Shakespeare exhibition >
A selection of clips from the OU Archive exploring the OU's teaching of Shakespeare. This exhibition was created to celebrate the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth in 2014.
OU Information programmes >
A selection of TV programmes broadcast between 1971 and 1993 to support OU students and inform them and other viewers about the University. Includes programmes with OU founders Jennie Lee and Harold Wilson.
Historical OU Images >
Over 160 photographs from 1969 onwards. The collection includes campus views, key figures in the history of the OU, and events such as graduation ceremonies.
The OU Digital Archive (OUDA) contains Open University study materials and items relating to the history of the University. A small selection of materials is available to view online. The site also contains a larger catalogue of materials that are currently not available to view by everyone due to copyright restrictions. OU staff sign-in for full access.
Online Archive Materials
Browse our selection of publically available archive materials
Featured Item
Highlights from the Archive
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Graduation Ceremony Images 1986-2012 >
A collection of official graduation ceremony images featuring Open University Honorary Graduates donated by Peter Barnes.
Exhibitions
Visit our online exhibitions to explore archive materials on a particular theme
The OU Story >
A brief exploration of the history of The OU. Includes the creation of the OU, the growth of the organisation, expansion and consolidation, the changing student experience and The OU today.
Historical OU Campus Tour >
A historical tour of the buildings of The Open University Walton Hall campus in Milton Keynes
Contact OUDA
For help, information and advice regarding the OU Digital Archive contact the University Archive:
You can also refer to the FAQs on Using OUDA content
Elsewhere at the OU
Library Services >
Your gateway to a wide range of online information
Study at the OU >
Details about current OU courses
OpenLearn >
Home of free OU learning materials
All content on this site is subject to the Open University Conditions of Use. Our Using OUDA content FAQ's provide further information.