The Open University

Heather gets a First while studying for a degree on her Arctic adventure

22 January 2026

Graduate Heather Gunn struck out on a campervan adventure of a lifetime while studying for a degree in Norway’s Arctic Circle in the company of just her 15-year-old Jack Russell. Now she’s got a First. And the Cheltenham-based photographer has officially celebrated her achievement gaining a BA in Environmental Studies at a ceremony in Birmingham’s […]

From heritage railway tearoom volunteer to senior engineer

15 January 2026

Thirty years ago Nick Simpson was a Grosmont Station Tearoom volunteer at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) in Grosmont – now he’s its Head of Mechanical Engineering. It was partly thanks to his recently acquired first-class degree in Engineering from The Open University, which his forward-thinking former boss decided to sponsor him on throughout. […]

Degree led to a journey of discovery for Dana – in more ways than one

6 January 2026

Dana Jarvis didn’t know she was dyslexic until her Open University tutor recognised some symptoms – now she’s just graduated with a degree in Classical Studies and she’s about to become a published author. The road to success began when the 27 year old from Holt in Norfolk, who is also autistic, decided to start […]

Double celebration for father and daughter’s Open University graduation

6 January 2026

It was a real family affair when David Stewart graduated from The Open University with a BA in Arts and Humanities because his daughter Eleanor picked up her own degree at the same time in Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. Yet it was the retired teacher’s youngest daughter, Martha, 25, whose successful efforts to apply for university […]

‘Now I’m a CEO – OU study gave me the confidence and skills I needed to get there!’

11 December 2025

Describing his work experience as “eclectic”, Jack, 44, yearned for a role where he could lean into a diverse set of professional interests. Trusting that further learning would unlock the opportunity he craved, Jack juggled work, study and family life to achieve his MBA (Technology Management) with The Open University. Jack shares how OU study […]

Photo of OU graduate Jonathan at his degree ceremony in Manchester.

“I love learning now – I hated education before, and the OU changed that.”

11 December 2025

When Psychology Masters graduate Jonathan left home aged 18, he was looking forward to the adventures university life would bring. By his second year, what started as an occasional flutter for fun had descended into a serious gambling habit that took hold of Jonathan’s life. Now 30, Jonathan is free of gambling and works for […]

From shepherding in Nepal to an Open University degree – London man’s journey

3 December 2025

Barnet Borough councillor and semi-retired businessman Lachhya Gurung could never have predicted his journey of discovery from a teenage shepherd in a remote Nepalese village to a London home and now an Open University degree. The former Gurkha was the fourth of five sons who were born and brought up by their parents in scenic […]

Triple Triumph: Mum and twin daughters graduate together from same university

29 October 2025

There was no mistaking the joy on the faces of Sarah Chappell and her twin daughters Megan and Abbey Douglas-Chappell when all three donned cap and gowns and celebrated their graduation from The Open University recently. The trio from Cambridge all studied while living under the same roof with Sarah and her husband Andrew, stepfather […]

Jack smiling at the camera dressed in graduation gown with indoor garden to the left.

‘You’re not just improving your career prospects, you’re learning about yourself at the same time’

9 September 2025

Working towards a degree was something Jack, 28, always assumed was in his future. After leaving school, Jack set off for a campus university but with no financial support to lean on, soon found it unsustainable. When a housemate told him about The Open University’s flexible courses, Jack couldn’t wait to dive in. Now a […]

JAke standing in front of an Open University banner, smiling, wearing graduation cap and gown.

‘My OU qualification landed me my most recent role’

18 August 2025

Even before Jake, 26 from Gosport, had completed his degree in BSc (Honours) Psychology, he was already making an impact in the probation service and progressing his career. Studying with The Open University (OU) meant he could gain a qualification while earning an income and valuable experience. Jake shares how online study has helped him […]

OU News

Category: Student stories