The Open University

AstrobiologyOU at Bluedot festival: Life in extreme weather

22 August 2023

Author: Victoria Pearson AstrobiologyOU – an Open University research group looking into life beyond earth and the challenges of astrobiology missions – were showcased this summer at the Bluedot festival, held at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jodrell Bank Observatory. The annual festival combines live music, comedy and culture with science and space delivered […]

Photo of three children with their backs to the camera. They are weaving with colourful fabric scraps

New art exhibit celebrates the beauty and value of floodplain meadows

18 August 2023

A new art exhibit is being shown at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History to celebrate and raise awareness of Britain’s floodplain meadows. The exhibit will be open until the end of October and is part of an Open University (OU) project working to conserve, restore and protect Britain’s floodplain meadows. The Floodplain Meadows […]

‘The OU creates a space where you can be yourself’

16 August 2023

Political activist and psychology student Emma, 19, shares why they think The Open University (OU) is a smart choice for school leavers who want to get ahead in all aspects of their life. “I wasn’t in a great place before I discovered the OU. I’d had a tough time in the last couple of years […]

Backs of seated students at an OU graduation ceremony

The Open University’s National Student Survey scores – 2023

15 August 2023

The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) 2023, commissioned by the Office for Students (OfS) have been published, with The Open University (OU) receiving scores higher than the sector average for academic support, teaching, organisation and management, assessment and feedback, learning resources, and learning opportunities. The OU has continued to perform extremely well for […]

Nearly 1 in 2 school leavers in England have reconsidered going to university, as cost of living soars

9 August 2023

New survey from The Open University shows that 49% of 18–19-year-olds in England have reconsidered going to university in the last year, due to rising living costs 71% say they would consider distance learning if it meant saving money The Centre for Economic and Business Research (Cebr) estimates that studying with the OU could potentially […]

‘Everything has fallen into place since I discovered the OU’

7 August 2023

Committed health practitioner Aoife, developed the confidence and self-belief she was lacking during her time at The Open University (OU). At 22, Aoife reflects on how she grew as a person and transformed her career. “School wasn’t easy for me for lots of reasons. I experienced some bullying, which really knocked my confidence,” Aoife says. […]

More support is needed for families affected by parental imprisonment, according to a new study from The Open University and YSS.

18 July 2023

Families with children across the UK are missing out on vital support to help them cope with the impact caused by having a parent in prison, according to research from The Open University’s Children’s Research Centre and YSS. The two-year study funded by Worcestershire County Council, surveyed 68 families across the UK, to better understand […]

‘Can’t decide between work experience or a degree – why not have both?’

14 July 2023

After finishing his A Levels, Abiola, 28 was on course to take up his place at a brick university, until a “eureka” moment changed his path completely. Abiola recalls the U-turn that transformed his career prospects and set him apart from his peers. “I always thought I’d take the traditional route to university. I got […]

‘I’m supporting young people to believe in themselves, thanks to the OU’

14 July 2023

Masters student Audrey, 29, had a thirst for learning from a young age, but always felt stifled by the education system. Audrey recounts how studying with The Open University (OU) inspired her to pursue a career in education and support young people to find their confidence and self-belief. “I didn’t think I was fit for […]

‘The OU empowered me to fulfil my dream and switch careers’

12 July 2023

Zimbabwean student Samantha, 25, had always loved academia, but despite being offered opportunities to attend universities in several different countries, the course costs were a barrier she was unable to overcome. Samantha was determined not to give up on her dream of postgraduate study and a career in translation, so she set her sights on […]

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