The Open University

Linda’s story: A non-traditional route to academia

22 November 2019

Linda, 62, is a PhD researcher at the OU. Following a successful career working with young people and sport, she’s turned to research. “I’ve not approached academia in a traditional way. I’m 62, so I’m ancient! I was secure within my professional world and don’t have the same confidence as an academic as I had […]

New degree of success for Olympic gold medallist!

18 November 2019

Canoe slalom gold medallist Etienne Stott looks back on “an incredibly big journey” as he received his OU degree in Psychology on stage in Milton Keynes. Etienne began studying with The Open University around the time of his selection for the London 2012 Olympics. He juggled his studies around training for the Games, where he […]

Man sitting on train looking out of the window

To say the OU changed my life is an understatement

11 November 2019

OU student David Breakspear had been in the criminal justice system since he was a child. Determined to break the cycle, he began studying during his sentence and is now an active and passionate campaigner for criminal justice and social reform, using his experiences to help inspire and educate others. As one of the speakers […]

OU graduate awarded MBE for contribution to foster care

11 November 2019

Earlier this month, OU graduate, Judith Harper collected her MBE insignia from the Queen for her outstanding contribution to foster care over the last 25 years. Having fostered over 100 children with her husband, Judith was recognised for her role as a carer, helping siblings stay together as a family and giving children with additional […]

“Education has changed my life”

13 October 2019

Mark began his journey with the OU whilst serving a life-sentence in prison. Through his studies he discovered a passion for learning and since his release has enabled him to turn his life around. Now he uses his own experiences to help other prisoners learn. We spoke to Mark to discover more about how the […]

‘Studying with the OU helped me to realise my potential’

3 October 2019

Pauline registered with The Open University in its early days of inception. As a pioneer student, she has achieved a BA Hons Degree, an MSc and a Doctorate. Her career in Education has taken her across the world to Uganda – Pauline talks us through her journey. Although I spent my secondary education at a […]

‘Studying has helped me to better understand how my mind works’

2 October 2019

In 2014, Liz suffered a breakdown that grounded her life to a halt – she struggled to leave the house, and completing everyday tasks became impossible. Support from friends, counselling and baking helped ease the symptoms of anxiety. Liz went on to build her cake-making into a business, and today BuBakes has featured in numerous magazines […]

Rt Hon Gordon Brown in his robes to receive an honorary graduation

Gordon Brown receives Honorary Doctorate from The Open University

20 September 2019

Former Prime Minister, Dr Gordon Brown, has been recognised for his services to global education by The Open University (OU) at a ceremony in London. He was presented with his honorary doctorate by OU’s Chancellor Baroness Lane-Fox. Gordon Brown was awarded the Doctor of the University for his exceptional contribution to widening access to educational […]

Emma Roache stood outside Ely Cathedral in her graduation robes

Emma’s story: “Giving up was simply not an option”

20 September 2019

Emma Roache could have led a very different life to the one she leads now, thankfully she’s not one to let an unfortunate set of circumstances hold her back. After a difficult childhood, she found herself homeless at just sixteen and living in a residential B&B surrounded by crime and drugs. Under such bleak conditions, […]

Katharine Boulton at her graduation ceremony

“I realised not all was lost”

11 September 2019

“Even when things go wrong, there are always options,” says 27-year-old OU graduate Katharine Boulton. Despite not getting the university grades she hoped she would, she didn’t let this stop her and combined her industry experience with an OU Masters in Medicinal Chemistry. “I initially went to university to study forensic science,” Katharine explains. “I […]

OU News

Category: Student stories