The Open University

REF 2021 recognises 82% of OU research impact as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent.’

12 May 2022

The Open University (OU)’s commitment to research and societal impact is recognised today (Thursday, 12 May), with 82% of its research impact assessed to be ‘world-leading’ (4*) or ‘internationally excellent’ (3*) by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. These results are a welcome acknowledgement of the impact of OU researchers’ work in transforming lives, shaping […]

Honorary graduates share advice on overcoming barriers and achieving

11 May 2022

Three people renowned for their accomplishments in their individual fields of work have been awarded honorary degrees by The Open University (OU). James Timpson, chief executive of Timpsons, the national shoe repairs company, talented composer and musician Matt Baker and Professor of Psychiatry Kamaldeep Bhui all received their honours at recent OU degree ceremonies. Reflecting […]

OU offers funding opportunity for disabled veterans

11 May 2022

A scholarship fund with the potential to change people’s lives is open for applications. Now in its fifth year, The Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund (DVSF) is once again open for applications offering 50 free study places at The Open University (OU) to individuals injured or disabled as a result of military service. So far, the […]

‘I had twins during my studies but still achieved my degree – and a new role!’

10 May 2022

Karen Gitau was already working as an Enrolled Nurse when she began her Open University journey. She knew her BSc Open Degree would help her progress in her career – and she was right. She is proud to now be working as a successful Nursing Sister and Practice Manager in South Africa where she lives. […]

Open University Nursing Apprentice Paul shares his innovative buddying system

‘Your first career doesn’t have to be your final one’

10 May 2022

Paul Gardner-Smith has just completed his Open University Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship as part of a drastic career change from secondary school teacher to nurse. He’s now living his dream career as a Registered Nurse and has already created an inspired ‘buddy’ system to support the next generation of nursing apprentices. As part of Paul’s […]

Refugees walking along with their belongings. Image credit:Thinkstock

Open University launches fund for displaced refugees

9 May 2022

A new fund has been launched by The Open University (OU) to support people displaced by conflict or crisis to build a brighter and better future. The Open Futures Sanctuary Scholarships programme is designed to help refugees, forced migrants and people seeking asylum; those fleeing armed conflict, violence, or persecution in their home nation, including […]

New research highlights need for change in climate mitigation tactics

6 May 2022

A new study has found that the presence of moisture has a stronger role in developing areas of tropical vegetation than manmade CO2 emissions. The research, undertaken by Dr William Gosling from the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics at the University of Amsterdam and supported by the OU, found previous suggestions that human-elevated CO2 […]

BAFTA nominations for two BBC/OU programmes

5 May 2022

Two BBC and Open University co-productions have earned BAFTA nominations in the current affairs and factual series categories. And on Sunday, 8 May, academics from the Faculties of Business and Law and Arts and Social Sciences, who acted as consultants for the programmes, find out if they’ve won. The BBC billing for Trump takes on […]

Double win for the OU at the Learning on Screen Awards

4 May 2022

The Open University has won two awards at the UK’s only celebration of film and media production in education. Established in 2005, the Learning on Screen Awards showcases the best in educational film and television. The OU has won two awards at this year’s event – the Broadcast Award for BBC/ OU co-production, Surrogates and the Educational […]

OU academics contribute to new BBC Ideas film: ‘Does it ever pay to represent yourself in court?’

29 April 2022

Appearing in court without representation is becoming increasingly common. But is it a sensible strategy? Academics from The Open University’s Open Justice Centre have answered exactly this question in a new BBC Ideas film titled ‘Does it ever pay to represent yourself in court?’. Open Justice Centre Director Francine Ryan, Professor of Law and Social […]

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