The Open University

The Open University recognises major individual contributions with honorary awards

12 April 2022

After an absence of two years due to Covid restrictions, honorary graduates recently picked up their awards in person, at ceremonies in both London and Brighton. British-Iraqi businessman David Dangoor, who is a major educational and scientific philanthropist, attended the ceremony at The Barbican on one of two days’ celebrations to become a Doctor of […]

Val McDermid and Mark Beaumont honoured by the OU

26 October 2018

Honorary graduates author Val McDermid, endurance athlete Mark Beaumont, educationalist Dame Ruth Silver, and teacher and educational psychologist Graham Cameron today joined almost 500 Open University graduates in Glasgow to receive their awards. Hailing from all over Scotland and beyond, the graduates – many of whom have juggled work, family and other commitments alongside their […]

Thousands celebrate as degree ceremony season begins at The Open University

14 September 2018

5,000 graduates are set to pick up their Open University degrees at 21 ceremonies held by the University across the four nations this Autumn. Part of The Open University family For Professor Mary Kellett, Acting Vice-Chancellor, the degree ceremonies are always a highlight of the university year: “I’d like to say a huge congratulations to […]

Anne overcomes adversity to reach her graduation goal

29 March 2018

Anne is 69 and has wanted to achieve her degree her entire adult life. Having left school at 15 and started her career as a telephonist and receptionist, she married and gave birth to her daughter, Sandra. After her husband sadly passed in 1984, she battled with bladder cancer and severe arthritis. Recovering after years […]

6 reasons to look forward to graduation

21 March 2018

Spring is always a good time of year – new growth, warmer weather, more colour. More importantly, it’s when our degree ceremony season starts and when students blossom into graduates and continue to grow into new lives, new careers, new opportunities or maybe even a new qualification. Last year we saw 8,000 graduates cross the […]

2017 degree ceremonies: it’s been memorable

4 December 2017

Our 2017 degree ceremony schedule drew to a close a couple of weeks ago at Gateshead, and what better note to end on than this photo of Matthew who was so happy he could fly! Matthew, a steelworker and now proud owner of a BA (Honours) in English Language and Literature, said: “When I left […]

OU honours leading science educator for widening participation in space science

22 September 2017

Science writer and educator, Emily Lakdawalla, has been awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her contributions to planetary and space science communication. The OU presented Emily Lakdawalla with a Doctor of the University at its recent Barbican Degree Ceremony. Senior Editor of The Planetary Society, Emily is respected internationally as a passionate advocate for […]

Barbican - photo courtesy of Claudia Rosani

Degree ceremonies offer chance for renewal, says OU VC

5 April 2017

The OU’s degree ceremonies have started in earnest, kicking off at London’s Barbican recently. Peter Horrocks, the OU’s Vice-Chancellor, shares his experiences and explains why they give an opportunity to both celebrate and strengthen our resolve… “They start off quietly. A few early birds arrive for the ceremony, nervously checking the logistics and where to get […]

Honorary awards for business women helping young people

9 November 2016

Two business women who have both set up organisations to help children in difficult circumstances have been awarded honorary Masters Degrees. They joined over 300 Open University graduates receiving their degrees at a ceremony in Milton Keynes. Improving care for young people with neurological conditions Leaving school at the age of 15 with no qualifications, it […]

Photograph of graduates at OU degree ceremony

Sarah Brown and Sally Magnusson among those honoured at Edinburgh ceremony

31 October 2016

Global campaigner Sarah Brown and broadcaster and author Sally Magnusson were among those receiving awards at Open University (OU) degree ceremony in Edinburgh. Their awards were conferred alongside 560 graduating students and fellow honorary graduates Tessa Ransford OBE (posthumously), poet and founding director of the Scottish Poetry Library and Tommy Whitelaw, dementia and care campaigner […]

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