The Open University

“Being Chancellor was a great privilege” – Baroness Betty Boothroyd’s message of support as The Open University turns 50

19 April 2019

Meeting thousands of graduates during her time as Chancellor of The Open University, Baroness Betty Boothroyd says having this role at the OU “was a great privilege and something I really enjoyed.” She attended many of the OU’s degree ceremonies, which she described as “a most moving experience”, and in her maiden speech to The […]

BBC documentary marks 50 years of OU

18 April 2019

The BBC marks a half century of The Open University with a new, hour-long documentary capturing the journey of our institution over the last 50 years. Happy Birthday OU: 50 Years of the Open University is the title of the documentary, narrated by comedian, actor and OU alumni Sir Lenny Henry. Sir Lenny gained a […]

OU digital access for prisons and secure hospitals “shone out” in The Guardian University Awards 2019

11 April 2019

A project which provides digital access to study materials for students in secure environments, such as prisons and secure hospitals, has won the widening access and outreach category in the Guardian University Awards. The award, which was presented to the OU team at the Guardian University Awards ceremony in London yesterday (10 April) was for […]

Honorary degrees celebrate contributions to culture, education, veterinary science and linguistics

22 March 2019

Today’s Open University degree ceremony at The Barbican, London, kicked off the spring graduation season in the OU’s 50th anniversary year. Alongside hundreds of Open University students receiving their awards, Sharon Corr, Baroness Jean Coussins and Professor Noel Fitzpatrick were conferred with honorary degrees. Sharon Corr – exceptional contribution to education and culture Singer, songwriter and […]

Universities Minister, Chris Skidmore MP, visits The Open University

15 March 2019

Chris Skidmore MP, Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation today visited The Open University campus in Milton Keynes, meeting staff and students. Greeted by Professor Mary Kellett, Vice-Chancellor of The Open University, the Minister was introduced to the OU’s role in society, detailing the reach, scale and diversity of the university. The visit also […]

The OU has the highest number of students declaring a mental health condition in the UK

7 March 2019

On University Mental Health Day (7 March), The Open University has announced that it has the highest number of students declaring a mental health condition across the UK (6,025), and that proportion has increased year-on-year over the past 10 years. As a proud supporter of University Mental Health Day, it’s essential that as the debate about […]

Malcolm Sweeting appointed as new Pro-Chancellor

4 March 2019

The Open University has appointed Malcolm Sweeting as its new Pro-Chancellor, replacing Richard Gillingwater, who completed his term of office at the end of 2018 after 4 years in the role. A wealth of experience Malcolm Sweeting is a leading international corporate finance lawyer, a partner of Clifford Chance since 1990 and was global senior […]

OU launches social worker degree apprenticeship

28 February 2019

The Open University (OU) has launched its Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship, supporting more people into higher education and providing a new, flexible route into becoming a social worker. Employers in a social work setting – across England – are being encouraged to work in partnership with the OU to set up the apprenticeships to develop […]

FutureLearn to deliver digital skills programmes in new Institute of Coding initiative

25 February 2019

The Open University (OU)’s social learning platform FutureLearn is to deliver digital skills programmes as part of the Institute of Coding (IoC), a multi-million pound initiative. The FutureLearn platform, which is wholly-owned by the OU, will deliver digital skills courses from the University of Leeds, Lancaster University, Goldsmiths and the Creative Computing Institute at the University […]

New contract deal for Associate Lecturers

25 January 2019

The Open University (OU) and University and College Union (UCU) have announced the successful negotiation of a new permanent contact for Associate Lecturers (ALs). The 4,000 ALs play a vital role in the delivery of OU course material and are the primary point of contact for all current students. What the new contract means The […]

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Category: University news