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News from The Open University

Photo of a young woman in a flamboyant costume, preparing to dance on stage.

‘OU courses are so flexible – I studied from the middle of the ocean!’

When Charlotte, 28, from Aberdeen was looking to embark on a degree to unlock future career options, she searched for a solution that would fit around her work as a professional dancer. Now a proud BSc (Hons) Open Degree graduate with The Open University (OU), Charlotte has already taken the next step with her studies […]

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Lack of budget and technical skills holding UK businesses back from improved productivity

Lack of budget and technical skills holding UK businesses back from improved productivity

As the UK grapples with stagnant productivity growth, a new report from The Open University reveals that one in four businesses (27%) believe productivity has declined over the past five years, reflecting broader concerns ahead of the upcoming Budget.  The report, based on a YouGov survey of over 500 UK businesses, uncovers a disconnect in […]

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A new report calls for better support for people experiencing early pregnancy endings in the workplace

A new report calls for better support for people experiencing early pregnancy endings in the workplace

New research into early pregnancy endings is calling on employers to adopt more inclusive and supportive policies for those experiencing pregnancy endings in the workplace. Authored by Professor Jo Brewis from The Open University, with colleagues from the OU, the University of Essex, University of Plymouth, UCL and Aston University, the report found that many […]

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Reeves’ predicted fiscal caution is actually the start of a more radical strategy

Reeves’ predicted fiscal caution is actually the start of a more radical strategy

Alan Shipman is an Open University Senior Lecturer in Economics, with a macroeconomic accounting focus. Here he points out how challenging it will be for the Chancellor to produce a Budget that will please two different camps in her own party… but it’s all part of a bigger plan. Rachel Reeves is seeking to re-embed […]

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A handshake. Image credit: Thinkstock

The Open University welcomes two new Entrepreneurs in Residence

The Open University (OU) is thrilled to announce the addition of two new Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) who will work with the university to help aspiring business owners. IT and Telecoms entrepreneur, Ben Partridge, and Scottish entrepreneur and investor Russell Dalgleish join a dynamic group of business professionals bringing a wealth of experience and expertise […]

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The Queen’s death provoked revealing study about crowd behaviour and ‘Britishness’

The Queen’s death provoked revealing study about crowd behaviour and ‘Britishness’

Research on the public mourning after the Queen’s death offers new insights on how groups or crowds of people with a shared identity – in this case ‘Britishness’ – navigate periods of change and uncertainty. Psychologists from multiple universities across the UK including Keele University and The Open University probed how those who queued to […]

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Emilie wearing a blue lab coat surrounded by scientific equipment,

‘OU study unlocked the career I’d always wanted’

For many years Emilie, 47, put her professional aspirations aside, working hard to pay the bills and be present as a mum. It wasn’t until her son completed his degree that Emilie decided it was her turn to shine, embarking on an Open University (OU) degree that would unlock the career she dreamed of. Now […]

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pound on graph

Tax system could be reformed to increase revenue says OU academic expert in advance of the Budget

The Chancellor has made it plain that we can expect to receive tax increases in the Budget but what will they be? Jonquil Lowe, Senior Lecturer in Economics and Personal Finance, speculates on where we can expect the squeeze and says tax reform may be a driver. We have been primed to expect tax increases […]

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Radio series Rare Earth returns for another season

Radio series Rare Earth returns for another season

Tune into BBC Radio 4 weekly from today (18 October) to listen to the third season of OU / BBC radio series, Rare Earth, with environmental journalist Tom Heap and physicist Helen Czerski. Rare Earth digs into some of the biggest environmental issues facing our planet today, with fascinating insights from experts. Listeners can tune […]

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Euclid space mission reveals first piece of its map of the Universe

Euclid space mission reveals first piece of its map of the Universe

The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Euclid mission, supported by UK scientists at The Open University (OU) has unveiled new stunning images of stars and galaxies, forming the first section of its cosmic atlas. This first chunk of the map, which is a huge mosaic of 208 gigapixels, was revealed today at the International Astronautical Congress […]

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