The Open University

‘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 […]

Celia shaking hands on stage while crossing the stage at the Poole graduation ceremony.

‘I loved the OU so much I came back 50 years later’

4 July 2023

Celia, 77 from Bristol returned to study with The Open University (OU) after nearly 50 years, as a way of keeping her mind active during retirement. No matter your age, Celia’s story shows that it’s never too late to learn. Pioneer student Celia was part of the first cohort of students to study with the […]

The Open University celebrates 50th anniversary of its first graduation ceremony

23 June 2023

The Open University (OU) is celebrating the anniversary of its first graduation ceremony which took place on 23 June, 50 years ago. In the summer of 1973, 600 graduates arrived in London’s Alexandra Palace to be awarded their degrees, an occasion that was broadcast live on BBC2. One such individual was Michael Shaw, who joined […]

50 years on – Michael looks back on the OU’s “awe-inspiring” first graduation ceremony

23 June 2023

In 1973, Michael Shaw and fellow pioneer students made history by crossing the stage at The Open University’s first graduation ceremony at Alexandra Palace. Fifty years since graduating, retired head teacher Michael shares how at 82 with an esteemed teaching career behind him, collecting his OU degree scroll is still one of his proudest moments. […]

New research aims to revolutionise care for older people

17 May 2023

New research on social care and older people resulted in a toolkit designed by The Open University aimed at transforming the well-being of older people and staff in the care sector. It is based on an emerging understanding of ‘relational care’ an approach which represents a shift to a more multidirectional flow of care where […]

The Open University Business School wins award for Innovations that Inspire in Policing

4 May 2023

The Open University Business School has been recognised by AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) as one of its ‘Innovations That Inspire’ for the pioneering work by academics in its Centre for Policing Research and Learning (CPRL) and the Department for Policing Organisation and Practices (POP). The honour is awarded to the top […]

The Open University and The John Lewis Partnership launch new programme offering young people who have experienced care the opportunity for free study

21 April 2023

The Open University has launched a new programme in collaboration with the John Lewis Partnership, to offer young people with experience of being in care the opportunity to study an undergraduate qualification for free. Young people who have spent time in care can face many significant barriers to entering and succeeding in higher education. This […]

Podcasts from The Open University give a fresh perspective on the Good Friday Agreement

5 April 2023

To mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, The Open University in Ireland is launching a new 4-part podcast series exploring the impact the agreement has had on society beyond just politics. ‘A Peace of Us’ is hosted by Jordan Kenny, the Dromore-born BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat presenter and includes voices from […]

At chocolate time, we’ve discovered what the brands that score best on child labour and the environment have in common

29 March 2023

What distinguishes a company that makes “good” chocolate (chocolate untainted by child labour, modern slavery, deforestation and the overuse of agrichemicals) from one that merely makes chocolate? Our annual Chocolate Scorecard investigation, which is a collaboration between Be Slavery Free, Macquarie University, The University of Wollongong and the Open University, suggests it might be a mission that goes beyond making food and […]

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