as […]

50 years since the dawn of the ‘University of the Air’

25 February 2016

Fifty years ago today, a government White Paper was published, which introduced the concept of The Open University (OU). Originally called the ‘University of the Air’, the OU was the realisation of the dream of one person; Jennie Lee. As the Arts Minister at the time, Jennie Lee was the driving force behind the OU, battling fierce […]

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 […]

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Category: Around the OU