The Open University

Honorary degrees celebrate contributions to culture, education, veterinary science and linguistics

22 March 2019

Today’s Open University degree ceremony at The Barbican, London, kicked off the spring graduation season in the OU’s 50th anniversary year. Alongside hundreds of Open University students receiving their awards, Sharon Corr, Baroness Jean Coussins and Professor Noel Fitzpatrick were conferred with honorary degrees. Sharon Corr – exceptional contribution to education and culture Singer, songwriter and […]

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 […]

Supporting women in Oldham is lifetime’s work for OU Hon Grad

12 October 2018

A desire to share knowledge and create support networks for women like herself, inspired OU Honorary Graduate Najma Khalid to create a community scheme which is still flourishing seven years after its inception. Najma received her Honorary Masters at the OU’s Manchester degree ceremony this month, in front of a packed audience at Bridgewater Hall. […]

Campaigner and Activist Lucy Watts MBE receives honorary Masters

2 October 2018

ome Campaigner and activist Lucy Watts MBE has been awarded an honorary Masters from The Open University for her commitment to public services. Lucy Watts lives with a life-limiting condition and draws on her own experiences of disability to improve the lives of other people grappling with severe illness. She is determined not only to […]

Equestrian centre pioneer, and Britain’s first female firefighter, honoured by OU

3 July 2018

Sister Mary-Joy Langdon, who has transformed the lives of vulnerable children through her riding therapy centre, has been recognised for her services to the educationally underprivileged by being made a Master of the University at the recent Ely degree ceremony. Speaking at the ceremony Sister Mary-Joy said: “I feel very humbled to be standing here […]

Eddie Izzard honoured by Open University

19 April 2018

Known for his comic genius, acting prowess, love of languages and epic charity endeavours, Eddie Izzard is now the proud recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from The Open University. Eddie collected his award at the OU’s Barbican Ceremony, and was nominated for his contributions towards the arts, languages, charity work and for promoting tolerance and […]

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 […]

Mike Tomlinson, Richard Gillingwater and Sir Gary Verity

Honorary degrees for inspiring Yorkshire sports and charity leaders

22 November 2016

The efforts of two inspirational men from Yorkshire in promoting sport and fundraising for cancer charities have been honoured by the OU. Mike Tomlinson, who has devoted his life to continuing the the extraordinary legacy of his wife Jane – who completed seven years’ worth of physical challenges after being given just six months to live – […]

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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