The Open University

Talk about distance learning – the OU student tackling climate change in Antarctica

8 September 2021

Alex Coniff, 29, is taking supported distance learning to a whole new level by studying for his Open University Engineering degree while tackling climate change in Antarctica. Alex works as a facilities engineer for the Rothera Research Station, the largest British Antarctic facility based in the Antarctic Peninsula. His role sees him spend long periods […]

OU student Charlotte shares her study journey

Studying with Cerebral Palsy – Charlotte shares her OU journey

25 August 2021

“Even though it was hard, I never felt like giving up,” says Open University graduate Charlotte, who achieved her qualifications despite numerous hospital trips and health challenges. Charlotte, who has Cerebral Palsy with Spastic Diplegia, began studying with the OU to boost her confidence and career prospects. She is now a proud graduate, achieving a […]

OU student and MBE recipient Aimee outside the University of Cambridge Primary School

OU student awarded MBE for supporting vulnerable children through the pandemic

16 August 2021

When Open University student Aimee Durning first volunteered at her son’s playgroup, she never imagined it would be the first step in her teaching career. Or that she would one day receive an MBE as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Aimee, who is half-way through her OU Education Studies (Primary) degree, has spent […]

OU graduate Lea shares her story from homeless student to proud businesswoman

‘My degree gave me hope when I was homeless’

11 August 2021

At the start of her Open University (OU) journey, Lea was homeless and suffering with her mental health. She’s now completed a Social Sciences undergraduate degree and a Master’s in Psychology with the OU, is living independently and has started a business to help others in the community to feel less alone. Lea shares how […]

OU student and GO Wales intern Candace in Wales

‘After redundancy, I’m shaping my future with the OU and GO Wales’

9 August 2021

Who says there’s only one path to success? After receiving an offer for a brick university at 18, Candace decided to do things differently by jumping straight into the world of work. Not wanting to put her life on hold to gain her qualifications, Candace, now 24, began studying Business Management (Marketing) with The Open […]

OU Law student Elizabeth smiling after prestigious prize win

OU Law student secures top prize on journey to becoming barrister

4 August 2021

After suffering a personal trauma, Open University (OU) Law student Elizabeth Hill, found solace in her studies and the inspiration for a new career. At 23, she’s now on a journey to becoming a Barrister and is driven to pursue a career at the Bar so she can advocate for others. On the back of […]

OU Law student Clara stands outside her home

‘I’ve turned my life around – now I’m helping others’

29 July 2021

Clara Collins, 21, is proof that it’s never too late to turn things around. After experiencing a disrupted education and spending time in care, Clara is now studying Law with The Open University (OU) and determined to use her skills to advocate for others. Clara shares how she now has the right support to change […]

‘If at first you don’t succeed, speak to your tutor!’

19 July 2021

“I discovered that having a ‘wobble’ is all part of the study process,” says Open University graduate Sacha Jenkyn, who tackled a few setbacks during her degree in Social Sciences with Economics. From overcoming assignment and exam struggles, to switching modules and finally finding her confidence, Sacha is proof that a few bumps in the […]

Juggling a degree, family and the Forces

5 July 2021

Like many Open University students, Royal Air Force Police Corporal Abi Harding, 32, is no stranger to studying with a newborn baby on her lap. After becoming pregnant during the first year of her Sports, Fitness and Coaching degree, determined Abi has continued to juggle her studies, work life and has just welcomed her second […]

OU student entrepreneur Erin at home in Loch Lomond

The OU student entrepreneur tackling climate change on two wheels

1 July 2021

Erin Charters, 24, from Loch Lomond was inspired to start her electric bike hire business during an Open University (OU) module on renewable energy. The young entrepreneur and mum is using her degree in Environmental Science to power her business and spark sustainable change within her community. “I started Cycle Luss with the idea of […]

OU News

Category: Student stories