The Open University

‘Being different makes the best stories’ – author Shereen shares her tips for aspiring writers

23 June 2021

“I get really emotive about an issue and it inspires me to write about it,” says British Palestinian author Shereen Malherbe, who made her writing dream come true while studying for an English Literature and Creative Writing degree with The Open University. Shereen published her debut novel while studying part-time and used the chapters she […]

Award success for OU degree apprentices

17 June 2021

Five apprentices studying for degree apprenticeships through The Open University (OU) have been awarded a Certificate of Merit at the prestigious Tech Industry Gold Apprenticeship Awards from TechSkills, The awards recognise the achievements of apprentices on Tech Industry Gold degree apprenticeships and were presented at a virtual ceremony, (Wednesday 16th June 2021) which was attended […]

OU alumna and published author, Eva Verde

OU creative writing student to published author

14 June 2021

Eva Verde has always enjoyed writing but kept her dream of being an author a secret, until studying Creative Writing at The Open University (OU) made her dreams a reality. Eva tells us about her journey from OU student to published author. I’ve been writing since I can remember, but it wasn’t until I […]

OU PhD student is asking the public to get involved in a unique tree study in Milton Keynes

27 May 2021

Trees are vital for our towns and cities. They make them more sustainable, attractive and healthy places to be. But urban trees are constantly under threat, with less access to water, soil and room to grow. These threats can hamper tree health, slow their growth and eventually kill them. Experts aren’t entirely sure why some […]

How to cope with study stress – advice to students from students

27 April 2021

Trying to balance a combination of study, work, family life and everything in between can feel overwhelming at times. From achieving small goals to staying focussed on why you began study in the first place, here are the five top tips from those who’ve been there – OU students… 1. Take regular breaks Sometimes it’s […]

OU Care Experienced Bursary – Antony’s story

21 April 2021

With the launch of The Open University’s new Care Experienced Bursary, OU alumni, current student and employee, Antony shares his story. After a challenging childhood in the care system, Antony underperformed at school and dropped out of a traditional, brick university. A desire to move away from his job in retail to a career supporting children […]

From football apprentice to OU graduate and beyond

15 April 2021

Dominic Ball, 25, of Abbots Langley in Hertfordshire, came to The Open University (OU) after completing a football apprenticeship. He has now graduated in more ways than one: to professional footballer and, recently, OU scholar, joining the Class of 2020. The Queens Park Rangers defensive midfielder successfully completed a BA (Hons) in Business Studies. It […]

“Don’t be afraid to fail,” says top scholar Imran

25 March 2021

Open University graduate Imran Nasim is getting ready to jet off to the States to begin a research career at the tender age of 22. The Surrey scholar is celebrating after becoming what is thought to be the youngest person to achieve a PhD in Astrophysics. But despite his incredible success, Imran says he was […]

The best of both worlds – working and studying cyber security with the OU

24 March 2021

Pierce Holland was at a crossroads in his life at 18. He had a been offered a place at university, but the subjects he was going to study didn’t excite him. His employer offered him a managerial role and his parents wanted him to work. Then a conversation with an old school teacher led him […]

The Disabled Veterans Scholarship Fund opens for applications

18 March 2021

Now in its fourth year, The Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund is once again open for applications offering 50 free study places at The Open University to individuals injured whilst in military service. So far the OU has given 160 scholarships helping veterans from a variety of service backgrounds who have a range of complex health […]

OU News

Category: Student stories