The Open University

The Real CSI returns to our screens for a third series

16 May 2023

If you’re a fan of forensics put a date in your diary to watch the latest series of The Open University/BBC co-production ‘The Real CSI’. The first episode of four in this series airs at 9pm today 16 May on BBC 2 and charts the case of a brutal rape of a woman by a […]

OU study could provide first ever timeline of Jupiter’s origins

15 May 2023

A new study by an OU academic has provided a ground-breaking new insight into a huge Solar System event, the formation and migration of Jupiter. The research, published today in Nature Astronomy was led by Ben Rider Stokes at the OU and supported by an international team of experts and funded by the UK Science […]

Leading science-fiction writer receives Honorary Doctorate from the OU

12 May 2023

One of Britain’s leading science-fiction writers Dr Stephen Baxter has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by The Open University. The Liverpool-born writer has captivated generations of science-fiction fans and has worked with esteemed writers such as Arthur C. Clarke, Alastair Reynolds and OU honorary graduate Terry Pratchett. He originally read mathematics at Cambridge University and […]

Young women speaking to children about football

‘The conversation around women in sports is changing – long may that continue’

11 May 2023

As excitement builds for the Women’s FA Cup Final this weekend, we caught up with OU graduate and football fanatic Allana, whose community foundation is inspiring the next generation of female footballers to reach their potential. Allana’s career has gone from strength to strength since completing the OU’s Sport, Fitness and Coaching degree. With a […]

New report examines whether the Lifelong Learning Entitlement will meet its ambitions

11 May 2023

The Lifelong Loan Entitlement (LLE) is part of the UK Government’s reforms to post-18 education and training in England. It will offer students a loan equivalent to four years’ worth of tuition fees (currently £37,000), which can be used flexibly over their working lives. This can be used to pay for short courses, modules or […]

Meet the historian on the Lady Killers team

9 May 2023

While the second series of the BBC podcast “Lady Killers” continues to entertain audiences with its feminist take on 19th and early 20th Century murderesses, we spoke to the academic consultant on the series – billed as the programme’s ‘resident historian’ Professor Rosalind Crone from The Open University. Murder most horrid sells. And when you […]

OpenLearn awards its 250,000th digital badge

9 May 2023

OpenLearn, the Open University’s free learning platform awarded its 250,000th free ‘digital badge’ to learners this week, a recognition of professional development and commitment to studies. The badges, launched in 2015, are one of a kind – the first Open Educational Resource (OERs) with digital recognition. There are now 80 free badged courses on OpenLearn, […]

‘The OU has changed my life,’ says entrepreneur of haptics company

9 May 2023

Entrepreneur, James, 31, has used the knowledge gained from his Open University (OU) qualifications to launch an international business that creates affordable haptic and virtual reality (VR) simulators, which are revolutionising medical education. Focused from a young age James chose to work full-time after completing his A Levels so that he could leave university without […]