The Open University

BBC Radio 4 documentary charts history of the OU

17 May 2019

This year The Open University celebrates 50 years of revolutionising access to higher education. Marking this milestone, BBC Radio 4 is exploring the remarkable story of how the UK’s largest university came into existence, the impact it has had since 1969 and why it is continues to be vital to the fabric of society today. […]

From prisoner to OU student and staff member

7 May 2019

Stephen Akpabio-Klementowski’s story shows exactly how life-changing education can be. His journey has taken him from a prisoner, to an OU student and now to an OU member of staff supporting the Students in Secure Environments team. Stephen first began studying for his BSc in Social Science with The Open University while he was in […]

To the moon and back – OU student Hannah on breaking boundaries

6 May 2019

Hannah Sargeant spends her days exploring the universe. As a planetary scientist and PhD researcher at The Open University, Hannah, 26, is fulfilling her childhood dream by researching all corners of the solar system. During her career, Hannah has been involved with international research projects to support a series of missions to the Moon, ultimately supporting future […]

Shooting for the stars (and beyond)

5 May 2019

How did the planets in our solar system come to be? This is just one of the questions PhD student Vincent Deguin, 28, and his fellow planetary scientists at The Open University are exploring. Vincent is working on pioneering research into the earliest stage of planet formation, building and testing equipment that will help to […]

From the West End to the OU – how study set Karena on a new path

4 May 2019

As an Open University student turned Associate Lecturer, Karena Serdecka-Rhodes-Bell understands first-hand how education can help to open new doors. Karena previously worked as a professional actress, singer and musician, performing in the West End and on TV, film and radio, before her OU psychology degree inspired her to become an OU Associate Lecturer. “I […]

photograph of UK military personnel marching

OU receives £20,000 grant for disabled veteran scholars support services

3 May 2019

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity are delighted to have awarded The Open University a grant of £20,000 to contribute towards the support services of the Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund. This is a unique scheme designed to give disabled veterans the opportunity of a university education when their military careers end. The Ministry of Defence (MoD), along […]

Studying at sea – Tracy’s incredible OU journey across the ocean

3 May 2019

As any OU student will tell you, studying takes place anywhere and everywhere. This was especially true for Tracy Thorpe, who spent most of her OU journey in the middle of oceans whilst working full-time as a first mate and chef on private sailing yachts. Tracy started her degree in Modern Languages (French and English) […]

Student and Tutor ambassadors feature in new campaign with Sky and Channel 5

24 April 2019

On 24th April, The Open University is launching a brand new media partnership with Sky and Channel 5. The new campaign features student and tutor ambassadors, lifting the lid on what it’s really like to study with the OU. The campaign will help us reach new, broader audiences, inspiring potential students to consider The Open […]

Photograph of a large group of people celebrating

Celebrate OU: How we’re marking our 50th

22 April 2019

It’s not every day you reach half a century and so we’re making sure we mark it properly! Up and down the country, in our nations, up mountains and in fields we’re getting ready to celebrate. There’s all sorts of activity going on, from baking cakes and fanfares to social media messaging. All of them […]

5 ways to celebrate the OU’s 50th

21 April 2019

On Tuesday 23rd April it will be 50 years since The Open University was awarded its Royal Charter back in 1969. And it’s been a blast. Want to get involved with the #OU50 celebrations? Here’s how: 1) Wish us a happy birthday on social media* Help us celebrate by wishing us a happy birthday on […]

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