The Open University

50 years of history: the objects that made the OU

23 December 2019

Fifty years ago, Harold Wilson and Jennie Lee made history. In April 1969, The Open University received its Royal Charter and their vision of a University that would open up education for all was finally brought to life. Since those exciting first years, the OU’s Archive team have kept a record of almost everything the […]

“I’m not sure where I’d have been without the OU”

17 December 2019

As an unmarried single mother in the 1970s, Elizabeth Tye found it difficult to make her dreams of university come true. After two attempts of studying at a conventional brick university, in 1972, 23-year-old Elizabeth enrolled with the OU, becoming one of our early pioneer students. It was an opportunity which she says has ‘opened […]

Linda’s story: A non-traditional route to academia

22 November 2019

Linda, 62, is a PhD researcher at the OU. Following a successful career working with young people and sport, she’s turned to research. “I’ve not approached academia in a traditional way. I’m 62, so I’m ancient! I was secure within my professional world and don’t have the same confidence as an academic as I had […]

“Education has changed my life”

13 October 2019

Mark began his journey with the OU whilst serving a life-sentence in prison. Through his studies he discovered a passion for learning and since his release has enabled him to turn his life around. Now he uses his own experiences to help other prisoners learn. We spoke to Mark to discover more about how the […]

‘Studying has helped me to better understand how my mind works’

2 October 2019

In 2014, Liz suffered a breakdown that grounded her life to a halt – she struggled to leave the house, and completing everyday tasks became impossible. Support from friends, counselling and baking helped ease the symptoms of anxiety. Liz went on to build her cake-making into a business, and today BuBakes has featured in numerous magazines […]

The Open University welcomes new Vice-Chancellor

1 October 2019

The Open University’s 50th anniversary celebrations are being extended to welcome the OU’s eighth Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Blackman. Professor Blackman is no stranger to the OU having previously been the OU’s Acting Vice-Chancellor at The Open University and previously Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Quality from 2011-2015. Before returning to the OU, Professor Blackman was […]

Rt Hon Gordon Brown in his robes to receive an honorary graduation

Gordon Brown receives Honorary Doctorate from The Open University

20 September 2019

Former Prime Minister, Dr Gordon Brown, has been recognised for his services to global education by The Open University (OU) at a ceremony in London. He was presented with his honorary doctorate by OU’s Chancellor Baroness Lane-Fox. Gordon Brown was awarded the Doctor of the University for his exceptional contribution to widening access to educational […]

Emma Roache stood outside Ely Cathedral in her graduation robes

Emma’s story: “Giving up was simply not an option”

20 September 2019

Emma Roache could have led a very different life to the one she leads now, thankfully she’s not one to let an unfortunate set of circumstances hold her back. After a difficult childhood, she found herself homeless at just sixteen and living in a residential B&B surrounded by crime and drugs. Under such bleak conditions, […]

PCF9: Tackling the global education crisis

13 September 2019

As the ninth Pan-Commonwealth Forum closed, there was a renewed sense of urgency about the global education crisis. The next 10 years is critical in order to meet the UN’s sustainable goal 4 – education for all. PCF9 provided the platform on which partnerships have been forged, commitments made and a reinforced understanding of the […]

Sarah Brown calls for innovative financing for education

11 September 2019

A packed Pan-Commonwealth Forum 9 was treated to an engaging and inspirational address by Sarah Brown during which she called on governments and NGOs for more innovative thinking to finance global educational efforts. The challenge of providing education to displaced people, children and girls was also high on the agenda and mirrored many of the […]

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