The Open University

Adult Safeguarding Week: how the OU supports staff and students

15 November 2021

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Here at The Open University (OU) during the 2020-2021 academic year we supported nearly 1000 students during their studies who needed support. We also processed over 400 reference requests for students who had completed their degrees with the OU and wanted to move into areas of work such as teaching, or […]

Epic moments that crafted our Universe unfold in new BBC / OU programme

27 October 2021

Join Professor Brian Cox in a journey across time and space in a new series co-produced by the BBC and The Open University. The first episode of Universe, a five-part documentary, airs on 27 October at 9.00pm on BBC2 and will begin by telling the story of the Sun, also known as ‘God Star’. Airing […]

OU scientist hails space probes first close-up pictures of Mercury

4 October 2021

The joint European (ESA) and Japanese (JAXA) Space Agencies’ mission BepiColombo swung past its destination planet Mercury at only 200 km above the surface in the early hours of 2 October and sent back some spectacular pictures. David Rothery, Professor of Planetary Geosciences at The Open University has been closely associated with the mission for […]

OU students share their best study advice

13 September 2021

Whether it’s from a friend, family member or tutor, getting some tried and tested advice can help to get you through those tough study moments. We asked OU students on Instagram to share their best study advice and here’s what they said: 1. Set yourself small goals Setting some achievable goals can help keep you […]

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 […]

‘Being different makes the best stories’ – author Shereen shares her tips for aspiring writers

23 June 2021

“I get really emotive about an issue and it inspires me to write about it,” says British Palestinian author Shereen Malherbe, who made her writing dream come true while studying for an English Literature and Creative Writing degree with The Open University. Shereen published her debut novel while studying part-time and used the chapters she […]

Award success for OU degree apprentices

17 June 2021

Five apprentices studying for degree apprenticeships through The Open University (OU) have been awarded a Certificate of Merit at the prestigious Tech Industry Gold Apprenticeship Awards from TechSkills, The awards recognise the achievements of apprentices on Tech Industry Gold degree apprenticeships and were presented at a virtual ceremony, (Wednesday 16th June 2021) which was attended […]

OU PhD student is asking the public to get involved in a unique tree study in Milton Keynes

27 May 2021

Trees are vital for our towns and cities. They make them more sustainable, attractive and healthy places to be. But urban trees are constantly under threat, with less access to water, soil and room to grow. These threats can hamper tree health, slow their growth and eventually kill them. Experts aren’t entirely sure why some […]

From football apprentice to OU graduate and beyond

15 April 2021

Dominic Ball, 25, of Abbots Langley in Hertfordshire, came to The Open University (OU) after completing a football apprenticeship. He has now graduated in more ways than one: to professional footballer and, recently, OU scholar, joining the Class of 2020. The Queens Park Rangers defensive midfielder successfully completed a BA (Hons) in Business Studies. It […]

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