The Open University

A new journey for disabled veterans like Daniel

21 June 2020

After joining the Army at just 16 years old, OU student Daniel Bingley was flying high in a military career when a terrible injury turned his world upside down. “In 2012, I was injured in Iraq following an explosion,” Daniel tells us. “It seriously damaged my ears and I still really struggle with my hearing.” […]

From the forces to the courtroom: Kate’s story

19 June 2020

When Kate Moth was medically discharged from the Army in 2016, she began doubting her sense of self and had no idea what she was supposed to do next. Fast forward a few years and Kate is now studying Law through The Open University’s Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund. As someone who always wants to help […]

‘Anything that helps people to experience what I’ve experienced is to be treasured’ – applications remain open for the OU’s Carers Scholarships Fund

12 June 2020

Applications remain open for The Open University’s Carers Scholarships Fund until the end of July, and with the option to defer your start date to September 2021, there’s never been a better time to pursue a desire to study. As this week marks Carers Week, we’re sharing student stories from our caring community at the […]

How OU students are making a difference during global pandemic

30 April 2020

OU students work so hard and the university is incredibly proud of them for studying while juggling full-time jobs, childcare and other responsibilities. On top of that, many have been playing a supporting role in the fight against Coronavirus, helping local and wider communities. From working on the frontline to creating resources to help with […]

“Remember that you are a person as well as a carer” – applications remain open for the OU’s Carers Scholarships Fund

20 April 2020

With a reported 6.5 million people providing unpaid support for a family member or friend, it’s important now more than ever that we recognise the incredible work of the caring community. Last month, The Open University opened applications for its Carers Scholarships Fund, which offers the opportunity for 50 current or recent carers to study […]

Learning online? Advice from Open University students (the experts!)

20 March 2020

As UK universities ‘pivot online’ and students transition to a new way of learning, The Open University community – as experts in this field – have some valuable advice to share. Online and distance learning is second nature to OU students, but this won’t be the case for many students and their universities impacted by […]

From supermarket worker to maths teacher – all thanks to the OU!

19 March 2020

Nicole Lam, who grew up in Hong Kong, had always dreamed of becoming a maths teacher, but without the right qualifications she believed there was little hope of ever achieving her ambition – until she found the OU. I never believed I could succeed in higher education and I left school at 16 after GCSE […]

How to study with the OU: advice from students to students

13 February 2020

Our students work incredibly hard, committing to their studies while juggling a combination of life, illness, disability, work and family, and they somehow find time to fit everything in. If you’re just beginning that journey you might be feeling a little overwhelmed, wondering how you’re going to make it all work. So who better to […]

Study gave me purpose when the future seemed bleak

27 January 2020

Fiona Hirons began studying with the OU when she fell ill with Chronic fatigue syndrome/ME in 2002. After becoming largely bed-bound and being forced to give up her demanding career, she says studying helped her to cope with the loss of her previous way of life. Here, the remarkable Fiona shares her story: “I was […]

I never believed I could get a degree, let alone end up in my dream job!

2 January 2020

Teaching had always been Emma’s dream but when her teachers at school flagged that she might be dyslexic she feared her ambition was out of reach. However, with the help of The Open University and a bucket load of determination, Emma has finally achieved her goal and starts a job as a newly qualified teacher […]

OU News

Category: Student stories