The Open University

New OU/BBC documentary ‘Better Off Dead?’ explores assisted dying in the UK

14 May 2024

*Content Advisory – this article contains references to assisted dying* Actress and disability rights campaigner Liz Carr presents this powerful documentary on legalising assisted dying in the UK. Airing on Tuesday 14th May at 9pm on BBC ONE and iPlayer, ‘Better Off Dead?’ follows Liz on a thought-provoking journey as she debates why we shouldn’t […]

Cute little child girl reading a book. Image credit: Thinkstock

On World Book Day find out how the OU’s Reading Schools Programme is helping more children to read for pleasure

7 March 2024

Today is World Book Day and as children around the world excitedly mark the occasion by dressing up as their favourite literary character, or join in with special events at their school, it is important to remember that behind the buzz and excitement of the day there is an important message – to encourage more […]

Darren sitting in a school library, slouched at a desk

Brand new OU/BBC series takes an unflinching look at the UK’s public services

26 February 2024

A new three-part series co-produced by The Open University (OU) and BBC will follow writer and rapper Darren McGarvey as he takes an unflinching look at the UK’s public services. Each episode of Darren McGarvey: The State We’re In will follow Darren as he explores the UK’s justice system through the eyes of the people […]

OU/BBC documentary series Drugs Map of Britain returns with new episodes

14 February 2024

Four brand new episodes from series two of the hard-hitting OU/BBC series Drugs Map of Britain will air from Tuesday 13th February on BBC Three at 9pm. The series dives into the real world of drug users and dealers in the UK today, cutting through the headlines to lay bare the realities of British youth […]

New OU led films for BBC Morning Live

9 February 2024

The Open University (OU) have led on six films in partnership with the BBC for the popular BBC ONE show Morning Live. The films will explore a broad range of topics such as demystifying cognitive behavioural therapy and muscle loss and will feature on Morning Live which broadcasts daily from 09.30 on BBC One. The […]

OU/BBC win at Grierson awards

24 November 2023

Two Open University/BBC co-productions have been honoured at the prestigious Grierson awards, which recognise innovative and exciting documentary films. Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland won two awards – Best documentary and Best history documentary and Inside Our Autistic Minds, won Best Science Documentary. Dr Caroline Ogilvie, Head of Broadcast and Partnerships at The […]

Stacey Dooley goes behind the scenes at an undertakers in new OU/BBC documentary

8 November 2023

Stacey Dooley: Inside the Undertakers, takes a fascinating and surprisingly uplifting look behind the doors of a funeral director to discover more about the usually hidden side of death. In this one-off OU/BBC co-production, which airs on 9 November at 9pm on BBC ONE and iPlayer, presenter Stacey Dooley immerses herself in the day-to-day work […]

Drugs Map of Britain returns for a gritty new series

8 November 2023

A new series of the hard-hitting OU/BBC co-production Drugs Map of Britain delves into the world of drug users and dealers, laying bare the evolving makeup of Britain’s youth drug culture. Airing on the 8th of November at 10.30pm on BBC Three, the documentary series focuses on how certain drugs are widespread in cities across […]

Image of young girls in a football team sitting on the field speaking to their coach

Social prescribing could help support young people’s mental health – but calls for a national strategy in England may be premature

25 October 2023

Jackie Musgrave, Associate Head of School of Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport, at The Open University, writes for The Conversation about how social prescribing could help support young people’s mental health. A growing number of children and adolescents in England are seeking access to mental health services. But the demand for these services is far […]