The Open University

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 study unlocks ambition for Glasgow support counsellor

4 March 2021

Starting an Open University (OU) degree course has unlocked new ambitions for Glasgow based Zara Dyer who was told she has ‘no prospects’ at school but now studies part-time while working as a support advisor for people who have experienced alcohol and substance abuse. Speaking on the new Open University podcast Life…On Our Terms, 27-year-old […]

Wellbeing advice from one student to another

3 March 2021

As we mark University Mental Health Day, it’s important that we all look after our wellbeing. OU graduate Liz Burnett champions mental health awareness in her blog and her cake business, following her own experience of a breakdown in 2014. Here, she shares some invaluable advice, to fellow students… Whether you deferred this academic year, […]

“The OU’s flexibility helped me achieve my career dreams”

1 March 2021

OU graduate Antonio Grasso always dreamed of turning his passion for video games and love of learning into a career. He’s now working for PlayStation, has a BAFTA nomination under his belt and says he still uses the skills he learned during his Business Studies degree every day. As Technology Partner Manager for Sony Interactive […]

OU study first step for aspiring beauty editor Isabelle

19 February 2021

The latest episode of Life…On Our Terms sees host Gemma Cairney discussing entrepreneurship with Jamal Edwards, founder of online music channel SBTV, and first year OU student Isabelle Lowe. Isabelle, aged 24 from Bolton in Greater Manchester, is studying for a BA (Hons) in English Literature and Creative Writing. She is combining her studies with […]

Doing it for the girls – OU student encourages more women to consider STEM

12 February 2021

In this week’s episode of The Open University’s podcast series, Life… On Our Terms, presenter and broadcaster, Gemma Cairney speaks to Jezanne, a Health Science student at the OU, who is balancing her degree with a thriving career in Medical Governance. Jezanne, aged 19 from Reading, Berkshire is currently studying towards a Bachelor’s in Healthcare […]

‘I started an apprenticeship in the middle of a pandemic’

8 February 2021

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we hear from 18-year-old Emily Hall who started an apprenticeship at The Open University straight from school and in the middle of a pandemic. Almost three months in, find out how Emily is finding it, what she hopes to gain from studying alongside work, and what it’s like working with a team […]

Man sitting on a bench with his two daughters

‘The OU was there when life seemed impossible’

26 January 2021

Richard Dicks began studying with The Open University as a way to cope when his daughter Ella was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Though life seemed impossible at times, Richard says being able to study gave him something positive to focus on and that he found strength in Ella’s determination to keep smiling despite the […]

Talking education: school manager Syed shares his “lightbulb moment”

26 January 2021

A boarding school manager from Birmingham talks about the “lightbulb moment” he realised his career ambition in a new podcast series, hosted by presenter Gemma Cairney. Life … On Our Terms is an eight-episode podcast series from The Open University (OU) discussing a range of topics about life and the inspiring routes to success taken […]

OU News

Category: Student stories