The Open University

Scheme to train more nurses wins prestigious prize

18 December 2025

A unique partnership between the NHS and The Open University to give people the opportunity to study for a nursing degree while training on the job has scooped a top national award. Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and The Open University joined forces in July 2024 to give local people who had always […]

Mini course about mental health is fastest growing on OU free learning site

12 December 2025

Bite-sized learning about mental health in the 21st century is capturing interest at The Open University by becoming one of its most popular free courses in the past year. The OU’s free learning site OpenLearn held an audit of its wealth of short online courses over the past 12 months and found an incredible 13.3 million visits recorded. Topping the list of the most popular free courses launched in […]

How to make new housing estates work for the people who live there

13 November 2025

The UK is grappling with a housing crisis, with a shortage of 2.5 million homes in England alone. To address this, the government has pledged to build 1.5 million homes by 2029 and 12 new towns before the next election. Building new homes, as part of small developments or in large new towns, is imperative for affordable and […]

The Open University’s “Take Five to Age Well” Wins National Self Care Award 2025

11 November 2025

The Open University is celebrating national recognition after its Take Five to Age Well initiative was named winner of the 2025 Self Care Award by the Self-Care Forum. The award, announced ahead of National Self Care Week (17–23 November), recognises the project’s innovative approach to helping older adults build lasting healthy habits and fostering community […]

The Open University is honoured at Open Education Global Awards 2025

23 October 2025

The Open University has been honoured at the OEGlobal 2025 awards in the Open Practice Category for the CONNECT – CARE-KNOW-DO framework, which enhances student engagement by integrating science learning with real-world problem-solving. The award reviewers said CONNECT represents transformative practice: “The CARE-KNOW-DO Open Pedagogy Model is a truly exemplary project with significant, proven impact from […]

OU celebrates Dyslexia Awareness Week

8 October 2025

To mark Dyslexia Awareness Week 2025, the OU has launched a collection of online resources to help people better understand the learning difference. Dyslexia is a neurodivergent condition affecting over 10% of the population. It is often linked to reading and writing challenges, but also gives rise to strengths like creativity and problem-solving. Drawing on […]

New report investigates how young people make decisions about contraception

1 October 2025

A new report into how young people make decisions about contraception has found that the most effective way to ensure that young people receive accurate information about contraception is for organisations to share messaging in a variety of ways, including using the channels and platforms that young people are familiar with. According to research from […]

Concussion, identity loss, depression: boxing’s toughest opponent isn’t in the ring – it’s mental health

18 September 2025

Ricky Hatton’s death has reignited an all-too-familiar conversation about mental health in sport, says Helen Owton, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology, The Open University. Hatton had spoken openly about his long battle with depression, as well as the drug and alcohol addiction that began after his 2007 defeat to Floyd Mayweather. Research shows […]

OU / BBC radio series Word of Mouth returns

4 September 2025

Today (Thurs 4 Sept) a new OU/BBC radio series of Word of Mouth has returned to BBC Radio 4, airing weekly at 15:30 until Thursday 2 October and available to catch up on through BBC Sounds. The series is presented by celebrated author Michael Rosen and explores the world of words and how we use them. Michael explores various areas […]

New OU/BBC Podcast series “The Team behind The Team”

1 September 2025

A new OU/BBC podcast The Team Behind the Team, launches on BBC Sounds and BBC 5Live Sport on Monday 1 September. The four-part series, presented by the BBC’s Katie Smith, explores what goes into helping athletes and teams perform at an elite level. It features in-programme contributions from Open University academics whose subjects range from […]

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Category: Education, languages and health