The Open University

“I’m working smarter than ever thanks to my MBA”

22 August 2022

Nestlé Germany employee Janina Bethscheider knew The Open University was the only choice for her when it came to studying for her MBA. Not only did the OU offer a triple-accredited qualification, but it also happened to be where her dad had achieved his own MBA when she was at high school. Janina says she […]

‘The OU was my perfect option after college’

15 August 2022

When Kianna Graham, 21, had to decide what life would look like after college, she says The Open University was the only option. Being able to continue working a job she loves and being surrounded by friends and family whilst furthering her education with a BA (Hons) degree in Business Management ticked every box. University […]

OU student Emily Jackson outside her place of work

‘I want to make a difference to people’s lives’ says nurse apprentice Emily

8 August 2022

Emily Jackson always knew she wanted a career helping others. But it wasn’t until she witnessed the ‘amazing’ end of life care her grandad received from nurses that she found her vocation. Inspired to one day don her own nursing scrubs, Emily set out to retrain. At 25, she’s now part-way through her Registered Nurse […]

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 […]

OU News