The Open University

People with learning disabilities want to find love too

12 February 2016

This Valentine’s Day will once again see a celebration of love. Unfortunately for many people with learning disabilities, this is just a dream. Although they may want to be in a relationship, they are often faced with barriers and challenges that prevent them finding what many take for granted. But specialised dating agencies can help […]

Big Data is a big deal

12 February 2016

“Big data is a UK success story*” was one of the key messages about the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee Big Data Dilemma inquiry report published today (12 February 2016). The Open University, an institution at the forefront of developing applications for big data, has welcomed the report but recognises there are many […]

Why assisted suicide is a ‘moral maze’

11 February 2016

Dr Sam Murphy, Lecturer in health studies and Interim Assistant Head of Department, in the Faculty of Health and Social Care writes on the controversial subject of assisted suicide… The recent BBC programme How to Die: Simon’s Choice brought to the fore the dilemmas that arise following a diagnosis of a terminal illness such as […]

Social mobility isn’t just about 18-year-olds: adults need life chances too

10 February 2016

The prime minister has pledged to double the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds entering higher education by 2020. David Cameron has signalled an all-out attack on poverty and has thrown down the gauntlet to universities to deliver on social justice. He will be aware that many universities already have a proud history of widening […]

Documentary on personal story of a choice to die

9 February 2016

An observational documentary, co-produced by The Open University and BBC, follows the journey of a man considering assisted suicide. Simon is a successful businessman with a loving family and large circle of friends. His world falls apart in January 2015 when he is diagnosed with an aggressive form of Motor Neurone Disease and given two […]

Shocked and surprised boy on the internet with laptop computer

7 ways to keep your children safe online

9 February 2016

From homework to games, research projects to connecting with friends, the internet’s a huge draw for children and a valuable modern-day resource. It’s also a potentially dangerous place to hang out. But while technology continues to change and evolve, the principles of keeping young people safe are the same online as they are offline. It’s all […]

OU research student names ridge on planet Mercury

8 February 2016

PhD student mapping features on the planet’s surface Large ridge is as long as distance from London to Liverpool In May you can observe Mercury yourself as it transits the Sun A large ridge on Mercury, the length of the distance between London and Liverpool, has been named ‘Unity’ after the ship which took Edmond […]

Planning for extreme weather disruption

8 February 2016

Helen Roby, Research Fellow in The Open University Business School, is part of the Disruption research project which looks at how travel is affected by disruptive events such as extreme weather. Writing for HR Magazine, Helen says: “Headlines can paint a picture of the UK economy struggling with extreme weather conditions – businesses forced to close, employees […]

The Department of Physical Sciences laboratory with two female scientists representing diversity

The OU Department of Physical Sciences receives top diversity award

5 February 2016

The OU Department of Physical Sciences is one of just two departments from UK universities to receive a top award this week for its dedication to diversity and equality. The Institute of Physics’ (IOP) Project Juno Champion award recognises and rewards departments that promote gender equality. The OU Department of Physical Sciences has demonstrated its […]

Climbing up a mountain - Widening Participation

‘We wouldn’t be able to do it without the OU’

4 February 2016

“Three quarters of widening participation students say that without the Open University, they would not have been able to attend higher education at all” That was one of many stark messages delivered by Peter Horrocks, the Vice-Chancellor of The Open University, during his speech at the Widening Participation in UK Higher Education forum today (4 […]

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