The Open University

Entrepreneur Nick shares his story of ambition

‘I launched a start-up alongside my OU studies’

23 March 2022

Entrepreneur and Business Studies graduate Nick Bassan says The Open University was the perfect place to launch his smart-tech clothing brand. After two attempts at university, Nick, 29, says the OU gave him the flexibility he needed to achieve a degree – all while continuing to grow his business. “I was able to apply learnings […]

“I poured my heart out onto the page writing about infertility for my Creative Writing MA”

21 March 2022

Samantha Holmes signed up for an MA in Creative Writing with The Open University as a distraction from the challenging IVF journey her and her husband were on. She used her writing to open up about their fertility battle, which she found cathartic, but which also raised awareness of infertility – a struggle faced by […]

‘I just kept going, I didn’t want to quit’

16 March 2022

When it comes to helping her community, EAL Coordinator Mihaela Popa, 37, has been described as a ‘force of nature’. Despite battling COVID multiple times, even while pregnant, Mihaela won’t let anything get in the way of her dream teaching career. She shares how studying with The Open University is helping to make that dream […]

English Language and video game creator Faye studying

‘My first OU module inspired a video game’

14 March 2022

When Faye isn’t studying for her English Language degree with The Open University, she’s creating video games that celebrate her love of words. Faye shares how her first OU module material gave her the creative spark and confidence to take the plunge into the world of gaming. “I’m definitely a gamer girl,” said Faye, who […]

OU student and food poverty campaigner Rachel

Confronting food poverty, one meal at a time

8 March 2022

When 39-year-old Rachel Bresnahan from Stockport isn’t studying towards her Open University BA (Hons) Degree in Youth Work, she’s out tackling food poverty in her local community. Here, she takes a brief pause to share her story. “I love my community,” says Rachel. “I grew up here in Cherry Tree, Romiley. As the council estate […]

“I studied science so I’d feel confident discussing my condition with medical professionals”

21 February 2022

Karolien Verheyen, a teacher and musician from Belgium, was already educated to Master’s-degree level when she began studying with The Open University. After being diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a rare illness affecting her organs, Karolien was inspired to learn more about the human body and its functions. Initially signing up for a module in Human Biology, […]

‘The OU helped me realise that it’s never too late to start a new career’

14 February 2022

Entrepreneur Jean Bustinza, originally from Spain, was working as an Edinburgh tour guide when the pandemic dealt a devastating blow to tourism. Forced to rethink his options, Jean, 26, credits The Open University for giving him the tools he needed to pivot fast. Jean now plans to apply everything he learns during his BSc (Hons) […]

New to the OU? Top tips from fellow students

2 February 2022

Starting a new qualification can be daunting – whether you’re new to higher education or a seasoned lifelong learner. From battling nerves to learning how to squeeze in study around the rest of your life, there’s a lot to think about. Thankfully, you have a whole community of brilliant OU students who know exactly what […]

OU student Luke travelled the world while completing his degree

‘I got to work, study and travel the world thanks to the flexibility of the OU!”

31 January 2022

When Luke Simmons began studying with The Open University, he had a thirst for knowledge but no specific career goal. Picking up on his passion for fiction writing and travel during his Open Degree, one of his “magnificent” OU tutors suggested he use his travel experiences as inspiration for his writing, something which Luke says […]

‘I won’t let dyslexia stop me’ – the degree apprentice building a new career

28 January 2022

When Martyn Carroll left school at 16, he didn’t realise he had dyslexia and simply thought higher education wasn’t for him. He’s now proving just what he’s capable of thanks to a degree apprenticeship with The Open University and South Western Railway. It means he can finally achieve his degree dream – and apply his […]

OU News

Category: Student stories