The Open University

Open University implements landmark decasualisation deal for tutors

2 August 2022

The Open University (OU) has implemented new permanent contracts for over 4,800 Associate Lecturers, in the biggest decasualisation programme to take place in the higher education sector. As a result of the new contracts which were introduced on 1 August 2022, staff are now benefitting from enhanced job security and a pay uplift of between […]

‘I changed my life through the OU – now I’m running my own business’

11 July 2022

Business owner Rhiannon is proof that with determination and the right support, anything is possible. After falling pregnant at 16, Rhiannon left school with only a handful of GCSEs. Fast forward to today, and she’s not only turned her own life around but is helping others to do the same through her business. She puts […]

Vegan entrepreneur and OU student Carly at her home in Scotland

‘The sky’s the limit’, says OU student and vegan entrepreneur

7 July 2022

Carly McCluskey from Glasgow has launched a plant-based business to help make breakfast more environmentally friendly. Carly, 25, had the idea for a ‘vegan egg’ substitute during the pandemic and quickly enrolled to study Business Management with The Open University to make her side hustle a reality. “We went vegan about five years ago,” says […]

“Learning is a lifeline” says veteran Sarah

5 July 2022

When veteran Sarah had to leave her dream Royal Air Force (RAF) role, she didn’t know what her future would hold. She’s now working towards a new career, all thanks to The Open University’s life-changing Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund. During her time serving in the RAF, Sarah rose to the rank of Avionics Technician, at […]

‘You’ve given me a real purpose beyond my caring role’

5 July 2022

As an unpaid carer and mum of five, Zoe Totten certainly has her hands full. Yet she’s determined to build a career that will support her family – and one day save lives. Zoe shares how receiving a Carers Scholarship to study Health Sciences with The Open University is helping her pursue her dream career […]

RAF image courtesy of Crown Copyright 2011

Finding a new purpose after the Forces

30 June 2022

Stuart Lawson had served in the Army for 19 years when a terrible accident turned his world upside down. It was while undergoing gruelling rehabilitation that Stuart set himself a new goal to work towards – becoming a History teacher. With the help of an Open University scholarship for disabled veterans, Stuart is now on […]

Where is the OU taking you? Share your story on social media

21 June 2022

The Open University is calling on members of its community to demonstrate the value of learning and the role it can play in shaping futures – by sharing their own stories on social media. In a time when flexible, open education has never been more important, we’re looking firmly to the future to how we […]

From the Navy to a new career in law

15 June 2022

For veteran Brian Playfair, life hasn’t always been easy. After 13 years of saving lives in the Royal Navy, Brian was medically discharged and faced a series of devastating blows – including the stillbirth of his son, and his other son being diagnosed with leukaemia. Despite going through the toughest of times, Brian can now […]

‘I’m unlocking a better future for me and my family’

13 June 2022

“It has been a lifelong dream to have a higher education degree,” says Ferny Suhandi, who is part-way through achieving her BSc (Hons) Social Psychology degree with The Open University. After believing higher education would never be accessible, Ferny, who now lives and studies in Cambodia, is determined to show the world what she can […]

‘I’m here to lift up my community so nobody feels alone’

6 June 2022

After experiencing homelessness and challenges growing up, Lea Gibson is determined to create real change in her community. She combined her life experiences with her Open University qualifications to launch a business that provides support and wellbeing services for those in need. “I want to make sure that people never feel alone and they have […]

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