The Open University

Open University Vice-Chancellor Peter Horricks and Universities Minister Jo Johnson

Minister Jo Johnson sees breakthrough OpenSTEM Labs at the OU

29 June 2017

Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson paid a visit to The Open University on Thursday 29th June to see its award-winning OpenSTEM Labs, which are transforming online teaching and learning. During a tour of the Walton Hall campus, Mr Johnson learned about the OpenSTEM Labs, an exciting initiative which allows OU students to study science […]

Open University announces radical reinvention

13 June 2017

The Open University, approaching its 50th anniversary, is launching a radical overhaul to ensure its readiness for the next half century. The University is conducting a review of every aspect of its operations – from the student experience to its teaching and research. A major savings and reinvestment plan will recreate the University, making it digital […]

Barbican - photo courtesy of Claudia Rosani

Degree ceremonies offer chance for renewal, says OU VC

5 April 2017

The OU’s degree ceremonies have started in earnest, kicking off at London’s Barbican recently. Peter Horrocks, the OU’s Vice-Chancellor, shares his experiences and explains why they give an opportunity to both celebrate and strengthen our resolve… “They start off quietly. A few early birds arrive for the ceremony, nervously checking the logistics and where to get […]

Open University scholarship fund for disabled Veterans

20 March 2017

The OU is launching a fundraising drive to offer free undergraduate degree courses to disabled veterans of the armed forces. It aims to raise an initial sum of £2.5 million from private and public donors to establish a Disabled Veterans Scholarship Fund to help tap a huge untapped pool of talent by helping former service […]

Empty wallet in the wrinkled hands of an old woman, close-up

Open University ‘alarmed and concerned’ at watering down of UK Government proposals for part-time maintenance loans

8 March 2017

The Open University expressed deep concern at proposals in the UK Budget to delay and limit maintenance loans for undergraduates in England who wish to undertake part-time distance learning. Treasury Budget documents revealed that plans for distance learners – who make up one third of all those who study part-time in England – were being […]

Backing from UK Government for part-time study welcomed by OU

24 February 2017

The Open University has welcomed moves by the UK Government to ensure that the importance of part-time study and distance learning are fully recognised in the biggest shake-up for decades in higher education in England. Peter Horrocks, Vice-chancellor of The Open University, welcomed proposals that would require the new regulator, the Office for Students (OfS), to include explicitly options for part-time and distance learning when […]

Open University VC announces need for change

9 February 2017

The Open University has started a root and branch review of its work to ensure it is fit to face the growing challenges of the future. The University’s traditional market – part-time higher education – is under threat from a decline in student numbers and potential competition from new providers. The Higher Education and Research […]

Why the OU is not entering this year’s Teaching Excellence Framework

26 January 2017

The UK Government is piloting a new framework for measuring teaching excellence in universities called the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), with a view to providing students with more information about the quality of teaching and to improve standards. The Open University’s Vice-Chancellor, Peter Horrocks, explains why the OU has decided not to participate in this […]

Government called on to help adults gain new skills

10 November 2016

Ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement later this month The Open University is calling for government to lift the funding restriction, in England, preventing adults from retraining with a second degree. The Open University argues that extending tuition fee loans – particularly to adults wanting to study part-time for a second qualification in a new subject […]

Students offered additional learning support following OU operational difficulties

24 October 2016

The Open University has announced to its student body that it is putting in place additional learning support to help them through their studies following the operational difficulties of a new policy and system designed to increase access to tutorials. The introduction of the new tutorial delivery policy has been accompanied by a number of […]

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