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Category: Student stories

Andy dressed in warm clothing with a backdrop of Antarctica

‘OU study unlocked an amazing opportunity to work in Antarctica’

When Natural Sciences student Andy, 54, was made redundant, he was unsure what to expect from the next chapter of his life. With a thirst for new experiences and an open mind about his next career move, Andy embarked on an academic journey with The Open University, never imagining it would take him on the […]

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Head shot of Althea

‘My OU scholarship allows me to pursue my dreams, without the fear of debt’

After a tough start in life, Althea 20, moved into foster care. The stability of her new home allowed Althea to focus on her education, achieve impressive A level grades and bag a university place. Plans changed on finding out she was expecting her first child – Althea needed to devote her time and resources […]

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Gina sitting on the sofa, head and shoulders shot, smiling to the camera.

“OU study was the start of an amazing journey,” says celebrated dementia activist Gina

Since completing her BA (Hons) Health and Social care degree at The Open University, Gina Awad’s steadfast commitment to dementia awareness has earned her scores of awards and plaudits, including the British Empire Medal for voluntary service in the Queen’s 2018 Birthday Honours List. In Dementia Action week, Gina’s book United: caring for our loved […]

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Chloe sitting at a desk writing.

‘I still can’t believe it – thanks to the OU, I graduated aged 20 with a first-class degree!’

After completing her GCSEs, Chloe had a big decision to make – go on to achieve A Levels as expected or follow her heart by choosing another path. Craving a more enriching learning experience away from the “incessant emphasis” on exam practice she’d experienced at school, Chloe chose to fast-track her university journey and career […]

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Answered – your top 5 questions about OU study

Answered – your top 5 questions about OU study

Will I get a recognised degree? What’s the student experience like? How long will it take? We asked OU students to help us answer some of the most common questions about The Open University – and to debunk those myths. Read their answers and then step into your future by starting your own OU journey. […]

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Dan smiling at the camera wearing a brown jumper with trees in the background.

‘My scholarship has equipped me with the confidence to navigate my future – I’ll always be grateful’

Inspired by his father’s military career, Open University Sports Fitness and Coaching student Dan, 38, had an unwavering desire to serve his country in the armed forces. When a catastrophic accident led to the loss of his right arm and shoulder, Dan was forced to rewrite his future. Dan reveals that  The Open University’s Disabled […]

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Alasdair wearing a hard hat and protective clothing in by the sea with a large ship in the background.

‘Changing career has been like a breath of fresh air – OU study made it possible’

Engineering graduate Alastair, 41, was in a stable career, but yearned to shake things up professionally. Alastair shares how Open University study opened the door to an exciting new career with amazing prospects for the future. Making it happen After several years in the police force, Alastair found himself struggling to find fulfilment in his […]

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Kay by the coast, smiling at the camera.

‘I became an engineer while juggling a young family – the OU made it possible’

When Engineering graduate Kay, 41, set off for a weekend of live music at Bluedot festival, she never imagined the experience would inspire her to pursue an exciting new career. Now working as an Aerodynamics Engineer, Kay looks back on how she juggled Open University (OU) study with a young family and grabbed the opportunity […]

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Anushree wearing an orange space suit, dark glasses and headset carrying out research. There is a colleague wearing a similar suit and glasses in the background.

‘I became a doctor and landed my dream job on a NASA mission, thanks to the OU’

As a teenager in India, Anushree became fascinated with space exploration but never imagined it was a career within her reach. On International Women’s Day, we’re thrilled to share Anushree’s inspiring story. Now a Postdoctoral Fellow helping NASA investigate whether there’s ever been life on Mars, Anushree reflects on her incredible journey and why it’s […]

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Andrew smiling, dressed in a black suit and tie, standing in front of Monty Bojangles branding, holding an award.

‘With the OU you can grow academically and professionally at the same time’

Open University Psychology graduate Andrew Newlands is founder and Managing Director of Monty Bojangles, the award-winning chocolatiers taking the confectionery market by storm. Having already scooped the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise, Andrew’s brand of fantastical fun has captured the imagination of chocolate lovers across the UK and beyond. Andrew reflects on how OU study […]

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