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The Open University ranked number one for student satisfaction in Northern Ireland
The Open University has been ranked number one for overall student satisfaction in Northern Ireland in this year’s National Student Survey with a score of 89.1%.
The result reflects the views of students across the UK and recognises the quality of the learning experience, support and flexibility provided by the University.
NI Businesses Urged to Harness Untapped Young Talent to Bridge Growing Skills Gap
A new report from The Open University reveals the scale of Northern Ireland's NEET challenge – and the opportunity for local employers to act.
STAR Card Showcase Demonstrates Real-World Impact of Research in Action
March saw the showcase of the STAR Card Safety System, highlighting how collaborative OU research can deliver tangible, real-world impact.
Northern Ireland employers missing out on growth as skills shortages hit ‘higher education cold spots’, Open University report finds
Report highlights participation gaps across NI, including in Belfast, and calls for more flexible learning pathways
Glengormley Dad Fuses Career, Community, and Personal Passion into Purposeful Life
Callum, a 33-year-old Glengormley native, has been juggling multiple roles in his life with remarkable success. With a background in business management and marketing from The Open University (OU), Callum has progressed from an Ecommerce Executive to the Head of Ecommerce and now holds the role of Senior Account Manager at Elevator, a Belfast based creative agency.
From Music Teacher to Early Years Educator: Heidi's OU Journey
For Newtownabbey mother-of-three Heidi, education has always been close to her heart. But it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when her teaching shifted from one-to-one music lessons to whole-class music under school bubble restrictions, that she discovered a new calling.
“That change in my teaching environment made me realise how much I wanted to study further,” Heidi explains. “It gave me the push to go for it.”
Belfast classroom assistant graduates after six-year journey to support pupils with additional needs
A classroom assistant who balanced two full-time jobs and caring responsibilities alongside her studies is celebrating graduating with a BA (Hons) in Education Studies (Primary) from The Open University.
Sarahjane Dickson, 45, graduated in 2025 after a six-year journey that saw her overcome self-doubt, manage a demanding workload and continue studying through the Covid-19 pandemic.
From Rural Fermanagh to Net Zero Leader: How one Student Overcame Dyslexia and Illness to Achieve a Master’s
Growing up in rural Fermanagh, Supriya Foster always had a strong connection to the natural environment around her. But like many people living outside major towns and cities, the idea of higher education once felt out of reach – financially, geographically and personally.
From Setback to Success: Matthew’s Journey to Mental Health Advocacy
When Matthew from Holywood crosses the stage at The Open University’s Belfast Degree Ceremony 2025, it will be more than a culmination of a degree but a celebration of resilience, determination, and a new career dedicated to helping others.
A Return to History, 40 Years in the Making
When Eric from Ballycastle decided to return to education and study for a degree in History with The Open University (OU), it had been more than four decades since he last sat in a classroom.
“I left school in 1979 with two A Levels,” says Eric. “I liked the thought of studying at my own pace, and I had a friend who re-trained as a Primary School Teacher a number of years ago through the OU and recommended it.”
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