The Open University

OU distance learning student Halima shows her study space at home

‘I want to break stereotypes and make my parents proud’

18 January 2022

International Studies student Halima Younis, 26, has been studying with The Open University since completing her A Levels. After making the big decision to choose distance learning – and to prove her doubters wrong – she’s never looked back. She now wants to show that there’s not only one route to success and that you […]

The OU partners with Alamy to build a photo collection to better represent Black and Asian students

18 January 2022

To inspire learners from diverse backgrounds to achieve their ambitions, The Open University has commissioned a set of stunning portraits by British Pakistani photographer Inzajeano Latif to capture the perspective of Black and South Asian distance learning students in the UK. The images showcase four Open University students, pictured in their own homes where they […]

Meet the OU students changing the world

15 January 2022

Open University students aren’t just changing their futures – they’re helping to change the world. Meet some of the amazing OU changemakers who are using their skills to make a positive difference to their communities and our planet. Alex – the engineer from Antarctica Alex, 29, is taking supported distance learning to a whole new […]

What it takes to be a leader – spotlight on BBC/OU Learning English online series

11 January 2022

Academics from The Open University have collaborated with BBC Learning English to help thousands of people around the world to not only learn English but inform and inspire them about leadership. A new 20-part series is available now through the BBC’s Learning English and it explores the differing leadership approaches including that of household names […]

The OU and BBC Bitesize collaborate on new campaign to help young people imagine a more sustainable world

10 January 2022

The Regenerators campaign is designed to help young people think about and shape their future careers for sustainability, with a series of digital videos launched today January 10th on the BBC Bitesize website. The aim is to equip children, teenagers and young people with the tools and skills to understand the most important environmental issues […]

Sharlene celebrates her OU degree with her family

‘I channelled my own childhood trauma into a career helping other families’

3 January 2022

Sharlene Hill grew up in a challenging environment. Many years later when she became a mum herself, she was determined to build a better future for her family. Sharlene developed an interest in adverse childhood experiences and family structures, which sent her off on a volunteering and training journey. Fast forward to now and she’s […]

The BIG SPENDERS of the January sales – academic insight

28 December 2021

If you associate money with love, freedom, power and status, then put your credit card or wallet in a ‘safe place’ in the digital or High Street New Year sales as it’s more likely you who will be a big spender. That’s according to an academic at The Open University who is a leading expert […]

International Migrants Day – OU research sheds light on the realities and barriers

17 December 2021

As organisations across the world mark the United Nations’ International Migrants Day (18 December) the OU shares stories by staff and students of their experiences and the lives of migrants. Earlier this year Sarah Crafter, Professor of Cultural-Developmental Psychology at The Open University won EU funding for a research project aiming to enhance the lives […]

New theory about alien life subject of latest bitesize video for BBC Ideas

8 December 2021

A brand new short film is now available to view on the award-winning BBC Ideas website called Are We Thinking About Alien Life All Wrong? With the OU’s Dr Mark Fox-Powell providing academic consultancy, Professor Brian Cox explains the ‘panspermia’ theory – how alien life could spread around the Universe. This new theory, which has […]

OU Nursing graduate Kombe working in Clydebank

‘I started as a GP’s receptionist, now I’m an award-winning nurse’

8 December 2021

Before he was an award-winning nurse, Kombe Mwarandu was working as a receptionist at his local GP surgery. He shares how achieving his Adult Nursing degree from The Open University in Scotland has enabled him to achieve his career dreams and give back to his community. “Before joining The Open University I didn’t have a […]

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