The Open University

The Open University (OU) Reading for Pleasure (RfP) Research and Practice Coalition is an award-winning, innovative initiative. The Coalition aims to enrich young readers’ life chances by empowering teachers and schools to help them develop the habit of reading. Marketing, communication and engagement are critical to the success of the Coalition’s growth ambitions.

Posted on 17 September 2025 • Business and law, Law The Centre for Protecting Women Online (CPWO) has successfully concluded its first annual conference, held on 10–11 September 2025 at The Open University in Milton Keynes. The two-day event brought together global experts, academics, practitioners, advocates, and partners to share insights and strategies for tackling online violence against women and girls (OVAWG).

Posted on 8 September 2025 • Around the OU, TV and radio In this new four-part series, sporting hero Freddie Flintoff is back with ambitious plans to create several new cricket teams made up of local teenagers across his home turf of Northwest England. Starting on Sunday 7th September at 8.10 pm on BBC One (excluding Northern Ireland) and available on iPlayer, the first episode sees Freddie head to Liverpool to persuade local kids to give cricket a try – but he faces a tough crowd.

Posted on 3 September 2025 • Science, maths, computing and technology New research from The Open University (OU), recently published in Ecological Solutions and Evidence, has revealed how ancient woodlands in Milton Keynes are responding to the pressures of being surrounded by a growing city. The study was led by a team of OU researchers from the university’s STEM faculty: Holly Woo, Sarah Davies, Kadmiel Maseyk, and Philip Wheeler.

Posted on 26 August 2025 • Around the OU, University news With adult learners gearing up for university or college OpenLearn has designed a new free course to give tutors and lecturers the tools to help recognise and support those individuals’ mental health and wellbeing. The eight-week course, endorsed by respected mental health charity the Charlie Waller Trust, is designed to develop understanding in how poor mental health can impact learning.

Job Description Senior Lecturer in Film & Media Advert Reference Number: 953 Job Location: Milton Keynes Department: Film & Media Salary: £59,966 to £67,468 Closing Date: 21 September 2025 Weekly Working Hours: 37 Contract Type: Permanent Fixed Term Contract: End Date: Not Applicable Welsh Language: Not Applicable Job Description: About the Role This is an exciting opportunity to join The Open University as a Senior Lecturer in Creative Industries (Film & Media) in our School of Creative...

Posted on 20 August 2025 • Arts and social sciences To mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, we’re pitting her much-loved heroines against each other in a battle of wit, charm and sass. Seven leading Austen experts have made their case for her ultimate heroine, but the winner is down to you. Cast your vote in the poll at the end of the article, and let us know the reason for your choice in the comments.

Posted on 13 August 2025 • Law, Student stories Our youngest ever OU Law graduate Krishangi Meshram is in the record books again – qualifying as the youngest solicitor in England and Wales in recent times. Still only 21, Krishangi recently qualified as a lawyer and had her history-making milestone featured in The Law Society Gazette (bottom of page 11). The young scholar-turned-solicitor, who lives in UEA, began her studies with The Open University at just 15 years old.

Posted on 12 August 2025 • Science, maths, computing and technology, Student stories When surf school owner John, 47, challenged himself with a return to education, he had two clear goals – to study a captivating subject, while unlocking new career opportunities. John never imagined that his Open University (OU) degree would set him on course to become a Detective Constable in his home county.

Posted on 12 August 2025 • Science, maths, computing and technology, TV and radio Watch tonight’s episode of The One Show to see the first in a series of short films co-produced by The Open University (OU) and BBC, with this episode exploring the art and science of pressed flowers. A Pressing Matter airs on Tuesday 12th August at 7pm on BBC One and will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer. The film is presented by singer and keen gardener, Will Young.