OU News

News from The Open University

Tracy Thorpe at sea

Studying at sea – Tracy’s incredible OU journey across the ocean

As any OU student will tell you, studying takes place anywhere and everywhere. This was especially true for Tracy Thorpe, who spent most of her OU journey in the middle of oceans whilst working full-time as a first mate and chef on private sailing yachts. Tracy started her degree in Modern Languages (French and English) […]

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Asteroids heading towards earth

How did the Earth get its water? Asteroid sample gives a surprising answer

Monica Grady, The Open University writing for The Conversation. Water is essential for life on Earth and is one of our most precious natural resources. But considering how our planet formed, it is quite surprising how much water we still have. The Earth aggregated from a cloud of gas and dust – a protoplanetary disk […]

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Vicky McClure stars in BBC/ OU co-production Our Dementia Choir

Vicky McClure stars in BBC/ OU co-production Our Dementia Choir

Our Dementia Choir follows ‘Line of Duty’ actor, Vicky McClure as she takes a deeply personal journey to discover the true extent of music’s power in helping to address the challenges of living with dementia. The first episode of the two-part series, co-produced by the BBC and The Open University’s Broadcast and Partnerships team airs […]

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Funding supports Floodplain Meadows Partnership

Funding supports Floodplain Meadows Partnership

A new grant from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation has given a fresh boost to the work of the Open University-led Floodplain Meadows Partnership. The Floodplain Meadows Partnership is an innovative project focusing on research, management, promotion and restoration of these special meadows in England and Wales. The grant of £280,000 is to support the latest […]

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Forensics BBC

Find out about the power of forensics in new BBC documentary

Compelling forensic evidence can be the vital piece in a puzzle that helps police secure convictions. Now, a new three-part documentary series co-produced by The Open University, shines a light on the crucial and fast-changing world of police forensics. The series, Forensics: The Real CSI begins on Wednesday, 1 May on BBC TWO at 9pm. […]

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OU student features in Social Mobility State of the Nation Report

OU student features in Social Mobility State of the Nation Report

The Social Mobility Commission has released its sixth annual ‘State of the Nation’ report, which assesses the progress that the UK has made towards improving social mobility. Open University graduate, Helen, featured in the report gives an example of how a ‘second chance’ at learning can impact life chances. It also highlights the importance of […]

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Eye witness accuracy affected by background colour in ID parades, research finds
The Open University secures £50m investment in social learning platform FutureLearn

The Open University secures £50m investment in social learning platform FutureLearn

SEEK Group investment takes FutureLearn from start-up to a £100m value company in just six years SEEK Group (ASX: SEK) will invest £50m to become a joint, 50% owner of The Open University’s FutureLearn social learning platform, it was announced today in a deal thought to be the largest ever private-sector EdTech investment in Europe. […]

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image of the earning on Screen Awards 2019

The Fires that Foretold Grenfell wins best broadcast award

Arresting, well-researched, with strong emotional impact was how OU BBC co-production The Fires that Foretold Grenfell was described by the judges at the Learning on Screen Awards. The 60-minute documentary told the dramatic and haunting story of five fires that foretold the Grenfell disaster. Told through memories of survivors, the bereaved, firefighters, safety experts, and […]

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Shakespeare: research blows away stereotypes and reveals teenagers actually love the Bard

Shakespeare: research blows away stereotypes and reveals teenagers actually love the Bard

When you think of inner-city teenagers, what springs to mind? For many, it’s hoodies, video games – and probably hating Shakespeare. But my research proves that this stereotype is far from the truth. Shakespeare holds a contested place in the English national curriculum as the only compulsory writer to be studied between the ages of […]

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