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Category: Arts and social sciences

“I’ve just graduated at 40 and feel that the world has become more open to me”

“I’ve just graduated at 40 and feel that the world has become more open to me”

Twenty-two years ago, Rebecca Bungay, 40, started her journey to higher education like most students, but found the road well-travelled was not for her and left university after only six weeks. Years later, determined to achieve her lifelong goal, Rebecca embarked on a degree course with the OU. Last month, Rebecca received her degree in […]

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Climate crisis: six steps to making fossil fuels history

Climate crisis: six steps to making fossil fuels history

Dr Stephen Peake, Senior Lecturer in Environment at The Open University writes for The Conversation about the climate crisis. In shouting “system change not climate change”, young people understand that the 3-4℃ warmer world we’re headed for would be far more painful, costly and disruptive than any short-term costs or inconvenience we face from taking […]

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UK election 2019: a choice between low-tax, individualism or generous state with unknown price tag

UK election 2019: a choice between low-tax, individualism or generous state with unknown price tag

Jonquil Lowe, Senior Lecturer in Economics and Personal Finance at The Open University writes for The Conversation about the tax implications of the upcoming general election. Brexit may be the main reason for the UK’s upcoming general election, but voters are also invited to choose between two radically different types of social system with different […]

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From the Iliad to Circe: culture’s enduring fascination with the myths of Troy

From the Iliad to Circe: culture’s enduring fascination with the myths of Troy

Dr Jan Haywood, Staff Tutor and Lecturer in Classical Studies at The Open University writes for The Conversation about the legend of Troy. The story of the epic war fought over a woman has been told many times. It now lies at the heart of an exhibition at the British Museum opening on November 21. […]

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Man sitting on train looking out of the window

To say the OU changed my life is an understatement

OU student David Breakspear had been in the criminal justice system since he was a child. Determined to break the cycle, he began studying during his sentence and is now an active and passionate campaigner for criminal justice and social reform, using his experiences to help inspire and educate others. As one of the speakers […]

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prison key

“Education has changed my life”

Mark began his journey with the OU whilst serving a life-sentence in prison. Through his studies he discovered a passion for learning and since his release has enabled him to turn his life around. Now he uses his own experiences to help other prisoners learn. We spoke to Mark to discover more about how the […]

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If politicians are serious about tackling inequality they need to properly overhaul the tax system – here’s how

If politicians are serious about tackling inequality they need to properly overhaul the tax system – here’s how

Dr Hanna Szymborska, Lecturer in Economics at The Open University writes for The Conversation about inequality in the UK’s tax system.  Inequality has shot to the top of the agenda across the political spectrum. Politicians, activists, and even billionaires increasingly call for more radical measures to tackle the problem. Britain’s Conservative government proclaimed the end to austerity in its […]

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‘Studying has helped me to better understand how my mind works’

‘Studying has helped me to better understand how my mind works’

In 2014, Liz suffered a breakdown that grounded her life to a halt – she struggled to leave the house, and completing everyday tasks became impossible. Support from friends, counselling and baking helped ease the symptoms of anxiety. Liz went on to build her cake-making into a business, and today BuBakes has featured in numerous magazines […]

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Georgina Blakeley

Georgina Blakeley wins CEU’s European Teaching Award

Dr Georgina Blakeley, Director of Teaching and Deputy Head of School in FASS at The Open University has been announced as the winner of the prestigious 2019 European Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Social Sciences and Humanities. The award is given by Central European University (CEU) and accompanied by the €5,000 Diener Prize. […]

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Emma Roache stood outside Ely Cathedral in her graduation robes

Emma’s story: “Giving up was simply not an option”

Emma Roache could have led a very different life to the one she leads now, thankfully she’s not one to let an unfortunate set of circumstances hold her back. After a difficult childhood, she found herself homeless at just sixteen and living in a residential B&B surrounded by crime and drugs. Under such bleak conditions, […]

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