The Open University

Nicola officially ‘collects’ her Open University degree – 31 years after earning it

14 April 2023

Thirty-one years after passing her Open University degree, former Weymouth schoolgirl Nicola Willis-Jones finally ‘officially’ graduated at an OU degree ceremony. After living in three different countries, now settled in America, the 61-year-old hadn’t made time to ‘collect’ on her hard-earned work. But that all changed recently when she climbed the stage at the Milton […]

‘It was my route into nursing – no boat required’

6 February 2023

Kerry Black, 30, is one of the first Nursing Associates to qualify through a partnership with The Open University and the Isle of Wight NHS Trust. Kerry shares how an apprenticeship has allowed her to pursue her NHS career dreams without having to leave her island home. “I started off at the GP surgery 10 […]

‘There weren’t many women in the industry – I wanted to make a change’

6 February 2023

After leaving school, Phoebe, 21, chose to fast-track her IT career by starting a digital apprenticeship with The Open University while working at technology company RDT. Phoebe’s journey began with an interest in video gaming. Having completed A-Levels in maths, economics and history, she knew that a role in IT was the route she wanted […]

OU research student Lois in the lab at Milton Keynes

Meet the OU researcher using sunlight to create clean water

2 February 2023

When Lois Damptey left her home in Ghana to study for a PhD with The Open University, she had one clear goal: for her research to help save lives. Now in the final year of her doctorate, Lois, 30, is exploring how solar energy can be used to create a low-cost water filtration system. The […]

Start your degree in 2023

26 December 2022

If you want to change direction in 2023 but never thought of education before, an Open University degree could be just what you are looking for. A university degree can be lifechanging, ask our students. The Open University currently has 205,000, including 9,000 across the globe, and many who have achieved against the odds. Earlier […]

OU degree is ‘on pointe’ for Scottish Ballet star

21 December 2022

An acclaimed Scottish Ballet dancer shares how she achieved her first-class Open University degree alongside a full-time career as a professional ballerina. Constance Devernay-Laurence is used to wowing audiences as a Principal dancer in Scottish Ballet. She’s now added another achievement to her bright career by completing a degree in Sport, Fitness and Coaching. “It’s […]

OU Disabled Veterans' Scholarship recipient Steven shares how studying has turned his life around

‘My scholarship was life-changing and life-saving’

29 November 2022

A military veteran who was badly injured during a rescue mission shares how education has helped him turn his life around. Steven Wilson, 46, from Dumfries, served as a Private in the 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment (1 Para) and put his life on the line rescuing hostages in a top-secret mission. It was during the […]

Veteran Martine shares how studying with the OU has given her a fresh start

‘Scholarships give veterans a fresh start’

29 November 2022

When Martine McNee from Glasgow joined the Army aged 21, she believed it would be a career for life. Sadly, after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Martine’s dreams were cut short. After feeling lost and struggling to adapt to civilian life, Martine, 50, has now found hope through The Open University Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships […]

‘The OU MBA paved the way for my career success’

21 November 2022

Tillmann Henssler from Germany says The Open University has created so many opportunities in his award-winning career at pharmaceuticals giant Pfizer. “The MBA at the OU was one the best things I have done in my life,” says Tillmann, now 55 and living in Berlin. “I started studying while working as a junior manager. After […]

OU student Karen is studying to grow her health coaching business

‘I turned my blogging hobby into a business’ says OU student entrepreneur

14 November 2022

When Karen Oliver, 31, lost her job due to illness, she turned her health blog into a coaching business to support those struggling with eating disorders. She’s now studying Psychology part-time with The Open University and says the support she’s received as a busy entrepreneur and single parent is taking her business to the next […]

OU News

Category: Student stories