The Open University

OU student and MBE recipient Aimee outside the University of Cambridge Primary School

OU student awarded MBE for supporting vulnerable children through the pandemic

16 August 2021

When Open University student Aimee Durning first volunteered at her son’s playgroup, she never imagined it would be the first step in her teaching career. Or that she would one day receive an MBE as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Aimee, who is half-way through her OU Education Studies (Primary) degree, has spent […]

OU graduate Lea shares her story from homeless student to proud businesswoman

‘My degree gave me hope when I was homeless’

11 August 2021

At the start of her Open University (OU) journey, Lea was homeless and suffering with her mental health. She’s now completed a Social Sciences undergraduate degree and a Master’s in Psychology with the OU, is living independently and has started a business to help others in the community to feel less alone. Lea shares how […]

OU student and GO Wales intern Candace in Wales

‘After redundancy, I’m shaping my future with the OU and GO Wales’

9 August 2021

Who says there’s only one path to success? After receiving an offer for a brick university at 18, Candace decided to do things differently by jumping straight into the world of work. Not wanting to put her life on hold to gain her qualifications, Candace, now 24, began studying Business Management (Marketing) with The Open […]

Scientists from the OU and Harvard publish new findings to help fight against skin cancer

4 August 2021

A new study by an international team of researchers, including academics from The Open University and Harvard University, has had its findings published in the journal Cell. They have presented the discovery of a new mechanism that can darken the colour of human skin as a natural defence against ultraviolet (UV)-associated cancers. Melanin, the dark […]

OU Law student Elizabeth smiling after prestigious prize win

OU Law student secures top prize on journey to becoming barrister

4 August 2021

After suffering a personal trauma, Open University (OU) Law student Elizabeth Hill, found solace in her studies and the inspiration for a new career. At 23, she’s now on a journey to becoming a Barrister and is driven to pursue a career at the Bar so she can advocate for others. On the back of […]

OU Law student Clara stands outside her home

‘I’ve turned my life around – now I’m helping others’

29 July 2021

Clara Collins, 21, is proof that it’s never too late to turn things around. After experiencing a disrupted education and spending time in care, Clara is now studying Law with The Open University (OU) and determined to use her skills to advocate for others. Clara shares how she now has the right support to change […]

Open University lab final destination for extraterrestrial samples that could reveal secrets of the Universe

21 July 2021

Scientists from The Open University have today taken delivery of pristine samples from an asteroid which could reveal the secrets to how our Solar System formed. The spacecraft ‘Hayabusa2’ launched by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) in December 2014 travelled over 5 billion kilometres before flying past the Earth in December 2020 to deliver its […]

‘If at first you don’t succeed, speak to your tutor!’

19 July 2021

“I discovered that having a ‘wobble’ is all part of the study process,” says Open University graduate Sacha Jenkyn, who tackled a few setbacks during her degree in Social Sciences with Economics. From overcoming assignment and exam struggles, to switching modules and finally finding her confidence, Sacha is proof that a few bumps in the […]

UK scientists join NASA’s first steps back to the Moon – and onward to Mars

6 July 2021

A team of scientists from The Open University (OU) and RAL Space are collaborating with ESA and NASA to investigate the occurrence and behaviour of water on the Moon. Led by the OU’s Dr. Simeon Barber, the UK team has developed a sophisticated analytical instrument known as the Exospheric Mass Spectrometer (EMS) under a contract […]

OU student entrepreneur Erin at home in Loch Lomond

The OU student entrepreneur tackling climate change on two wheels

1 July 2021

Erin Charters, 24, from Loch Lomond was inspired to start her electric bike hire business during an Open University (OU) module on renewable energy. The young entrepreneur and mum is using her degree in Environmental Science to power her business and spark sustainable change within her community. “I started Cycle Luss with the idea of […]

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