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Category: Student stories

Photo of a young woman in a flamboyant costume, preparing to dance on stage.

‘OU courses are so flexible – I studied from the middle of the ocean!’

When Charlotte, 28, from Aberdeen was looking to embark on a degree to unlock future career options, she searched for a solution that would fit around her work as a professional dancer. Now a proud BSc (Hons) Open Degree graduate with The Open University (OU), Charlotte has already taken the next step with her studies […]

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Emilie wearing a blue lab coat surrounded by scientific equipment,

‘OU study unlocked the career I’d always wanted’

For many years Emilie, 47, put her professional aspirations aside, working hard to pay the bills and be present as a mum. It wasn’t until her son completed his degree that Emilie decided it was her turn to shine, embarking on an Open University (OU) degree that would unlock the career she dreamed of. Now […]

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A young blonde haired woman with her two young children.

‘When everything had gone dark, the OU lit up my life,’ says young mother of two

Katherine from Aberdeenshire left school at 17 after having her first child, but instead of giving up on her career dreams she has remained determined to make her family proud. As a single parent with no childcare support, The Open University (OU) has allowed Katherine to pursue her passion whilst caring for her children. Now, […]

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“OU study opens so many doors – just go for it,” says proud graduate Destanhy

“OU study opens so many doors – just go for it,” says proud graduate Destanhy

When Destanhy, 23, fell pregnant during sixth form, her university plans were turned upside down. Determined to forge ahead with higher education, Destanhy embarked on her first Social Sciences module with The Open University (OU) when her baby was only a few weeks old. Destanhy shares how OU study sparked a love for psychology and […]

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Young girl with long dark hair wearing an OU jumper

‘Realising my dreams of becoming a teacher wouldn’t be possible without the OU’

Eilidh, 21, from Fife, who was born with Cerebral Palsy is non-verbal and uses a device to communicate. Even with additional challenges, Eilidh has embraced a love of languages through her BA (Honours) in Language Studies degree with The Open University (OU). After learning German and French, she’s now on her way to mastering Spanish, […]

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Gregg and rowing partner Lauren wearing Team GB kit, smiling at the camera with Paralympic Gold medals around their necks.

‘The OU empowered me to learn my way,’ says Paralympic Gold medallist Gregg Stevenson

On the back of his incredible gold medal race with rowing partner Lauren Rowles, Sports, Fitness and Coaching graduate Gregg Stevenson took time out of his celebrations to share his inspirational story with The Open University community. After a traumatic incident when serving as a Royal Engineer Commando, Gregg struggled to come to terms with […]

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A profile shot of Thomas sitting in front of a window, dressed in a white shirt facing the camera.

‘OU study unlocked career opportunities I never imagined were possible’

When Law student Thomas, 38, left the British Army, he had no idea what his future would look like. Now in the final year of his Open University (OU) degree, Thomas has secured a prestigious training contract with  world leading law firm, Freshfields LLP, providing a dream start to his career in law. Thomas shares […]

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Kyle looking aside from the camera, smiling with floral wallpaper behind him.

‘My confidence is the best it’s ever been, thanks to the OU’

Hampered by low confidence, Kyle, 36, rejected the place he was offered at a campus university, despite his lifelong dream of achieving a degree. Now studying Arts and Humanities at The Open University (OU), Kyle shares how a promise to his late nan gave him the strength to fulfil his potential and unleash an insatiable […]

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A young women with long blonde hair and a flower crown, smiles at the camera.

‘Every person I have met online has been so friendly, helpful and inspiring’

At 19 years old, Izzy wanted to achieve a degree but knew ‘going away’ to university wasn’t right for her. She shares how studying flexibly from home with The Open University (OU) fit her lifestyle and career goals. Izzy, now 21, said, “I was lost on what to do, knowing I didn’t want to attend […]

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Darren Harris wearing Paralympic kit, sunglasses, facing the camera and holding a gold cap to show 100 caps for the England blind football team.

‘OU study taught me a lot about myself,’ says dual Paralympian Darren Harris

As excitement builds for the Paris Paralympic Games, we caught up with Darren who, whilst competing in two separate Paralympic disciplines, completed a Psychology Conversion Course with The Open University (OU). Darren reflects how the flexibility of OU study made it possible to juggle the demands of training with an intensive postgraduate programme, in a […]

Read more about ‘OU study taught me a lot about myself,’ says dual Paralympian Darren Harris

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