The Open University

The media’s key role in calling time on genocide – says academic expert on Rwanda

10 June 2024

With the recent 30th anniversary of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, an Open University academic wants to drive home a reminder that genocide is planned and the media plays a vital role in helping stop it. Dr Georgina Holmes is a Lecturer in Politics and International Relations and specialises in research on how the UK, […]

New OU / BBC series of Scam Interceptors returns to screens

10 June 2024

From Monday 10 June, a new ten-part OU/BBC series of Scam Interceptors starts on BBC One daytime and will run daily on weekdays at 10:45am. The new series will also be available on BBC iPlayer. In this season, presenters Rav Wilding, Nick Stapleton and the team return to hunt down the scammers plaguing the lives […]

Actor and former OU student’s role in bringing to life the D-Day landings

7 June 2024

Actor and former Open University student Joshua Leese is reflecting on D-Day with a strong emotional appreciation of what the service personnel involved went through. Joshua, 31, who comes from Bedford, plays a central role in the BBC’s D-Day: The Unheard Tapes, a three-part Open University/BBC co-production documentary TV series to commemorate the 80th anniversary of […]

A new season of Rare Earth begins on BBC Radio 4

7 June 2024

Today, Friday 7 June, the OU/BBC co-produced radio series Rare Earth returns for a second season, presented by environmental journalist Tom Heap and physicist Helen Czerski. The new season begins on BBC Radio 4 at midday and listeners can continue to tune in weekly on Fridays at 12pm. The series will also be available on […]

Andy dressed in warm clothing with a backdrop of Antarctica

‘OU study unlocked an amazing opportunity to work in Antarctica’

5 June 2024

When Natural Sciences student Andy, 54, was made redundant, he was unsure what to expect from the next chapter of his life. With a thirst for new experiences and an open mind about his next career move, Andy embarked on an academic journey with The Open University, never imagining it would take him on the […]

Comedic novelist’s award in recognition of his life’s work

4 June 2024

Celebrated novelist and academic Howard Jacobson has been awarded an honorary degree for his life’s work and contribution to British literature – reinventing the comic novel for the modern age. The Manchester-born academic was made a Doctor of The Open University at one of its degree ceremonies – this one in the city’s Bridgewater Hall […]

We asked ChatGPT for legal advice – here are five reasons why you shouldn’t

3 June 2024

Two Open University law academics point to the pitfalls of reaching for AI when it comes to DIY legal advice. Here to help you are Francine Ryan, Senior Lecturer in Law and Director of the OU’s Open Justice Centre, and colleague Liz Hardie, Senior Lecturer in the OU’s Law School. At some point in your […]

New TV documentary brings to life D-Day landings thanks to rare and previously unheard interviews

30 May 2024

A new Open University/BBC co-production of a documentary TV series to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings in northern France – D-Day: The Unheard Tapes – is about to begin. From 9pm on Sunday 2 June, BBC Two airs the three-part programme about the historic event on 6 June 1944 when 156,000 Allied […]

Wildlife lovers’ favourite, Springwatch, returns with a new season

25 May 2024

Join us for the return of Springwatch, a series co-produced by the BBC and The Open University (OU) celebrating a season full of new life and hope. This year, the series returns to BBC Two from Monday 27th May for three weeks of live programmes. Hosts Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, and lolo Williams return to […]

ESA’s Euclid offers glimpses into the cosmos with sparkling new images

23 May 2024

Today, (23 May 2024) the European Space Agency’s (ESA’s) Euclid space mission releases five unprecedented new views of the Universe. The never-before-seen images demonstrate Euclid’s ability to unravel the secrets of the cosmos and enable scientists to hunt for rogue planets, use lensed galaxies to study mysterious matter, and explore the evolution of the Universe. […]

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