The Open University

Entrepreneur and philanthropist is awarded an honorary degree

17 November 2023

The influential entrepreneur behind the Richer Sounds hi-fi and electronics business Julian Richer has been awarded an honorary degree by The Open University for his contribution to British business and society. Today, the company’s 50 stores and a thriving online business create an annual £200m turnover and Julian donates 15 per cent of this to […]

Acclaimed music journalist receives honorary doctorate from The Open University

8 November 2023

Former member of early Nineties pop band Saint Etienne and acclaimed music journalist Bob Stanley has been awarded an honorary doctorate by The Open University. The author and producer received the honour at the OU’s degree ceremony in Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall for his work enriching British cultural and artistic life for the past 30 years […]

The Open University spotlights three diversity and inclusion honorary graduates

18 October 2023

Three individuals who have devoted their lives to diversity and inclusion were given honorary doctorates by The Open University recently for their work. Since 1973 the OU has awarded more than 1,100 honorary degrees to people who have given back to their communities and beyond. This time it was the turn of Jennifer Dyer, Asif […]

BBC broadcaster collects accolade from The Open University

3 July 2023

It was back to her roots for psychologist and broadcaster Claudia Hammond recently when she was awarded an honorary degree by The Open University. Claudia was a psychology tutor for ten years at the OU’s summer schools and has made a name for herself in broadcast journalism. She is now one of BBC radio’s most […]

Milton Keynes music stalwart is honoured by the OU for his work

3 July 2023

Well-known Milton Keynes musician Ian Smith has been honoured by The Open University as a Master of the University for his exceptional contribution to education and culture at a recent degree ceremony. The accolade comes after Ian’s long musical history working in schools in the area and beyond including Bridgewater Hall, Milton Keynes, Pilgrim Upper […]

Leading science-fiction writer receives Honorary Doctorate from the OU

12 May 2023

One of Britain’s leading science-fiction writers Dr Stephen Baxter has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by The Open University. The Liverpool-born writer has captivated generations of science-fiction fans and has worked with esteemed writers such as Arthur C. Clarke, Alastair Reynolds and OU honorary graduate Terry Pratchett. He originally read mathematics at Cambridge University and […]

Outstanding individuals receive honorary awards from the OU

27 April 2023

The Open University has issued accolades to a group of high-flying individuals who have made significant contributions in their field of expertise or the communities around them. It was at the OU’s London degree ceremony that four people climbed the Barbican Centre’s stage to receive their honorary awards. They included: Daniel Tammet, who is an […]

Three exceptional individuals honoured at OU degree ceremony in London

30 September 2022

A disability rights campaigner, a champion of life-long learning, and a musician who is diversifying the world of classical music, all received honorary degrees from The Open University in ceremonies at the Barbican Centre. Over four thousand guests and 1,200 graduates gathered in the Grade II listed building in the City of London for four […]

Academic receives accolade for her work

16 June 2022

A retired Cumbrian-based academic has received an honorary degree from The Open University for four decades of teaching and learning in the sciences, as well as her work in promoting the local landscape in the Lake District. Dr Audrey Brown, from Ulverston, (pictured above) was an associate lecturer with the OU, tutoring hundreds of science […]

Welsh poet and former Wales Education Minister receive accolades from the OU

30 May 2022

Two women were awarded honorary degrees by The Open University in Wales at a graduation ceremony that featured more than 400 students plus their families and friends. The honorary degrees of Doctor of the University were awarded to former Wales Education Minister Kirsty Williams and former National Poet Gillian Clarke at the International Convention Centre […]

OU News

Category: Honorary Graduate