The Open University

OU takes home gold at the 2020 BAFTA TV Awards

4 August 2020

Blue Planet Live, a co-production between The Open University (OU) and the BBC, took home gold at the first virtual British Academy Television Awards (BAFTA). Up against stiff competition, including Glastonbury 2019 and last year’s televised election results, the marine life series triumphed and received the award for Best Live Event. Blue Planet Live, a […]

OU and BBC launch BAME mental health campaign

3 August 2020

The Open University has partnered with the BBC to co-produce another digital series, similar to the mental health campaign from earlier in the year, but this time focusing on supporting mental health within Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities. Throughout August, content will be released on the OU and BBC’s social media and online platforms. […]

Mars 2020: the hunt for life on the red planet is about to get serious

30 July 2020

Monica Grady, Professor of Planetary Sciences at The Open University, discusses the latest missions to Mars in the hope for more answers about if there has been, or is, life on the red planet. Next spring is going to be a busy time for Mars. In close succession, three spacecraft will arrive at the planet, […]

Five top tips for managing your personal finances during coronavirus

30 July 2020

Jonquil Lowe, Senior Lecturer in Economics and Personal Finance at The Open University, offers advice on how to manage your money through the coronavirus pandemic. When it comes to money, coronavirus has split the nation. Financial stress dominates for many of the 9.5 million employees on furlough, potentially facing unemployment as the scheme unwinds, and […]

OU launches bursaries for 50 new BAME students

29 July 2020

The Open University is offering ‘Open Futures Bursaries’ to support new OU students who identify as being from a Black, Asian, or other minority ethnic (BAME) background. Fifty bursaries of £1,000 are available to eligible new students for the academic year 2020/21, to be used towards study costs or other living expenses. Applications are open […]

Final chance to apply for the Carers Scholarships Fund

29 July 2020

With applications for The Open University’s Carers Scholarships Fund due to close on Friday, don’t miss your chance to apply for the scheme before it’s too late. Now with the option to defer your studies until September 2021, there are 50 full scholarships available, with 15 reserved for young carers between 18–25. Whether for personal […]

Report charts mental health and wellbeing of emergency responders

24 July 2020

The mental health of emergency responders (ER) could be improved by better integration of wellbeing support into organisations, sharing of “best practice”, a single gateway to help navigate support services, and greater consideration of families’ needs, according to a new report by The Open University and King’s College London researchers. The work was funded by […]

I’ve been talking to conspiracy theorists for 20 years – here are my six rules of engagement

22 July 2020

Jovan Byford, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at The Open University discusses the rules he uses for talking about conspiracy theories. With prospects of a COVID-19 vaccine looking up, attention is also turning to the problem of anti-vax ideas. According to a recent survey, one in six Britons would refuse a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes […]

New OU apprenticeships to train Leeds nurses of the future

15 July 2020

The Open University has joined forces with Leeds Beckett University and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to create a new gateway to a career in nursing. As part of the Trust’s Future You career development programme, a new apprenticeship route has been launched, providing both experienced and aspiring healthcare workers with the practical skills and […]

Report warns against “putting clock back” on tackling youth violence

13 July 2020

The final report of the cross-party Youth Violence Commission (YVC), supported by researchers from The Open University and the University of Warwick is launched today (Monday 13 July) calling for specific action to tackle the rising social and financial costs of youth violence. In light of COVID-19, the Commission is deeply concerned about the potential […]

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