The Open University

Woman in fear of domestic abuse. Image credit: Thinkstock

Why sportspeople convicted of domestic violence forfeit their right to be ‘stars’

2 March 2016

When Floyd Mayweather took on Manny Pacquiao last year in what was billed as the “fight of the century”, the pair of us made the conscious decision not to watch the bout, despite an interest in boxing both as spectators and participants. Unlike some reporters, who claimed to be banned from watching it – ours […]

50 years since the dawn of the ‘University of the Air’

25 February 2016

Fifty years ago today, a government White Paper was published, which introduced the concept of The Open University (OU). Originally called the ‘University of the Air’, the OU was the realisation of the dream of one person; Jennie Lee. As the Arts Minister at the time, Jennie Lee was the driving force behind the OU, battling fierce […]

Boris delivers Brexit body blow for sterling, but long term picture is murkier

23 February 2016

Most prospective prime ministers would be mildly embarrassed if a boost to their chances made financial markets plunge. But Boris Johnson is doubtless gratified that his backing for Brexit led to the pound’s biggest one-day fall since the aftermath of the financial crisis. Sterling had barely flinched when cabinet ministers including Michael Gove and Iain […]

The Prosecutors: behind the scenes with Julian Webb

19 February 2016

A unique OU/BBC documentary series, which goes behind the scenes to reveal how our Crown Prosecution Service really works, begins on BBC Four next week. ‘The Prosecutors: Real Crime and Punishment‘, the first episode of which is on Wednesday 24 February 2016 at 21:00, invites audiences to experience the challenging, and often harrowing environment in which […]

OU Vice-Chancellor Peter Horrocks at Amity University in India.

OU strengthens ties with education in India

18 February 2016

A university group in India is calling on the expertise of The Open University to help deliver quality online education. The new agreement with Amity University will see its “world-leading expertise and learning innovation deployed for the benefit of students in India,” says the OU’s Steve Hill. Amity is a leading educational group in India with […]

What does the head of Ofsted do?

18 February 2016

Ministers are thought to be looking to the US, Canada and northern Europe in their search for the next chief inspector of schools. With the current head of Ofsted, Michael Wilshaw, due to step down in December at the end of his term, secretary of state Nicky Morgan is reportedly keen to find someone with […]

Farewell to Philae?

16 February 2016

How do you say goodbye to a valued colleague with whom you have worked closely for almost two decades? Maybe there is a farewell party, a collection for a gift, a bunch of flowers? If the colleague is moving to an exciting new post, the affair is usually joyful, possibly tinged with envy as well […]

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Why are today’s progressive political heroes still old white men?

16 February 2016

On both sides of the Atlantic, a reawakening of progressive politics is underway. In countries where until recently socialism was considered a “dirty word”, Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn are inspiring a growing number of American and British citizens with a message of economic equality and social justice. And both have concrete achievements to show […]

Gravitational waves, scientific theories and wobbly bits

15 February 2016

In a style all of her own, Professor Monica Grady took part in a radio panel discussion covering everything from gravitational waves and scientific theories to wobbly bits. On Broadcasting House, the Radio 4 magazine style programme on Sunday mornings, Professor Grady was joined by fellow scientist Professor John Butterworth from University College London. They […]

couple enjoying a romantic dinner by candlelight. Image credit: Thinkstock

Are grand gestures a turn-off on Valentine’s Day? OU experts investigate

13 February 2016

The language of love is sometimes hard to understand. With Valentine’s Day upon us, the UK’s commercial outlets are busy shoving images and adverts of hearts and flowers in our faces. So much so you could be fooled into thinking there’s only one way to show you care. But authors of a new self-help book on […]

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