The Open University

Open University joins UK-wide initiative to expand access to education for displaced learners

3 June 2026

The Open University (OU) has joined a new UK-wide collaboration of universities and sector partners to strengthen coordinated responses to global crises affecting higher education and expand access for displaced learners. The Global Response Platform (GRP) brings together leading UK institutions to work collectively on international crisis response, enabling a more coordinated and scalable approach to […]

The Open University’s Future of Learning report sets vision for learning in a changing world

1 June 2026

The Open University (OU) today publishes ‘The Future of Learning: Skills, Technology and Innovation in a Changing World’, a report setting out how education can positively respond to rapid technological change, the transition to a net-zero economy and evolving skills needs, while widening access and opportunity. The report shows how learning, work and participation in […]

The Open University helps colleges expand higher education in local “cold spot” communities

28 May 2026

The Open University’s ‘Higher Education in Further Education’ validation project has helped further education colleges in England build the skills, confidence and capacity to offer new higher education routes in communities with limited local provision, according to an independent evaluation commissioned by the Office for Students. The Ecorys evaluation of The Open University’s HE in […]

Two young men collaborating on a laptop outdoors, focusing on digital learning and teamwork

John Lewis Partnership and The Open University to support more care-experienced young people into higher education

21 May 2026

Applications are now open for people aged 30 and under with experience of being in care to study an undergraduate qualification at the OU for free. The Care Experienced Scholarship, designed in collaboration with The John Lewis Partnership as part of the Building Happier Futures initiative, has provided the opportunity to access free, flexible higher education to […]

MK College and Open University offer new groundbreaking degree courses

18 May 2026

For the first time, Milton Keynes College Group is now offering full degree courses, thanks to a groundbreaking new partnership with the city’s The Open University (OU). Following a rigorous validation process, the College Group will now teach a range of degrees, giving students the confidence that the quality of the education being provided is […]

The Open University welcomes once-in-a-generation reforms to open up lifelong learning

15 May 2026

The Open University has welcomed today’s Department for Education announcement confirming the first universities and colleges, including the OU, approved to offer new flexible modular provision through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. The reforms will allow eligible adults in England to access student finance in more flexible ways, supporting shorter courses and modules as well as traditional full qualifications. […]

Police force project with The Open University studies drivers’ cognitive overload

15 May 2026

Devon & Cornwall Police has received funding from The Road Safety Trust to support an important new research project, working with The Open University to improve driver safety. The partnership will help lead an 18-month national research programme focused on the mental demands of driving under complex or demanding conditions – situations frequently faced by […]

New Centre launches to amplify voices and histories of people with learning disabilities

7 May 2026

The Open University has launched the Centre for Society, History and Learning Disabilities (SHLD). The new Centre builds on the University’s long‑standing commitment to inclusive research and social justice alongside people with learning disabilities. SHLD grows out of more than 30 years of work by the Social History of Learning Disability Group and brings together […]

Life-changing OU scholarships for disabled military veterans go live

29 April 2026

Applications are now open for anyone injured or disabled in or as a result of military service, who could benefit from the truly life-changing opportunity to study for free at The Open University. The Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship Fund (DVSF), which is supported by generous donations from OU alumni, businesses and supporters of the University, has […]

Zebra Trust give £1.2m gift to strengthen teacher education in Kenya and Zambia

22 April 2026

The Open University has received a £1.2 million gift from The Zebra Trust for a major new initiative to enhance pre-service teacher education in Kenya and Zambia, helping thousands of new teachers enter classrooms better prepared to support children’s learning. The four-and-a-half-year programme will be led by Dr Jennifer Agbaire, Prof Tom Power and Olivier […]

OU News

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