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Category: Student stories

Leonie dressed in graduation gown, smiling at the camera with a tree in the background.

‘I feel like I can do anything, thanks to OU study!’

Having struggled with the structure of school and college, Leonie, 25, was convinced that higher education wasn’t for her, until a TV advert for The Open University (OU) made her think again. Now a proud Business Management graduate, Leonie shares how she juggled being a new mum with a busy job and full-time study. Figuring […]

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Retired sub-postmistress notches up her third degree

Retired sub-postmistress notches up her third degree

At the age of 79 former sub-post mistress Pat Wetherell has proved that age is no bar to higher education since she recently donned graduation robes to collect her hard-earned MA in History from The Open University (OU). It’s the second OU degree the mother-of-two from Eston, Middlesbrough, has notched up, and her third degree […]

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A young woman is pictured smiling with her husband and four children.

“I wanted to show my kids that there isn’t just one path to education,” says mum of four

Ellie, 34 from Somerset, studied her BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities degree at The Open University (OU) alongside her busy life as a mum of four. What started as a route to a new career became a lifeline when her family were hit with challenging times. She not only gained a qualification but also a […]

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A young blonde woman, wearing a mortar board and holding a certificate, in front of a sea-view with mountains in the distance.

‘The OU allowed me to fit my studies in a schedule that worked for me,’ says busy working mum

Rebecca, 37, from the Isle of Ulva in Scotland, always had an interest in higher education but didn’t want to leave the beloved island she calls home. It wasn’t until she was 27 and a busy working mum of two children that she discovered The Open University (OU). Through her BA (Honours) Politics, Philosophy and […]

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A young man wearing a black jumper sat next to an older woman with long-grey hair and a long-sleeved pink jumper. A dog is sat between them.

‘I never considered university was an option until my son encouraged me to take the leap’, says mum of OU graduate

When George, 28, from Kent, earned his BSc in Computing and IT from The Open University (OU) last year, he never imagined his success would inspire his mum to follow in his footsteps. Thanks to his degree, George has already secured multiple promotions and even an award nomination. Now, his mum, Maria, 52, has embarked […]

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Woman with long-dark-brown hair standing in front of an OU banner in her graduation robes

‘Studying with the OU has broadened my horizons’

Fallon, 38, achieved a BSc (Honours) Mathematics and Statistics from The Open University (OU) whilst studying from her home in Malta. Gaining a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degree has always been her dream and she hopes to inspire other women to join the industry. “I’ve loved the science subjects since I was young, […]

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Rachel Blackburn MBE

OU MBA Alumna recognised in New Year Honours

The Open University Business School is delighted to congratulate Rachel Blackburn, one of its award-winning alumni, who has received an MBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours List. Rachel, who holds an OU Master of Business Administration, received an MBE in this year’s list, for services to the Business Community and to Exports. She is […]

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Photo of a young man with a beard a long-hair in a ponytail, wearing a shirt, waistcoat and tie.

‘I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved, even against the odds’

George, 28, from Brighton, has just graduated with a BSc (Honours) Computing & IT from The Open University (OU). Since completing his degree, his career has gone from strength-to-strength thanks to his studies, with promotions and even a nomination for Business Analyst of the Year 2024. However, George’s study journey hasn’t been without its challenges. […]

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Ayesha wearing mortar board and gown, smiling at the camera.

‘OU study helped me move on from the past – it changed my life’

Growing up in difficult circumstances, Ayesha, 38, never imagined that her ambition of achieving a degree was within reach, until an opportunity to empower others gave her the confidence to chase her dream. Now in the final year of a Health and Social Care degree with The Open University (OU), Ayesha describes how much higher […]

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Young woman wearing shorts and a summer top, standing in front of a waterfall.

‘With the OU, it’s possible to say yes to everything’

Megan, 26, from California, decided to take a different route into higher education to her peers, which enabled her to travel the world and work as a teacher, all whilst studying. Having just graduated from her BA (Honours) in International Studies, Megan is ready to embrace a new career in social justice. “At 18, I […]

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