The Open University

No holds barred for Roy when it comes to lifelong learning

13 September 2021

From lessons in cyber security to secrets of the night sky, 93-year-old pensioner Roy Palmer has enjoyed more than 60 free courses online to keep up learning in his later years. The Cheltenham care home resident has gained knowledge and been entertained by the wealth of courses he’s taken on the OU’s home of free […]

OU students share their best study advice

13 September 2021

Whether it’s from a friend, family member or tutor, getting some tried and tested advice can help to get you through those tough study moments. We asked OU students on Instagram to share their best study advice and here’s what they said: 1. Set yourself small goals Setting some achievable goals can help keep you […]

Engineer Lauren: ‘The OU helps me achieve new heights’

9 September 2021

When Lauren Powell, 27, isn’t studying for her BSc (Hons) Combined STEM degree at The Open University, she’s helping to keep planes flying safely as an aeronautical quality engineer. Lauren shares why combining work and study has enabled her to achieve heights she never dreamed possible: “I started a degree at a brick university when I […]

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 […]

OU News

Category: Student stories