The Open University

When the going gets tough: surviving exam season

29 May 2019

It’s that time of year, when exams are being sat in universities up and down the country and finishing touches are being put to dissertations and essays. At The Open University it’s no different, this June will see more than 25,000 students sit exams and a further 60,000 will hand in their End of Module […]

Life on the frontline of nursing – pioneer student discusses her journey with the OU

29 May 2019

Pioneer student, Jacky looks back at her life and study with The Open University, spanning over 40 years. She succeeded in becoming the only registered nurse at her hospital to have a degree and after completing further study with the OU, she launched a new career as a Nursing Tutor. “I was born and raised […]

From prisoner to OU student and staff member

7 May 2019

Stephen Akpabio-Klementowski’s story shows exactly how life-changing education can be. His journey has taken him from a prisoner, to an OU student and now to an OU member of staff supporting the Students in Secure Environments team. Stephen first began studying for his BSc in Social Science with The Open University while he was in […]

To the moon and back – OU student Hannah on breaking boundaries

6 May 2019

Hannah Sargeant spends her days exploring the universe. As a planetary scientist and PhD researcher at The Open University, Hannah, 26, is fulfilling her childhood dream by researching all corners of the solar system. During her career, Hannah has been involved with international research projects to support a series of missions to the Moon, ultimately supporting future […]

Shooting for the stars (and beyond)

5 May 2019

How did the planets in our solar system come to be? This is just one of the questions PhD student Vincent Deguin, 28, and his fellow planetary scientists at The Open University are exploring. Vincent is working on pioneering research into the earliest stage of planet formation, building and testing equipment that will help to […]

From the West End to the OU – how study set Karena on a new path

4 May 2019

As an Open University student turned Associate Lecturer, Karena Serdecka-Rhodes-Bell understands first-hand how education can help to open new doors. Karena previously worked as a professional actress, singer and musician, performing in the West End and on TV, film and radio, before her OU psychology degree inspired her to become an OU Associate Lecturer. “I […]

Studying at sea – Tracy’s incredible OU journey across the ocean

3 May 2019

As any OU student will tell you, studying takes place anywhere and everywhere. This was especially true for Tracy Thorpe, who spent most of her OU journey in the middle of oceans whilst working full-time as a first mate and chef on private sailing yachts. Tracy started her degree in Modern Languages (French and English) […]

Student and Tutor ambassadors feature in new campaign with Sky and Channel 5

24 April 2019

On 24th April, The Open University is launching a brand new media partnership with Sky and Channel 5. The new campaign features student and tutor ambassadors, lifting the lid on what it’s really like to study with the OU. The campaign will help us reach new, broader audiences, inspiring potential students to consider The Open […]

Following in his mother’s footsteps

21 April 2019

For Marva and Adrian Rollins, a passion for education and helping others is something which runs in the family. Marva, who recently received an OBE from the Queen in recognition of Services to Education, has spent over twenty years as a Headteacher and continues to be an active and inspiring member of her community. Despite […]

Studying while serving overseas

19 April 2019

Felix Asare-Donkoh, 30, joined the armed forces soon after completing his A-levels in Cardiff, but realised he was still keen to continue his education. Usually, this would mean leaving the army to study full-time, but by choosing to study with The Open University in Wales, Felix was able to study for his Bachelors in Engineering […]

OU News

Category: Student stories