The Open University

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 […]

Springwatch series pays homage to the “restorative power of nature”

31 May 2022

A chance to embrace all that is inspiring and engaging about nature is on offer with the brand new series of BBC/Open University’s Springwatch. This ever popular co-production will be shown live from May 30 every evening Monday to Thursday across the next three weeks from 8pm on BBC Two. Springwatch 2022 reveals the seasons’ […]

OU student Craig shares his experience in microcredentials.

“The OU microcredentials are so good that I’m on my fourth!”

24 May 2022

Craig Finnie first dipped his toe into the OU microcredentials waters in 2020 and says these short courses were such a great opportunity to upskill that he’s now done four – all via the OU’s social learning platform, FutureLearn. They’ve even helped him to land a new job. With two distance learning undergraduate degrees under […]

Young graduate Bryan completed his OU Business degree aged 18

‘I’ve always loved to learn’ says graduate who started degree aged 16

17 May 2022

Audit professional Bryan Steinauer credits his Open University Business Management degree – which he began at the age of 16 – with landing him where he is today. He’s working for one of the global ‘big four’ accountancies, where he’s on track to become a Swiss Certified Public Accountant (CPA). “My Open University studies have […]

‘I had twins during my studies but still achieved my degree – and a new role!’

10 May 2022

Karen Gitau was already working as an Enrolled Nurse when she began her Open University journey. She knew her BSc Open Degree would help her progress in her career – and she was right. She is proud to now be working as a successful Nursing Sister and Practice Manager in South Africa where she lives. […]

Open University Nursing Apprentice Paul shares his innovative buddying system

‘Your first career doesn’t have to be your final one’

10 May 2022

Paul Gardner-Smith has just completed his Open University Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship as part of a drastic career change from secondary school teacher to nurse. He’s now living his dream career as a Registered Nurse and has already created an inspired ‘buddy’ system to support the next generation of nursing apprentices. As part of Paul’s […]

New report reveals flexible learning and hybrid working are the key to public sector talent retention challenge

28 April 2022

Almost three quarters (73%) of public sector workers would be more likely to stay in a job that allowed hybrid working, according to The Open University’s new report into public sector skills. The Embracing Flexibility report was published in partnership with the Public Sector Executive and highlights a desire for more flexibility and learning-and-development opportunities […]

OU Law student Steven is an advocate for disability rights

‘I’m advocating for the rights and equality of people with disabilities’

28 April 2022

Steven Sutherland from Kilbarchan near Glasgow is on a mission to create positive change for the disabled community. An established disability rights advocate and former member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, 27-year-old Steven is now studying a Bachelor of Laws Honours degree with The Open University. He’s determined to use his qualification to progress in […]

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