The Open University

From OU Student to Autism Campaigner

4 April 2019

Jane’s story is one of resilience and of achieving against adversity. Despite her own deteriorating health, singlehandedly raising two sons with their own health conditions, homelessness and redundancy, Jane was determined to further her education and be a voice for others. Jane has won awards for her studying achievements and, although she can no longer […]

Does nature sound good to you? Huge new national experiment part of major collaboration with BBC

2 April 2019

Could listening to nature improve your health? It’s widely acknowledged that spending time in natural environments boosts people’s mood, but little is known about what part sound plays. Now, a new national experiment using The Open University’s nQuire platform is conducting one of the biggest investigations into the therapeutic effects of sound. The nQuire platform […]

Demelza Dachtler receiving Commanding Officers Commendation with her mother, Julie

Following in her mother’s footsteps

29 March 2019

As a child Demelza Dachtler grew up watching her mother, Julie, study for a Masters with The Open University. Today, she’s an OU graduate herself, is on the verge of completing her own OU Masters, and is about to become a mother for the first time. We spoke to Demelza last year, and now, in the […]

Honorary degrees celebrate contributions to culture, education, veterinary science and linguistics

22 March 2019

Today’s Open University degree ceremony at The Barbican, London, kicked off the spring graduation season in the OU’s 50th anniversary year. Alongside hundreds of Open University students receiving their awards, Sharon Corr, Baroness Jean Coussins and Professor Noel Fitzpatrick were conferred with honorary degrees. Sharon Corr – exceptional contribution to education and culture Singer, songwriter and […]

“I took my refugee status as an opportunity” – Shabnam’s inspiring story

20 March 2019

“I took my refugee status as an opportunity, not a disadvantage,” says Shabnam Nasimi, 28, who was just eight years old when her parents, fearful of the wrath of the Taliban, abandoned their belongings and made the perilous journey across Europe. The family settled in the UK and her father Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi, went on […]

BBC honours OU in 50th Anniversary celebrations

14 March 2019

In an inspiring address marking the OU’s 50th anniversary celebrations Tony Hall, director general of the BBC, and Martha Lane-Fox, Chancellor of The Open University hosted a special reception to celebrate the unique OU/BBC partnership, its achievements and the shared social mission of both National institutions. The Open University has always had an iconic place […]

Proving you’re never too glamorous for Science

13 March 2019

Amy King has been a science enthusiast from a very young age. Her school told her that “science isn’t for girls”; she proved them wrong by achieving straight As at college. A university interviewer told her she was “too glamorous to be a scientist”. Since then, Amy has enrolled on a BSc in Natural Sciences […]

From studying out of a suitcase to social justice campaigner

27 February 2019

Like all children growing up in the UK in the 1970s, Lynnette Thomas’ first interaction with The Open University was via early morning television. This was just the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the OU, which led to her becoming Deputy Director for the OU in Wales last June. The OU connection doesn’t stop […]

OU Student Volunteers explain how they give back

14 February 2019

Last year, more than 570 Open University students volunteered through The Open University Students Association (OUSA). During Student Volunteering Week, we wanted to find out more about why people choose to volunteer, the roles that are open to OU students, and hear about some of their experiences. Huge variety of volunteering opportunities Beth Metcalf, Head […]

Karolien Verheyen: Sarcoidosis diagnosis was my study inspiration

7 February 2019

In 2007, Karolien Verheyen was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a rare condition that causes small patches of red and swollen tissue (granulomas) to develop in the body’s organs. Her diagnosis led Karolien to find out more about how the human body functions and she registered for a module in human biology with The Open University, later […]

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