The Open University

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 […]

Lifelong learning is the answer for addressing UK skills gaps

2 February 2016

A government plan to fix the foundations of the British economy and boost productivity has failed to acknowledge the benefits of lifelong learning. The Government’s ‘productivity plan’ was published last year, focusing on how to increase UK productivity and growth over the next decade and create a more prosperous nation. But a new report examining […]

Adult education and lifelong learning vital to UK economy

2 February 2016

“Adult education and lifelong learning have a vital role in strengthening the UK’s economy,” and “the Government recognises that there is more to be done to ensure that the UK has the skills and flexibility it needs to grow in the global economy”. That’s according to Baroness Natalie Evans, the UK Government’s Higher Education Spokesperson, […]

30 years on: what the Challenger disaster meant for our race into space

28 January 2016

It was one of those moments you’ll never forget. Thirty years ago, the Challenger space shuttle exploded 73 seconds after launch. In an instant, a dream became a tragedy – and all because a small, simple seal had failed in the right solid rocket booster. I remember the event well. I had a dark cubbyhole […]

From Bricks to Clicks: how data could revolutionise Higher Education

26 January 2016

Sharing student data in the Higher Education sector will “revolutionise” and introduce a “step-change” in the student experience, according to experts at The Open University. Impact of data sharing in Higher Education explored in new report OU experts endorse the sharing of student data across institutions Using data could improve the student experience and enhance […]

Why English language lessons are not the answer to radicalisation

26 January 2016

David Cameron used an article in The Times and an interview on Radio 4’s Today show to announce £20m of extra funding to provide English lessons for Muslim women in the UK to prevent them from becoming “second-class citizens”. The prime minister’s announcement has come in for harsh criticism, particularly his implication that not speaking […]

How to bump up your credit score

25 January 2016

Debt is cheap right now, but only if you can get someone to offer you a deal. The low interest rate environment has pushed rates on mortgages and loans to record lows, but at the same time, banks have tightened up their lending policies. Whether you get credit – and the interest rate you’ll pay […]

Academics urge better investigation into toxic air fumes in aircraft

23 January 2016

Studies into the impact of toxic air fumes in aircraft cabins are not rigorous enough, academics are saying. They have been examining the research. They say governments and industry need to look closely at the issue to give a definitive answer to concerns about health risks. Dr Gini Harrison, a Lecturer in Psychology at The […]

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