The Open University

‘I thought I’d lose my mind to grief, then I found the OU’

5 September 2022

In the summer of 2016, Helen’s life changed overnight after the sudden loss of her husband of 31 years. Three months later, feeling lost and looking for a bolthole, Helen started a Classical Studies degree at The Open University. For Helen, what began as a distraction during the most turbulent time in her life became […]

OU academic supports capture of JWST’s first ever direct image of a distant world

1 September 2022

For the first time an international group of researchers, including Dr Mariangela Bonavita of the OU, have used NASA’s JWST to take a direct image of a planet outside our solar system, released by NASA today. The image of the planet, as seen through four different light filters, shows how JWST’s powerful infrared gaze can […]

New BBC Bitesize series lifts the lid on lesser-known healthcare careers

1 September 2022

A new digital series on healthcare careers launches today (1 September) on BBC Bitesize and OU Connect. Co-produced by the BBC and The Open University (OU), the series of ten informative short films delves into the lesser-known roles in the healthcare sector through the eyes of those starting out in their careers and the people […]

‘Designing is the dream – my degree will make it a reality’

30 August 2022

Business owner Mica always felt held back by her lack of qualifications. Now part-way through a Design & Innovation degree with The Open University, Mica says her confidence has sky-rocketed and she’s closer to achieving her dream of becoming a product designer. “Not having a degree was always in the back of my mind,” says […]

OU/BBC co-productions to look out for this Autumn

30 August 2022

2022 has already been a bumper year for OU/BBC co-productions with a variety of content hitting our channels and platforms, such as The Green Planet, The Decade the Rich Won, Freeze, We Are Black and British and Long Live My Happy Head for TV and iPlayer; whilst on Radio and BBC Sounds there has been […]

OU academics support NASA JWST research into first confirmed detection of carbon dioxide outside our solar system

25 August 2022

After years of preparation and anticipation, researchers, including experts from the OU, have announced the first clear evidence for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of a planet orbiting a distant star. The findings came from the NASA/ESA/CSA observatory JWST, which captured astonishingly detailed evidence through the atmosphere of a hot gas giant, WASP-39 b, 700 […]

Tennis player, Serena Williams waving at the crowd

Serena Williams: why many female athletes feel pressure to retire after becoming mothers

23 August 2022

Candice Lingam-Willgoss, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Fitness at The Open University writes for The Conversation about the pressures women face having to choose between being a mother or continuing their athletic career. Serena Williams has announced she’s retiring from tennis. During her career, the 40-year-old has often been hailed as the best female tennis […]

“I’m working smarter than ever thanks to my MBA”

22 August 2022

Nestlé Germany employee Janina Bethscheider knew The Open University was the only choice for her when it came to studying for her MBA. Not only did the OU offer a triple-accredited qualification, but it also happened to be where her dad had achieved his own MBA when she was at high school. Janina says she […]

Choosing an alternative path to a degree through the OU

18 August 2022

Today (18 August) is A-level results day, bringing with it a wave of emotions across the UK and the beginning of the university clearing process. The Open University’s (OU) mission of being open to all perhaps never feels more applicable than when students across the UK receive their A-Level results. The OU continues to provide […]

Explore the natural beauty of Britain and Ireland in new BBC / OU programme, Wild Isles

16 August 2022

The Open University (OU) and BBC have announced the upcoming release of a new natural history series, Wild Isles, presented by Sir David Attenborough, and informed by the expertise of OU academics Dr Philip Wheeler and Dr Miranda Dyson. The series has been created in partnership with the RSPB and WWF (UK) and has been […]

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