The Open University

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 […]

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 […]

2015’s broadcast blockbusters from The Open University

30 December 2015

Over 30 co-produced programmes with the BBC and Channel 4 inspired our viewers and listeners this year. Here are some of the most popular series from 2015: Countdown to Life: The Extraordinary Making of You told the thrilling story of how you were made, combining human stories with ground-breaking computer generated imagery (CGI). You can […]

Joseph Molesley studies for his degree in History with The Open University

Downton Abbey star on acting, distance learning and his degree

25 December 2015

For Downton Abbey fans, Christmas will be bitter-sweet this year as the Christmas Special marks the final ever episode of the series enjoyed by millions. Joseph Molesley, played by Kevin Doyle, has had a turbulent journey, from second footman at Downton, to butler for Mrs Crawley. Unfulfilled, and having been unable to pursue his passion […]

The Making of Spain with Simon Sebag Montefiore

11 December 2015

Christian Martyrs, Civil War, kings, and queens – a two thousand year history of Spain is explored in an intense and thrilling three-part series on BBC Four. In the new series, developed by the BBC in partnership with The Open University, historian and internationally acclaimed author, Simon Sebag Montefiore guides us on a journey across […]

Author and presenter Simon Reeve in Ireland. Image credit: BBC TWO

New TV series takes viewers on an Irish adventure

18 November 2015

In a new OU/BBC series, author and presenter Simon Reeve takes viewers on a journey to uncover the history of a country which he has never visited before: Ireland. Simon explores Ireland’s breath-taking scenery, and the surprising political and social history of the Irish; from the recent financial crisis that hit the country in 2008 and the legislation of […]

New sports science documentary asks: what makes a champion?

11 November 2015

If the 1936 Olympic gold medallist Jesse Owens was to race against Usain Bolt today, he would be 14 feet behind him. Has the human race evolved so much since then to make sporting feats like this possible? Or we have a superior understanding of how get the most out of our bodies? A new […]

A praying mantis feasts on a katydid in the Madagascan jungle. Image credit: Silverback Films

The Hunt is on: brand new footage revealed as predator tracks prey

29 October 2015

Predators are often perceived as being ferocious, successful hunters but the truth is, most hunts fail. A new landmark BBC natural history series uncovers dramatic and never-seen-before footage of predators and the difficulties they face in catching their prey. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, The Hunt, produced in partnership with The Open University, travels the […]

Is this the answer to ending extreme poverty?

16 September 2015

Internationally-renowned statistician Professor Hans Rosling asks whether it’s possible to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030 in a one-hour BBC programme made in partnership with The Open University. Don’t Panic: How to End Poverty in 15 Years considers whether the goal set by the United Nations (UN) of wiping out ‘extreme poverty’ for almost one billion people […]

CGI image of baby in a womb. Image credit: BDH for The BBC

The story of how human life is made

14 September 2015

100 Trillion cells. 280 days. One human life. The person you are was decided before you were even born. Countdown to Life: The Extraordinary Making of You is a fascinating new three-part BBC series produced in partnership with the OU, telling the thrilling story of how human life is made. The way you smile, the […]

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Category: TV and radio