The Open University

Tarryn smiling to the camera with trees and sunshine in the background

‘I love the student community at the OU’

10 October 2023

On World Mental Health Day, Tarryn, 23, shares how studying at The Open University (OU) has given her the support and confidence she needs to pursue a new career path, helping young people to discover their potential. Challenging circumstances Following a misdiagnosis that followed her throughout school, Tarryn’s early education was fraught with challenges. “Back […]

Jez carrying out a scientific experiment

‘I’m breaking down barriers to higher education, just like the OU did for me’

4 October 2023

Jez, 51, left school with no qualifications, believing that higher education was beyond his reach. Years later, Jez chanced upon an Open University (OU) science programme on TV – a discovery that fuelled his fascination with space and sparked an academic journey he never imagined was possible. Now Jez’s work at the University of Nottingham […]

Alan and Jane at 2023 graduation ceremony, Alan dressed in ceremonial dress

‘I’ll forever be thankful for what the OU gave me’ – pioneer student returns 50 years on

3 October 2023

At 85, fifty years after making history by crossing the stage at The Open University’s (OU) first degree ceremony, pioneer student Alan returned to the OU to help 2023 graduates celebrate their success in Manchester’s stunning Bridgewater Hall. Alan shares how OU study boosted his teaching career, improved his confidence and helped him to find […]

‘OU study gave me skills beyond a qualification, I’ve grown as a person’

7 September 2023

Rubi, 38, didn’t think she was cut out for higher education, until an exciting career change inspired a newfound passion for learning. Now working as a Diplomatic Assistant, Rubi says that her OU degree and masters have helped her to thrive. “I never liked school. I think it was the structure of having to be […]

‘I dream of being named partner of a law firm – that’s what keeps me motivated’

23 August 2023

Open University (OU) Law student Sade, 27, has big plans for the future. With savvy advice for squeezing study into a busy life, Sade shares how she manages to fit everything in and keep her eye on the prize. A mother of two young children and NHS administrator, Sade knew that going to a campus […]

‘The OU creates a space where you can be yourself’

16 August 2023

Political activist and psychology student Emma, 19, shares why they think The Open University (OU) is a smart choice for school leavers who want to get ahead in all aspects of their life. “I wasn’t in a great place before I discovered the OU. I’d had a tough time in the last couple of years […]

‘Everything has fallen into place since I discovered the OU’

7 August 2023

Committed health practitioner Aoife, developed the confidence and self-belief she was lacking during her time at The Open University (OU). At 22, Aoife reflects on how she grew as a person and transformed her career. “School wasn’t easy for me for lots of reasons. I experienced some bullying, which really knocked my confidence,” Aoife says. […]

‘Don’t let exam results hold you back – you can still succeed’

17 July 2023

With Results Day on everybody’s mind, OU graduate Jess Barrett, 30, knows all too well how it feels to not get the results you’d hoped for. Despite failing two of her exams, Jess has since gone on to succeed, graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) last April. “Failing felt like a punch in the face” […]

‘Can’t decide between work experience or a degree – why not have both?’

14 July 2023

After finishing his A Levels, Abiola, 28 was on course to take up his place at a brick university, until a “eureka” moment changed his path completely. Abiola recalls the U-turn that transformed his career prospects and set him apart from his peers. “I always thought I’d take the traditional route to university. I got […]

‘I’m supporting young people to believe in themselves, thanks to the OU’

14 July 2023

Masters student Audrey, 29, had a thirst for learning from a young age, but always felt stifled by the education system. Audrey recounts how studying with The Open University (OU) inspired her to pursue a career in education and support young people to find their confidence and self-belief. “I didn’t think I was fit for […]

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Category: Student stories