The Open University Crest

The Open University was one of the world’s first successful distance teaching universities, founded on the belief that communications technology could bring high quality degree-level learning to people who had not had the opportunity to attend traditional campus universities. 

This exhibition is a brief journey through the history of the University, using materials held in The Open University Archive to look at some of the main events and developments - from Harold Wilson's initial plans in 1963, the creation of the University in 1969 and developments through to the present day.