OU News

News from The Open University

xmas gift

All an OU student wants for Christmas is…

So what do OU students want for Christmas? We took to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and asked our community of students what would be on their end of year wish list. More stationery? A time machine? Someone to clean the house? There were some surprising requests, and a couple are back from last year’s wish list due to […]

Read more about All an OU student wants for Christmas is…

Solider reading a book

Silent Night: the story of the carol that put a war on pause

Dr Martin Clarke, Lecturer in Music at The Open University discusses the history of one of the most famous Christmas carols of our time – Silent Night. Few Christmas carols evoke the season of peace and goodwill as readily as Silent Night. Two popular stories contribute to its appeal: one concerning the circumstances of its […]

Read more about Silent Night: the story of the carol that put a war on pause

Civilisations Simon Schama

10 programmes that inspired us in 2018

Did you see any of our co-produced BBC programmes this year? Millions of people tuned in to discover thousands of years of visual culture in Civilisations, to listen to research into how society works in Thinking Allowed, and to see if Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall could inspire healthier lifestyles in Britain’s Fat Fight.In 2018 OU/BBC programmes won […]

Read more about 10 programmes that inspired us in 2018

Plate of festive biscuits

Baking it Better – can baking help tackle anxiety?

Liz suddenly experienced a series of anxiety attacks, which forced her to stop working for a long period of time. Baking became her outlet, as it was the only activity that would prevent further attacks. The following video is a key part of the Approaches to Mental Health module that can be studied on a variety of […]

Read more about Baking it Better – can baking help tackle anxiety?

Woman holding sign saying No Human Being is Illegal

What makes someone an ‘illegal immigrant’?

Tendayi Bloom, Lecturer in Politics and International Studies, The Open University, explores what makes someone an ‘illegal immigrant’? After months of negotiations and some controversy, a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration was agreed by 164 countries in early December. In the final text of this agreement and in the process that led up […]

Read more about What makes someone an ‘illegal immigrant’?

Tips for studying over the festive period

Tips for studying over the festive period

The Christmas break is the perfect time to squeeze in some extra study – OU Student Association rep, Sarah talks us through her top tips for getting the most out of your holiday, whilst still enjoying the festivities. Work in chunks When you’ve set aside a morning, an afternoon, or an evening to work solidly for […]

Read more about Tips for studying over the festive period

9 ways Open University research helped us understand the world in 2018

9 ways Open University research helped us understand the world in 2018

From discovering a new planet to predicting volcanic eruptions; tackling fake news to discovering reading habits of the past, Open University research has been helping us understand more about our world and beyond in 2018. 1. Scientists solved the mystery Amazon methane source A team involving The Open University found that trees growing on Amazon […]

Read more about 9 ways Open University research helped us understand the world in 2018

Printing money

Curious Kids: why don’t poorer countries just print more money?

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages, where The Conversation asks experts to answer questions from kids. All questions are welcome: find out how to enter at the bottom of this article.  In this piece, Economist Alan Shipman explains why poorer countries don’t just print more money. Why don’t poorer countries just […]

Read more about Curious Kids: why don’t poorer countries just print more money?

Pregnant woman with hand on belly

Perinatal anxiety: research finds lack of support for women

Around 15-25% of women experience significant levels of anxiety in the perinatal period (pregnancy and a year after childbirth). Despite being treatable, most women experiencing perinatal anxiety (PNA) don’t seek help. “There is so much pressure to be the ‘perfect mother’ these days, and there are a lot of unrealistic expectations around motherhood, so when […]

Read more about Perinatal anxiety: research finds lack of support for women

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama and imposter syndrome: Would the real imposter please stand up?

Michelle Obama’s admission that she suffers from imposter syndrome made the headlines and exposes a crisis – that some of the most competent and well-liked individuals secretly fear being exposed as frauds. With 70% of people suffering from this, Lecturer in Psychology, Dr Volker Patent, explores why this revelation has shocked us so much, and […]

Read more about Michelle Obama and imposter syndrome: Would the real imposter please stand up?

Page 157 of 242