The Open University

Inside the Rage Machine: How social media algorithms are rewiring our world

16 March 2026

A new OU / BBC programme, Inside the Rage Machine begins Monday 16th March at 9pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. Marianna Spring, the BBC’s Social Media Investigations Correspondent, uncovers the inside story of how social media algorithms designed to connect us have been helping to tear us apart. Insider testimony and whistleblower documents expose […]

Degree led to a journey of discovery for Dana – in more ways than one

6 January 2026

Dana Jarvis didn’t know she was dyslexic until her Open University tutor recognised some symptoms – now she’s just graduated with a degree in Classical Studies and she’s about to become a published author. The road to success began when the 27 year old from Holt in Norfolk, who is also autistic, decided to start […]

From shepherding in Nepal to an Open University degree – London man’s journey

3 December 2025

Barnet Borough councillor and semi-retired businessman Lachhya Gurung could never have predicted his journey of discovery from a teenage shepherd in a remote Nepalese village to a London home and now an Open University degree. The former Gurkha was the fourth of five sons who were born and brought up by their parents in scenic […]

Five contemporary haunted house books that will have you calling for an exorcist

23 October 2025

It’s the creepiest time of the year again, as the nights draw in, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a spooky read. Here are some suggestions from The Open University’s Jennie Owen, Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing. These suggestions, all from the past five years, include some unexpected takes on the haunted house novel. […]

Kent County Council is Reform’s ‘shop window’ – its leaked Zoom call implies chaos and poor leadership

21 October 2025

A leaked video of an online meeting between members of the Reform-led Kent county council showed shocking exchanges says Lisa Lazard, Professor in Psychology, The Open University. There was shouting, swearing and repeated interruptions. At one point, council leader Linden Kemkaran mutes another member of the council. Councillors Paul Thomas, Oliver Bradshaw, Bill Barret and […]

The Israel/Iran 12-day war – what comes next

4 July 2025

In the aftermath of the ‘12-day war’ between Israel and Iran, Open University academic Dr Edward Wastnidge, a Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Studies, lays out the underlying recent historical causes and talks about what comes next. While the war might have been brought to a halt via the ceasefire, both sides will be […]

Trump’s use of the National Guard against LA protesters defies all precedents

10 June 2025

Dr Sinead McEneaney, Senior Lecturer in History at The Open University, debates President Trump’s latest stance in LA against protesters over immigration raids and shares the historical background regarding the Insurrection Act and National Guard. Violence has erupted on the streets of cities across southern California over the weekend, as protesters clashed with agents from the […]

Five Books to read if you like apocalyptic fiction

9 June 2025

With the release of the movie 28 Years later this month, you may find yourself craving apocalyptic and dystopian fiction. Here are some suggestions from The Open University’s Jennie Owen, Lecturer in Creative Writing. These page-turners include pandemics, monsters and environmental collapse, and are guaranteed to have you both horrified and gripped. 1. Parable of […]

Ukraine’s air strikes on Russian air fields “strategically important”: academic opinion

4 June 2025

As Russia has been left counting the cost of multiple Ukrainian drone strikes on its air fields over the weekend, Dr Precious Chatterje-Doody, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Studies at The Open University, focuses on three key factors in this latest stage of the war. The first key point is that these were the […]

Powerful new OU/BBC documentary tells the story of the murder of George Floyd and the backlash that followed

20 May 2025

Airing on Wednesday 21st May on BBC Two at 9pm and BBC iPlayer, Blacklash: The Murder of George Floyd” tells the story of one of the most shocking and defining moments in modern history, one that not only exposed police brutality and birthed the Black Lives Matter movement, but also exposed deep divides in the […]

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