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Category: Student stories

‘My MBA has made me believe in myself again’

‘My MBA has made me believe in myself again’

Mother-of-two Kellie Stockenström says her MBA with The Open University has given her the self-confidence to achieve her life goals. With more than 12 years’ experience working in supply chain in the African mining industry, she signed up for an OU MBA as an international student after her brother-in-law recommended OU study to her. Having […]

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NHS worker and OU student Joe shows his study space

NHS worker by day, student by night

When it comes to choosing a career or a qualification, why not have the best of both worlds? That’s exactly what Open University Psychology student Joe Acaye, 23, decided when choosing his next step after college. “My dad is a retired NHS psychiatrist and the whole field of mental health intrigued me,” explains Joe. “I […]

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Candace from Cardiff shares why studying flexibly is right for her

‘You can achieve – no matter your circumstances’

At 18, Candace Louison from Cardiff had a life-changing decision to make. Should she accept her offer to go to university as planned? Or kick-start her career and start making money? It wouldn’t be until years later that she realised she had the flexibility to do both through The Open University in Wales. “I was […]

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OU graduate Ali shows where he achieved his degree through supported distance learning

‘Distance learning works – even miles away in the lab’

Geochemist Ali always knew he wanted to study science, but it wasn’t by design that he studied with The Open University in Scotland. When Ali realised he could apply his learning direct to his job – and right away – the OU turned out to be the best possible choice for his career. “I’ve always […]

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OU distance learning student Halima shows her study space at home

‘I want to break stereotypes and make my parents proud’

International Studies student Halima Younis, 26, has been studying with The Open University since completing her A Levels. After making the big decision to choose distance learning – and to prove her doubters wrong – she’s never looked back. She now wants to show that there’s not only one route to success and that you […]

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Engineering student Alex in Antarctica

Meet the OU students changing the world

Open University students aren’t just changing their futures – they’re helping to change the world. Meet some of the amazing OU changemakers who are using their skills to make a positive difference to their communities and our planet. Alex – the engineer from Antarctica Alex, 29, is taking supported distance learning to a whole new […]

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Sharlene celebrates her OU degree with her family

‘I channelled my own childhood trauma into a career helping other families’

Sharlene Hill grew up in a challenging environment. Many years later when she became a mum herself, she was determined to build a better future for her family. Sharlene developed an interest in adverse childhood experiences and family structures, which sent her off on a volunteering and training journey. Fast forward to now and she’s […]

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OU Nursing graduate Kombe working in Clydebank

‘I started as a GP’s receptionist, now I’m an award-winning nurse’

Before he was an award-winning nurse, Kombe Mwarandu was working as a receptionist at his local GP surgery. He shares how achieving his Adult Nursing degree from The Open University in Scotland has enabled him to achieve his career dreams and give back to his community. “Before joining The Open University I didn’t have a […]

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Disabled Veteran John studies for his Open University degree

‘My OU degree is giving disabled veterans like me a new future’

Veteran John Owens was at the top of his military career when a stroke left him hospitalised and facing an uncertain future. With support of The Open University’s Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund, he’s now working towards a new chapter in his ongoing recovery. After facing his own challenges, John, from Kilmarnock is determined to show […]

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RAF image courtesy of Crown Copyright 2011

‘I’m giving back to other disabled veterans thanks to an OU scholarship’

Veteran Roger Lees spent his military career literally putting his life on the line to protect others. So when the constant strain of combat missions left him unable to serve, he was left feeling lost and unsure what his future would hold. With the support of an Open University scholarship, Roger originally from Birmingham, now […]

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