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Category: Student stories
Following in his mother’s footsteps
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
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 […]
“The OU gave me a head start” says UK’s youngest Law graduate
Zahra Alidina knew from a young age that she wanted to be a barrister and wasted no time in pursuing her dream. After sitting her GCSEs at 13 years old and A-levels at 14, she started her Law degree with The Open University at just 15 after gaining special dispensation. “I couldn’t imagine myself doing […]
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’50 Years’ photography collection launched
The Open University is marking its 50th year anniversary this month by telling its remarkable story through the power of photographs, in a collection released today. Former and current OU students, including a prisoner turned academic, a woman research pioneer in moon exploration and a soldier who studied in the field with waterproofed books, all […]
“We started together, we studied together, we graduated together”
Andy and Tania Vanburen have recently completed their MBAs with The Open University. Although they studied side by side and graduated together, their routes to an MBA were very different. Andy Vanburen left school after completing his GCSEs and joined a firm of accountants, studying one day a week for his AAT qualification. He gained […]
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From OU Student to Autism Campaigner
Jane’s story is one of resilience and of achieving against adversity. Despite her own deteriorating health, singlehandedly raising two sons with their own health conditions, homelessness and redundancy, Jane was determined to further her education and be a voice for others. Jane has won awards for her studying achievements and, although she can no longer […]
Following in her mother’s footsteps
As a child Demelza Dachtler grew up watching her mother, Julie, study for a Masters with The Open University. Today, she’s an OU graduate herself, is on the verge of completing her own OU Masters, and is about to become a mother for the first time. We spoke to Demelza last year, and now, in the […]
Honorary degrees celebrate contributions to culture, education, veterinary science and linguistics
Today’s Open University degree ceremony at The Barbican, London, kicked off the spring graduation season in the OU’s 50th anniversary year. Alongside hundreds of Open University students receiving their awards, Sharon Corr, Baroness Jean Coussins and Professor Noel Fitzpatrick were conferred with honorary degrees. Sharon Corr – exceptional contribution to education and culture Singer, songwriter and […]
“I took my refugee status as an opportunity” – Shabnam’s inspiring story
“I took my refugee status as an opportunity, not a disadvantage,” says Shabnam Nasimi, 28, who was just eight years old when her parents, fearful of the wrath of the Taliban, abandoned their belongings and made the perilous journey across Europe. The family settled in the UK and her father Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi, went on […]
Read more about “I took my refugee status as an opportunity” – Shabnam’s inspiring story
Making the most of your OU degree ceremony
The date is booked and the graduation ceremony is looming. The hard work is done and you’re getting ready to cross the stage to cheers and applause as you pick up your degree. But what to expect?! Fear not, because we asked our Instagram alumni community for their best tips on how to make the […]
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