The Open University

The Open University spotlights three diversity and inclusion honorary graduates

18 October 2023

Three individuals who have devoted their lives to diversity and inclusion were given honorary doctorates by The Open University recently for their work. Since 1973 the OU has awarded more than 1,100 honorary degrees to people who have given back to their communities and beyond. This time it was the turn of Jennifer Dyer, Asif […]

Explore Scotland’s Sacred Islands and inhabitants’ faiths and beliefs with Ben Fogle

17 October 2023

A new four-part OU/BBC production of Scotland’s Sacred Islands with Ben Fogle airs tonight at 8pm on BBC Scotland and will be available on BBC iPlayer thereafter. This is the second series of the programme that sees adventurer Ben Fogle travel across some of Scotland’s most beautiful islands to explore how faith and belief took […]

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How smaller businesses can become net-zero influencers and enablers

16 October 2023

Richard K. Blundel, Professor of Enterprise and Organisation and Director of the Centre for Social and Sustainable Enterprise (CSSE) at The Open University writes for The Conversation about how smaller businesses can become net-zero influencers and enablers. What if all of the UK’s 48,000 hairdressing salons and barbershops started sharing water and energy-saving advice with […]

Professor Sally Jordan awarded 2023 Institute of Physics Lawrence Bragg Medal and Prize

16 October 2023

Professor Sally Jordan from The Open University (OU) has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Institute of Physics Lawrence Bragg Medal and Prize for her contribution to physics education, often as ‘a genuine unsung hero who works selflessly for others’. The Institute of Physics (IOP) is the professional body and learned society for physics, and the […]

Image shows three members of OU staff with their sparqs award

OU Virtual Internship Project wins Student Engagement Award

13 October 2023

The Open University’s ‘Virtual Internships for Underrepresented Students – exploring opportunities for student co-creation and partnership’ project has won the sparqs (Student Partnerships in Quality Scotland) Student Engagement Award in the ‘Diverse Voices’ category. For the past two years, this pioneering scheme has been offering unique opportunities for flexible, paid work experiences for Open University (OU) […]

Award success for entrepreneurial student

12 October 2023

Open University in Scotland student Laura Ripley has scooped the Royal Bank of Scotland Female Entrepreneurship Award at the 13th annual Converge Awards that recognises businesses impact on society and the environment. Laura’s business, Northern Frights, is a horror and fantasy events company that uses props, special effects, and skilled actors to create immersive and […]

Tarryn smiling to the camera with trees and sunshine in the background

‘I love the student community at the OU’

10 October 2023

On World Mental Health Day, Tarryn, 23, shares how studying at The Open University (OU) has given her the support and confidence she needs to pursue a new career path, helping young people to discover their potential. Challenging circumstances Following a misdiagnosis that followed her throughout school, Tarryn’s early education was fraught with challenges. “Back […]

OU research reveals inequalities in employment leave for Early Pregnancy Endings

9 October 2023

At the start of Baby Loss Awareness Week, Open University (OU) researchers are calling for scrutiny of employment leave for early pregnancy endings. They have found that parents facing an early end to pregnancy can be entitled to differing degrees of paid leave depending on where they live. OU researchers also say that workplace policies […]

Israel-Hamas War

8 October 2023

The appalling attacks perpetrated by Hamas terrorists on Saturday 7 October, and the subsequent military response from Israel, have shocked us all. We are also deeply concerned for the welfare of the civilian Palestinian population, and those hostages currently trapped in Gaza. Our thoughts are with all those who are suffering. We want to stress […]

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OU Students could win £1000 from Santander Universities during cost-of-living crisis

5 October 2023

For the third year in a row, the OU is teaming up with Santander Universities to offer students help with their finances. Thanks to Santander Universities, this year 10 lucky students will get the chance to win £1000 cash in a free draw. To enter, OU students need to be currently enrolled, be based in […]

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