The Open University

Meet the OU apprentices readying to take the science industry by storm

6 February 2024

To celebrate this year’s National Apprenticeship Week (5-11 February 2024), we spoke to The Open University’s (OU) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) apprentices who are working and training in the university’s labs. Through a partnership with training provider Tiro, the OU provides the employer-led side of laboratory training on site in Milton Keynes. The […]

James sat in a bar, smiling at the camera

‘My career progression has been amazing, thanks to my OU degree’

5 February 2024

After deciding to hang up his boots and leave professional football behind James, 28, found himself chasing new goals off the pitch. Now Financial Controller for a hospitality chain, James shares how Open University (OU) study fast-tracked his career and helped him develop the skills he needed to get-ahead in business. At 21 years old […]

Image shows two people sitting in front of a laptop studying

2024 Open Business Creators Fund competition now open

2 February 2024

The Open University (OU) has relaunched the Open Business Creators Fund competition for 2024. The funding competition, in collaboration with Santander and funded by the Higher Education Innovation Fund, offers grants from £1,000 to £10,000 to support OU students and alumni. This year the competition also introduces two separate funding streams – commercial enterprise and […]

University Challenge awaits for OU team tonight

29 January 2024

A team of students from The Open University take the good wishes of their fellow scholars and OU staff with them tonight, Monday 29 January, when they take part in the first round of three quarter-final matches in University Challenge at 8.30pm on BBC Two. The four-person Team Open, plus a reserve team member, are […]

The Open University and Cisco partner up to offer girls and young women cybersecurity training

29 January 2024

As cybersecurity threats increase worldwide, there is a greater need than ever for a skilled, diverse cyber workforce. To address this gap, The Open University (OU) and Cisco have joined forces to create the Cisco Networking Academy Cyber Camps. This initiative provides free, remote, self-paced training for students in the UK, aged 13-19, who identify […]

A statement from Professor Tim Blackman, Vice-Chancellor of The Open University regarding the recent employment tribunal judgment

26 January 2024

On Monday 22nd January, the University received the judgment from an employment tribunal following a claim brought against it by Professor Jo Phoenix. Professor Tim Blackman, Vice-Chancellor of The Open University responds to the ruling: This judgment made for difficult reading for all of us. In several areas we fell very short. We apologise unreservedly […]

Image shows the cover of the Open University ESG report cover

Open University report reveals Environmental, Social and Governance skills gap in UK businesses

26 January 2024

Dr Victoria Hands, Director of Sustainability at the Open University, discusses the skills gap in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) within UK businesses on the latest Sustainability Uncovered podcast. The OU surveyed more than 500 businesses in 2023, and published findings that revealed four in five UK businesses face an ESG skills gaps. While 75% […]

Ten students to win a £1,000 financial boost thanks to Santander Universities

25 January 2024

Once again the OU has teamed up with Santander Universities to offer students help with their finances throughout 2024. Thanks to Santander Universities, 10 lucky students will get the chance to win £1,000 cash in a free draw. All OU students are eligible to enter. Just sign up via the Santander Open Academy. Enrolment is […]

Spotlight on the intriguing Vernon Lee – writer, philosopher and anti-militarist

22 January 2024

Academics at The Open University are shining a spotlight on the intriguing Vernon Lee – a brilliant woman, prolific writer, anti-militarist and a philosopher ahead of her time yet someone barely mentioned today. She is probably best known for her supernatural Gothic fiction, while her work on psychological aesthetics and empathy particularly, was somewhat forgotten […]

Listen to new OU / BBC radio series Rare Earth

19 January 2024

Tune into BBC Radio 4 weekly from today (19 January) to listen to the new OU / BBC radio series, Rare Earth, with environmental journalist Tom Heap and physicist Helen Czerski. The radio series digs into some of the biggest environmental issues facing our planet today, with fascinating insights from experts. You can listen on […]

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