OU News

News from The Open University

Cindy’s story: “Anything is possible”

Cindy’s story: “Anything is possible”

In 2003, Cindy Vanstone’s world was turned upside down. Her son was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and needed care around the clock, causing Cindy to give up work and care for him full-time. “Before then, my life would have been considered pretty normal,” says Cindy. “I had a good job in finance, a beautiful daughter and […]

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“The OU changed my career prospects” Gary shares his story

“The OU changed my career prospects” Gary shares his story

At the age of 14, Gary Steel left school to care for his mum. His education had been severely impacted by his caring responsibilities and despite being capable, he left school with no qualifications and entered the job market. A few years later he had the opportunity to attend a lecture with his partner who […]

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My OU journey has been life altering

As Justine Wilkes-Kendall crossed the stage at the Barbican degree ceremony, she was proudly proving wrong the words of her social worker many years before who told her that as someone who’d been in the care system, she was “statistically more likely to go to prison than to university”. “These words really stuck with me […]

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Shrouded stars

OU researchers make new discoveries set to reveal the geology of planets outside our Solar System

Three OU astronomers today announce ground-breaking discoveries allowing scientists to understand planets outside our Solar System. Professor Carole Haswell, Dr Daniel Staab and Dr John Barnes discovered three, new, nearby planetary systems. Research led by Professor Haswell found the exoplanets – planets outside the Solar System – as part of the Dispersed Matter Planet Project […]

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The OU at 50

50 years of history: the objects that made the OU

Fifty years ago, Harold Wilson and Jennie Lee made history. In April 1969, The Open University received its Royal Charter and their vision of a University that would open up education for all was finally brought to life. Since those exciting first years, the OU’s Archive team have kept a record of almost everything the […]

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OU Wales offers an alternative route into teaching with its new PGCE

OU Wales offers an alternative route into teaching with its new PGCE

The Open University in Wales has had its Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) courses fully accredited by the Education and Workforce Council. With the secondary Science PGCE expected to launch in April 2020 and the larger programme of primary and secondary options confirmed for October 2020, the OU’s courses will provide a part-time alternative route […]

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Why Christmas ghost stories have such enduring appeal

Why Christmas ghost stories have such enduring appeal

Sally O’Reilly, Lecturer in Creative Writing at The Open University writes for The Conversation about the popularity of ghost stories at Christmas. Our fascination with ghostly tales around Christmas time goes back thousands of years and is rooted in ancient celebrations of the winter solstice. In the depths of winter, pagan traditions included a belief […]

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“I’m not sure where I’d have been without the OU”

“I’m not sure where I’d have been without the OU”

As an unmarried single mother in the 1970s, Elizabeth Tye found it difficult to make her dreams of university come true. After two attempts of studying at a conventional brick university, in 1972, 23-year-old Elizabeth enrolled with the OU, becoming one of our early pioneer students. It was an opportunity which she says has ‘opened […]

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Expert reaction to Boris Johnson’s General Election victory

Expert reaction to Boris Johnson’s General Election victory

Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party has won a large majority in the 2019 general election. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has confirmed that he will not lead his party in any future elections but will stay on during a period of reflection about what happened in this campaign. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson has lost […]

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Professor Monica Grady named as Liverpool Hope University’s new Chancellor

Professor Monica Grady named as Liverpool Hope University’s new Chancellor

Leading space expert Professor Monica Grady is to become Liverpool Hope University’s new Chancellor. Monica Grady is Professor of Planetary and Space Science at The Open University and is known for her work on meteorites. She was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa by Liverpool Hope during the Summer 2019 Graduation celebrations. As […]

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