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OpenLearn celebrates two decades of trailblazing free learning

Twenty years ago this October, The Open University launched an experimental platform called OpenLearn, an ambitious experiment to draw on the future possibilities of the new and fast-changing online technology of the time. Back in 2006 some of the world’s most popular, and enduring, online platforms were also emerging – Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, MySpace. The […]

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Image shows robots at a Smart City event in Milton Keynes. Copyright The Open University

Open University partners in major Milton Keynes Robotics Adoption Hub

Open University research will form a significant part of a 43-month project to set up a self-sustaining Robotics Adoption Hub that will foster the take-up and solutions for robotics in open public spaces in Milton Keynes. The MK Robotics Adoption Hub – created thanks to £38m funding from the Robotics Adoption programme delivered by Innovate […]

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Members of the winning OU team and partner organisations standing in front of a Black Talent Awards banner.

Leadership programme wins national award

The Open University’s Minority Ethnic Leadership (MEL) Programme has won the Excellence in Education Award at the Evenfields Black Talent Awards, recognising its contribution to developing diverse leadership across the voluntary and community sector. The national awards celebrate the achievements of Black professionals and organisations across the UK. The award recognises the success of the […]

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BBC Bitesize Careers and The Open University logo alongside the Follow Your Passion campaign branding

BBC Bitesize and The Open University launch Bitesize Careers Follow Your Passion to help young people discover careers through the things they love

The new careers initiative aims to tackle the careers awareness gap, as research finds 57% of teenagers have no idea what career they want, but 30% prioritise working in an area they are passionate about. BBC Bitesize and The Open University have joined forces to launch Bitesize Careers Follow Your Passion, a new careers initiative […]

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Image shows Clare Davenport-Johnson, Head of Partnerships for the Development Office and Tracy Grunwell, Philanthropy Manager, Development Office at the awards. Photo: copyright the OU.

Open University celebrates win at Armed Forces awards for “exceptional achievement” in the community

The Open University is delighted to announce it was amongst the winners at the prestigious Armed Forces Community Awards on Thursday September 18th, picking up the Education, Training and Development Award. This auspicious award reflects the life-changing power of education to transform lives and the determination of the veterans that The Open University (OU) is […]

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New national event to unlock the UK’s untapped maternal talent pool

Beyondtheschoolrun and The Open University (OU) are to launch a national flagship event to redefine motherhood, potential and the future of work. For generations, the conversation around motherhood and work has focused on what women “return” to: returning to work; returning to confidence; returning to careers; returning to who they were before. Now a new […]

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The Open University extends enrolment deadline for first time as record numbers of young people choose flexible study

The Open University is extending its undergraduate enrolment deadline for the first time in its history after seeing unprecedented demand from younger students seeking a more flexible route into higher education. The move comes as growing numbers of school and college leavers look for alternatives to the traditional university experience, balancing study with work and […]

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The Open University launches new strategy to widen opportunity and help more students succeed

The Open University (OU) has today launched Opening Up, its new strategy for 2026–2031, setting out how it will widen opportunity, improve student success and increase its impact through education, research, innovation and partnership. The strategy marks the next stage in the OU’s mission to make higher education open to people regardless of background, location […]

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Teenage boom at The Open University as young people choose to earn while they learn

Record 3,398 new undergraduate students aged 18 or 19. Number of teenage starters has risen by more than a third since 2019/20. Almost four in ten new OU undergraduates are now under 25. Record numbers of teenagers are choosing The Open University as young people seek more flexible and affordable ways to earn a degree […]

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Image showing a lightbulb in the sky depicting a "lightbulb moment". Image credit: Jetalproducoes, Pixabay

OU’s Open Business Creators Fund awards grants totalling £30k to student-led enterprises

Eighteen budding entrepreneurs have been awarded cash grants to kickstart their business ideas thanks to Open Business Creators (OBC). The popular and long-running initiative supports Open University students and alumni to start, grow and sustain their own businesses or freelance careers. Through a combination of training, funding and business support, OBC aims to help entrepreneurs […]

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