The Open University

Stacey Dooley goes behind the scenes at an undertakers in new OU/BBC documentary

8 November 2023

Stacey Dooley: Inside the Undertakers, takes a fascinating and surprisingly uplifting look behind the doors of a funeral director to discover more about the usually hidden side of death. In this one-off OU/BBC co-production, which airs on 9 November at 9pm on BBC ONE and iPlayer, presenter Stacey Dooley immerses herself in the day-to-day work […]

Drugs Map of Britain returns for a gritty new series

8 November 2023

A new series of the hard-hitting OU/BBC co-production Drugs Map of Britain delves into the world of drug users and dealers, laying bare the evolving makeup of Britain’s youth drug culture. Airing on the 8th of November at 10.30pm on BBC Three, the documentary series focuses on how certain drugs are widespread in cities across […]

A successful year for OpenLearn

7 November 2023

It has been a successful year for The Open University’s free learning platform, OpenLearn, which has seen a significant rise in the number of people enrolling onto its courses. 890,000 people enrolled on an open learn course in the year 2022/23 compared to 794,000 the previous year (21/22). The platform, which offers more than 900 […]

‘I’m excited for the next chapter’ says cancer survivor and proud graduate Charlie

6 November 2023

Having played competitive sports for many years Charlie, 58, faced the biggest battle of his life to overcome a critical illness during his Open University (OU) Sport, Fitness and Coaching degree. Charlie describes how digging deep and making the most of the OU’s support, gave him the strength to cross the finish line. He’s now […]

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 […]

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 […]

Jez carrying out a scientific experiment

‘I’m breaking down barriers to higher education, just like the OU did for me’

4 October 2023

Jez, 51, left school with no qualifications, believing that higher education was beyond his reach. Years later, Jez chanced upon an Open University (OU) science programme on TV – a discovery that fuelled his fascination with space and sparked an academic journey he never imagined was possible. Now Jez’s work at the University of Nottingham […]

Alan and Jane at 2023 graduation ceremony, Alan dressed in ceremonial dress

‘I’ll forever be thankful for what the OU gave me’ – pioneer student returns 50 years on

3 October 2023

At 85, fifty years after making history by crossing the stage at The Open University’s (OU) first degree ceremony, pioneer student Alan returned to the OU to help 2023 graduates celebrate their success in Manchester’s stunning Bridgewater Hall. Alan shares how OU study boosted his teaching career, improved his confidence and helped him to find […]

‘OU study gave me skills beyond a qualification, I’ve grown as a person’

7 September 2023

Rubi, 38, didn’t think she was cut out for higher education, until an exciting career change inspired a newfound passion for learning. Now working as a Diplomatic Assistant, Rubi says that her OU degree and masters have helped her to thrive. “I never liked school. I think it was the structure of having to be […]