The Open University

How to recover from burnout and chronic work stress – according to a psychologist

11 March 2020

Rajvinder Samra, Lecturer in Health, The Open University writes for The Conversation about how to recover from burnout and chronic work stress. It’s pretty likely you’ve heard of burnout – and you may have even experienced it. Caused by chronic work stress, it’s characterised by signs such as emotional exhaustion, lack of energy, and loss […]

International Women’s Day – spotlight on the International Development Office

6 March 2020

International Women’s Day (8 March) is a chance for us to celebrate, support and champion the work of women from across the world. With this year’s theme of ‘an equal world is an enabled world’, it’s a perfect opportunity to highlight the fantastic women-led projects of The Open University’s International Development Office. Celebrating its 20th […]

OU Wales offers an alternative route into teaching with its new PGCE

23 December 2019

The Open University in Wales has had its Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) courses fully accredited by the Education and Workforce Council. With the secondary Science PGCE expected to launch in April 2020 and the larger programme of primary and secondary options confirmed for October 2020, the OU’s courses will provide a part-time alternative route […]

What conspiracy theories have in common with fiction – and why it makes them compelling stories

19 December 2019

In an era dominated by “fake news” and disinformation, conspiracy theories are coming to play an increasingly influential role in modern politics. During the recent impeachment hearings in the US, for example, former National Security Council official Fiona Hill warned that “fictional narratives” pushed by Russia were undermining American security. But what’s the difference exactly […]

nQuire needs you for its next mission tracking starling murmuration

10 December 2019

Citizen science platform, nQuire, which has been developed by The Open University has announced its next mission. Created by Dr Andy Morris, Staff Tutor and Senior Lecturer in Geography at the OU, ‘Starling Murmuration’ explores one of winter’s greatest spectacles, by asking the public to help document sightings. When a large flock of birds, most […]

International Day of People with Disabilities – access to apprenticeships

3 December 2019

On Tuesday 3 December, it’s International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD) – established by the United Nations to identify and address discrimination, exclusion and inaccessibility that many people living with a disability face. With more disabled students choosing to study with The Open University than any other UK university, championing accessibility for all is […]

World AIDS Day 2019: treatment success, but austerity bites

29 November 2019

On Sunday (1 December), we mark World AIDS Day: an opportunity to come together to support people living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died. It’s also a time to take stock of how we are doing in the fight against AIDS. Dr Peter Keogh, Deputy Associate Dean Research Excellence & Senior Lecturer […]

World Access to Higher Education Day – OU increases number of female educators in rural parts of Sierra Leone

26 November 2019

World Access to Higher Education Day (26 November) is an opportunity to highlight how HE is contributing to global inequality as much as it is addressing it. The Open University’s project in Sierra Leone GATE – Girls’ Access to Education aims to increase the number of female educators in rural parts of the country. The […]

Linda’s story: A non-traditional route to academia

22 November 2019

Linda, 62, is a PhD researcher at the OU. Following a successful career working with young people and sport, she’s turned to research. “I’ve not approached academia in a traditional way. I’m 62, so I’m ancient! I was secure within my professional world and don’t have the same confidence as an academic as I had […]