The Open University

Ariel space mission moves one step closer to reality

17 November 2020

The European Space Agency’s (ESA) exoplanet mission Ariel, set to launch in 2029, has moved from study to implementation phase. Ariel, also known as the Atmospheric remote-sensing infrared exoplanet large-survey mission, will study what exoplanets are made of, how they are formed and how they evolve, by surveying a diverse sample of around 1000 planetary […]

OpenLearn launches hub to offer fresh perspectives on race, racism and ethnicity

16 November 2020

The Open University’s free learning site, OpenLearn has today launched a new hub page to offer fresh perspectives on race, racism and ethnicity. The Race and Ethnicity Hub will host existing and new content, including articles, videos, audio recordings and courses, which draw on expertise from across the OU’s core faculty areas. With support from […]

Coronavirus is no longer seen as high risk by many – and that’s undermining control measures

16 November 2020

Victoria Murphy, Postdoctoral Researcher in Professional Learning in Uncertainty at The Open University discusses why people are not following Coronavirus guidelines and what the implications are. During the era of US prohibition, illegal speakeasies thrived. And while the UK socially distances, there are similar reports of secret parties and raves today. Beyond such gatherings, there […]

OU receives £1 million to support small businesses across Scotland

13 November 2020

A £1 million grant has been awarded to The Open University in Scotland to support small to medium-sized businesses with skills training to boost productivity and growth in response to Covid-19. The new funding announced today by Scottish Government Business, Fair Work and Skills Minister Jamie Hepburn will enable small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to […]

OU offers free digital course to Lancashire and Greater Manchester residents

12 November 2020

People across Lancashire and Greater Manchester have a chance to retrain to become a tech engineer for free with The Open University (OU). The OU is offering residents across Lancashire and Greater Manchester the opportunity to upskill and make a career change into the technology sector. DevOpsSkills, a 20-week part-time course, developed by The Open […]

Man pointing at digital icons popping out of an iPad

The Open University joins The 5% Club to further drive earn and learn opportunities

12 November 2020

The Open University (OU) is joining The 5% Club, an employer-led movement which champions investment in the next generation through workplace training. The initiative, which boasts a huge range of industry and businesses as members, was established by Leo Quinn, Group CEO of Balfour Beatty, to create a shared prosperity across the UK by driving, […]

Hospital returns to our screens with a first-hand experience of the pandemic

9 November 2020

Tonight, sees the return of the award-winning Hospital, the eye-opening, fly-on-the-wall series that follows the heroic men and women on the COVID-19 pandemic frontline. Co-produced by the BBC and The Open University’s Broadcast and Partnerships team, the five-week series airs at 9pm on BBC Two and focuses on London’s Royal Free Trust, a world-leader in the […]

Economic and social impact of OU revealed as close to £3bn

6 November 2020

The Open University had a £2.77 billion impact on the UK economy in 2018-19, a landmark report into the economic and social impact of the OU reveals. The new report compiled by London Economics The economic and social impact of The Open University in 2018-19 quantifies the overall economic impact of the OU across the […]

Marnie and Martin prove age is no barrier to study

4 November 2020

You’re never too old to learn as the saying goes and the OU proves how much that rings true as we help celebrate Lifelong Learning Week From teenagers to pensioners, thousands of OU students – of all ages and stages of life – are among those choosing to study for a variety of reasons. […]

Actions recommended to improve sexual health of young people

4 November 2020

The Open University and young people’s sexual health and wellbeing charity, Brook have published findings from research into the role of Local Authorities in supporting young people’s sexual health. The report makes recommendations about what needs to happen to ensure young people can access the education and services they need to stay sexually healthy. The report […]

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