The Open University

Top 9 tips for saving for your pension

15 September 2017

Pensions are always the hot topic among learners on the OU’s hugely popular free OpenLearn and FutureLearn courses, Managing My Money and Managing My Investments. They are also core in our seminal undergraduate course, DB123 You and Your Money, that aims to raise students’ own financial capability. Research by senior lecturer in economics and personal […]

OU and National Extension College campaign to widen access to Higher Education

14 September 2017

The OU and National Extension College (NEC) are launching a joint campaign to improve the life chances of those from low income groups or without previous qualifications through distance and lifelong learning. In response to a 50% decline in the number of students aged over 21 entering into Higher Education in the last ten […]

There has been a massive drop in the number of mature students studying at UK universities

13 September 2017

If you step on to a university campus in any town or city across the UK, chances are that most of the students you will see will all be of a similar age. Yes, there may be the odd “mature student”, but for the most part, a lot of the students look to be in […]

Does poor spelling really mean Donald Trump isn’t fit to be president?

12 September 2017

In the aftermath of a controversial clash of protests in Boston, Donald Trump sent out a tweet about the need to heal the nation – managing in the process to misspell the word “heal”. He then quickly deleted the tweet, resent it with the same mistake, deleted the second attempt, until finally getting it right […]

English in Action wins top award for innovation in international education

11 September 2017

The OU’s English in Action project has won the award for progressive education delivery at this year’s PIEoneer Awards. The Awards, which took place in London on 8 September 2017, celebrate the most innovative work being done across the international education sector. Matthew Foster, director of the International Development Office at the OU says: We […]

Professor Joyce Tait appointed to the Council for Science and Technology

11 September 2017

Professor Joyce Tait has been appointed to the Council for Science and Technology, which advises the Prime Minister on science and technology policy issues that cut across the responsibilities of individual government departments. Joyce, one of five new appointments to the Council, is the Director of the Innogen Institute based at The Open University (in […]

Low skilled workers can’t move up the career ladder

7 September 2017

New market research on skills commissioned by the OU has found that the vast majority of people in low and semi-skilled work are not getting the training and opportunities they need to move up the career ladder. The online survey of 4000 UK adults found that of the 42% that described themselves as ‘Not In Skilled Employment’ (NISKE), […]

Times Higher Education Awards 2017 - banner on website

OU shortlisted for three Times Higher Education Awards 2017

7 September 2017

The OU has been shortlisted for three prestigious awards for its innovation in teaching and research impact, with The Open University Business School (OUBS) also in the running for ‘Business School of the Year 2017’. Recognised as the ‘Oscars of Higher Education’, the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards celebrate the dedication, innovation, and talent of individuals […]

Brutality of British immigration detention system laid bare

5 September 2017

An exposé of an immigration removal centre has uncovered shocking levels of violence and abuse directed at detainees awaiting potential deportation from the UK. While some staff at the Brook House centre for men near Gatwick Airport, run by the company G4S, tried to control the “chaos”, others were clearly seen mocking and assaulting detainees. […]

Innovative teaching at the OU recognised at prestigious international awards ceremony

5 September 2017

The team behind the OU’s innovative approach teaching has been recognised at the Higher Education Academy’s (HEA) inaugural Global Teaching Excellence Awards (GTEA). The team, led by Professor Hazel Rymer, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Learning and Teaching Innovation at the OU, was shortlisted from a 27-strong field of universities from around the world. Professor Rymer said the pioneering […]

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