The Open University

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 […]

Analyst by day and student by night, Abiola shares his story with Gemma Cairney

22 January 2021

An inspiring data analyst from Greenwich, South East London, is the latest guest on a brand-new podcast series starting this month, hosted by broadcaster 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 routes to success taken by […]

6 top tips for honing productivity

14 January 2021

It can be difficult staying productive at the best of times, especially in the middle of a pandemic – so we asked our community of OU students – and a tutor – to share their top tips for honing productivity. Here’s what they came up with… 1. Find the right time to study Everyone works […]

Marnie and Martin prove age is no barrier to study

4 November 2020

You’re never too old to learn as the saying goes and the OU proves how much that rings true as we help celebrate Lifelong Learning Week From teenagers to pensioners, thousands of OU students – of all ages and stages of life – are among those choosing to study for a variety of reasons. […]

“Sport was always a part of me – it was in my DNA”

20 October 2020

As The Open University continues to celebrate Black History Month, Darren Harris, blind Paralympian, footballer, public speaker and honorary OU graduate with a post-doctorate diploma in psychology, shares his inspirational story. A rare eye disease diagnosed after his first birthday would eventually take Darren Harris’ vision, leaving him completely blind by the time he reached […]

Paramedic Lyn shares her journey to becoming a non-medical prescriber

8 September 2020

As a qualified paramedic, the non-medical prescribing (NMP) programme has enabled Lyn to take on additional responsibilities in assessing and prescribing medication for patients within her role. Extending prescribing responsibilities to paramedics and other qualified healthcare professionals has benefits for both the NHS and service users, such as making better use of healthcare professionals’ skills […]

OU News

Category: Student stories