The Open University

‘I thought I’d lose my mind to grief, then I found the OU’

5 September 2022

In the summer of 2016, Helen’s life changed overnight after the sudden loss of her husband of 31 years. Three months later, feeling lost and looking for a bolthole, Helen started a Classical Studies degree at The Open University. For Helen, what began as a distraction during the most turbulent time in her life became […]

‘Designing is the dream – my degree will make it a reality’

30 August 2022

Business owner Mica always felt held back by her lack of qualifications. Now part-way through a Design & Innovation degree with The Open University, Mica says her confidence has sky-rocketed and she’s closer to achieving her dream of becoming a product designer. “Not having a degree was always in the back of my mind,” says […]

“I’m working smarter than ever thanks to my MBA”

22 August 2022

Nestlé Germany employee Janina Bethscheider knew The Open University was the only choice for her when it came to studying for her MBA. Not only did the OU offer a triple-accredited qualification, but it also happened to be where her dad had achieved his own MBA when she was at high school. Janina says she […]

‘The OU was my perfect option after college’

15 August 2022

When Kianna Graham, 21, had to decide what life would look like after college, she says The Open University was the only option. Being able to continue working a job she loves and being surrounded by friends and family whilst furthering her education with a BA (Hons) degree in Business Management ticked every box. University […]

OU student Emily Jackson outside her place of work

‘I want to make a difference to people’s lives’ says nurse apprentice Emily

8 August 2022

Emily Jackson always knew she wanted a career helping others. But it wasn’t until she witnessed the ‘amazing’ end of life care her grandad received from nurses that she found her vocation. Inspired to one day don her own nursing scrubs, Emily set out to retrain. At 25, she’s now part-way through her Registered Nurse […]

Student Katelyn Owens shares her 'life-changing' OU journey

“The OU saved my life. Now the sky’s the limit!”

1 August 2022

“Everybody takes a different path in life. You just have to find what’s right for you.” That’s the advice from 23-year-old Katelyn Owens who, after transferring to numerous universities and battling a substance use disorder has regained confidence and taken back control over her life. BA (Hons) Criminology & Sociology student Katelyn, now living in […]

‘The OU is such a good choice for learners around the world’

26 July 2022

Kepa Zugazaga Beaskoetxea is a 41-year-old Open University graduate from Spain, who says he would choose the OU again in a heartbeat – and he plans to. Having just graduated from his BSc (Hons) Open Degree, Kepa is now hoping to do an OU MA in Education to help him realise his new dream of […]

‘My illness inspired my degree and NHS career’

18 July 2022

Amy was inspired by her own health challenges to begin a Health Sciences degree – but didn’t have the right qualifications in place. Thanks to The Open University’s open access policy, she was able to achieve her degree dream and land a job in the NHS. Amy, 26, shares how her own determination, coupled with […]

‘I changed my life through the OU – now I’m running my own business’

11 July 2022

Business owner Rhiannon is proof that with determination and the right support, anything is possible. After falling pregnant at 16, Rhiannon left school with only a handful of GCSEs. Fast forward to today, and she’s not only turned her own life around but is helping others to do the same through her business. She puts […]

Vegan entrepreneur and OU student Carly at her home in Scotland

‘The sky’s the limit’, says OU student and vegan entrepreneur

7 July 2022

Carly McCluskey from Glasgow has launched a plant-based business to help make breakfast more environmentally friendly. Carly, 25, had the idea for a ‘vegan egg’ substitute during the pandemic and quickly enrolled to study Business Management with The Open University to make her side hustle a reality. “We went vegan about five years ago,” says […]

OU News

Category: Student stories