Available online
Time to Think
Time to Think: Open University Journeys in British and Irish prisons during the years of conflict 1972-2000 is an Open University Ireland oral history collection.
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 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
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The first OU Degree Ceremony in Scotland
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first OU degree ceremony in Scotland
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.
Philosophy in the Open
Videos from a golden age of mid-to-late 20th century British philosophy, accompanied by newly commissioned commentaries by leading contemporary thinkers.
The History of Walton Hall
An exploration of the history of Walton Hall, site of the main Open University campus, from Roman times to the twentieth century.
Contact the team
For help, information and advice regarding the OU Digital Archive contact the University Archive team:
You can also refer to the FAQs on Using digital archive content
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All content on this site is subject to the Open University Conditions of Use. Our Using OU Digital Archive content FAQ's provide further information.
