The Open University

The key to language is universal psychology, not universal grammar

24 August 2020

Dr Paul Ibbotson, lecturer in Developmental Psychology at The Open University explains how psychology shapes our language. What makes language special is part of what makes us special, so understanding what language is made of and how we learn it brings us closer to our human nature. Is language special because it runs on its […]

Jo hopes to “make a difference” with place on student panel

21 August 2020

An OU English Literature undergraduate, grandmother and former student advisor has been appointed to serve on the student panel for the Office for Students. Jo Barlow from Cornwall was one of ten people selected for the year, after an initial pool of nearly 900 applicants for the posts. The Office for Students (OfS) is the […]

‘Better health’? More questions than answers about the government’s new plans

17 August 2020

The UK government recently announced its plans for a new package of measures, which it hopes will help the nation lose weight. But, with the worst childhood obesity in Europe, is it enough to help the younger generation live a healthier future? Dr Mimi Tatlow-Golden, Lecturer in Developmental Psychology and Childhood at The Open University […]

Making online teaching even better is focus of OU’s bite-size course

17 August 2020

The Open University is pleased to offer a new bite-size course for those tasked with moving teaching and learning online in today’s “new normal”. The COVID-19 pandemic has seen many organisations and individuals move courses and teaching online at unprecedented speed. With the likelihood of variations of lockdown and remote working remaining for some time, […]

Clearing 2020: OU leads the way in online learning

12 August 2020

A Level Results Day (13 August) is challenging even in normal circumstances, but with the uncertainty around this year’s grading and the anxiety and stress caused by COVID-19, it’s important now more than ever that students take a step back and consider their next move. The pandemic has changed the landscape of education, with many […]

Modern plant diversity hotspot traced to mountain ranges 30 million years old

6 August 2020

An international team, including researchers from The Open University, has discovered that highly diverse plant life found in China can be traced back to the formation of ancient mountain ranges. In a new study, published in Science, researchers examined the plant life in China’s Hengduan Mountains, the Himalaya Mountains, and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Using DNA […]

Stephen’s story on film: from prison life to PhD student

4 August 2020

How I went from Prisoner to PhD is a new BBC/OU short film which tells the remarkable and compelling story of one man’s journey from jail to academic research, in his own words. Stephen Akpabio-Klementowski had no qualifications when he was sentenced to 16 years in prison. He’s now a PhD candidate with The Open […]

OU takes home gold at the 2020 BAFTA TV Awards

4 August 2020

Blue Planet Live, a co-production between The Open University (OU) and the BBC, took home gold at the first virtual British Academy Television Awards (BAFTA). Up against stiff competition, including Glastonbury 2019 and last year’s televised election results, the marine life series triumphed and received the award for Best Live Event. Blue Planet Live, a […]

OU and BBC launch BAME mental health campaign

3 August 2020

The Open University has partnered with the BBC to co-produce another digital series, similar to the mental health campaign from earlier in the year, but this time focusing on supporting mental health within Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities. Throughout August, content will be released on the OU and BBC’s social media and online platforms. […]

Mars 2020: the hunt for life on the red planet is about to get serious

30 July 2020

Monica Grady, Professor of Planetary Sciences at The Open University, discusses the latest missions to Mars in the hope for more answers about if there has been, or is, life on the red planet. Next spring is going to be a busy time for Mars. In close succession, three spacecraft will arrive at the planet, […]

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