The Open University

Cost-of-living boost for OU students with chance to win £500 from Santander Universities

3 October 2022

Back for a second year running, the OU is teaming up with Santander Universities to offer 20 lucky students the chance to win £500 cash in a free draw. To enter, students need to be currently enrolled, be based in the UK, and then sign up via Santander’s Becas platform here. Enrolment is open now […]

Three exceptional individuals honoured at OU degree ceremony in London

30 September 2022

A disability rights campaigner, a champion of life-long learning, and a musician who is diversifying the world of classical music, all received honorary degrees from The Open University in ceremonies at the Barbican Centre. Over four thousand guests and 1,200 graduates gathered in the Grade II listed building in the City of London for four […]

The rise and fall of Topshop. OU/BBC series lifts the lid on iconic brand’s fall from grace

26 September 2022

The story of how a huge fashion brand fell dramatically to earth is the subject of a new two-part OU/BBC co–production. Through the testimony of insiders as well as fashion and investigative journalists, Trouble at Topshop explores how the brand is transformed by a group of young, talented, and creative women, into a mecca for […]

OU publishes new whitepaper to help businesses encourage social mobility

20 September 2022

The Open University (OU) has collaborated with TrainingZone to publish a new whitepaper which highlights the importance of Learning and Development teams in enabling social mobility. The author is Jessica Leigh Jones MBE, a multi-award-winning engineer and entrepreneur based in Wales. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of iungo Solutions, a technology start-up developing immersive […]

“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 […]

‘The OU was my perfect option after college’

15 August 2022

When Kianna Graham, 21, had to decide what life would look like after college, she says The Open University was the only option. Being able to continue working a job she loves and being surrounded by friends and family whilst furthering her education with a BA (Hons) degree in Business Management ticked every box. University […]

Vegan entrepreneur and OU student Carly at her home in Scotland

‘The sky’s the limit’, says OU student and vegan entrepreneur

7 July 2022

Carly McCluskey from Glasgow has launched a plant-based business to help make breakfast more environmentally friendly. Carly, 25, had the idea for a ‘vegan egg’ substitute during the pandemic and quickly enrolled to study Business Management with The Open University to make her side hustle a reality. “We went vegan about five years ago,” says […]

“Learning is a lifeline” says veteran Sarah

5 July 2022

When veteran Sarah had to leave her dream Royal Air Force (RAF) role, she didn’t know what her future would hold. She’s now working towards a new career, all thanks to The Open University’s life-changing Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund. During her time serving in the RAF, Sarah rose to the rank of Avionics Technician, at […]

From the Navy to a new career in law

15 June 2022

For veteran Brian Playfair, life hasn’t always been easy. After 13 years of saving lives in the Royal Navy, Brian was medically discharged and faced a series of devastating blows – including the stillbirth of his son, and his other son being diagnosed with leukaemia. Despite going through the toughest of times, Brian can now […]

OU Law student Steven is an advocate for disability rights

‘I’m advocating for the rights and equality of people with disabilities’

28 April 2022

Steven Sutherland from Kilbarchan near Glasgow is on a mission to create positive change for the disabled community. An established disability rights advocate and former member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, 27-year-old Steven is now studying a Bachelor of Laws Honours degree with The Open University. He’s determined to use his qualification to progress in […]

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