The Open University

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 […]

“The OU gave me the tools to go out and make a difference”

1 January 2020

Bradley Neal always had an interest in the natural world and a concern with what was happening to the planet so he decided he was going to try and make a difference, starting with educating himself on the environment and the issues affecting it. “I have a passion for the natural world. The decline in […]

Cindy’s story: “Anything is possible”

28 December 2019

In 2003, Cindy Vanstone’s world was turned upside down. Her son was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and needed care around the clock, causing Cindy to give up work and care for him full-time. “Before then, my life would have been considered pretty normal,” says Cindy. “I had a good job in finance, a beautiful daughter and […]

“The OU changed my career prospects” Gary shares his story

27 December 2019

At the age of 14, Gary Steel left school to care for his mum. His education had been severely impacted by his caring responsibilities and despite being capable, he left school with no qualifications and entered the job market. A few years later he had the opportunity to attend a lecture with his partner who […]

My OU journey has been life altering

26 December 2019

As Justine Wilkes-Kendall crossed the stage at the Barbican degree ceremony, she was proudly proving wrong the words of her social worker many years before who told her that as someone who’d been in the care system, she was “statistically more likely to go to prison than to university”. “These words really stuck with me […]

“I’m not sure where I’d have been without the OU”

17 December 2019

As an unmarried single mother in the 1970s, Elizabeth Tye found it difficult to make her dreams of university come true. After two attempts of studying at a conventional brick university, in 1972, 23-year-old Elizabeth enrolled with the OU, becoming one of our early pioneer students. It was an opportunity which she says has ‘opened […]

“I’ve just graduated at 40 and feel that the world has become more open to me”

11 December 2019

Twenty-two years ago, Rebecca Bungay, 40, started her journey to higher education like most students, but found the road well-travelled was not for her and left university after only six weeks. Years later, determined to achieve her lifelong goal, Rebecca embarked on a degree course with the OU. Last month, Rebecca received her degree in […]

‘I’m married with a 12-year-old daughter, but the OU has enabled me to be flexible’

5 December 2019

With a degree and a MBA from The Open University, James explains how he fit studying into his busy life, which subsequently transformed his career. When I was at school, I suffered from myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), which at the time was a misunderstood illness. Its effects are similar to glandular fever, but longer lasting, and […]

The many lives of Prue Leith

3 December 2019

To celebrate The Open University’s 50th Anniversary year, OU Honorary Graduate Prue Leith joined us for an ‘In conversation’ talk last week, led by fellow writer and Honorary Graduate Val McDermid. Speaking to the audience of OU students, alumni, partners and other members of the wider OU family, Prue described how her passion for new […]

OU News

Category: Student stories