News

A photo of Patrick smiling to camera with a white background

From Engineering to Operations Management with The Open University and Skill Up

Patrick, from Beragh, had always been comfortable in the world of engineering but when he realised that to move forward in his career, he needed to broaden his skill set beyond just technical knowledge, he turned to The Open University (OU). The turning point came when he discovered the Skill Up funding from The Department for The Economy. This financial support made it possible for him to pursue further education while balancing work, family life and everything in between.

29th July 2025

Three people stand side by side, smiling, in a formal indoor setting. They are all dressed in business attire. The person on the left is wearing a dark blue suit with a polka-dot tie. The person in the middle is wearing a checkered grey suit with a pale pink blouse and glasses. The person on the right is wearing a dark three-piece suit with a striped tie and glasses. Behind them is a screen with partially visible text referencing The Open University in Ireland and Vice-Chancellor Dave Phoenix.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald Visits The Open University in Ireland to Discuss Skills, Access, and Innovation in Higher Education

The Open University in Ireland (OUiI) today welcomed the Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, to its Belfast office for a strategic discussion on skills development, the role of flexible, part-time study in driving regional growth, and higher education funding.

2nd July 2025

Mind the Gap: Northern Ireland Employers and Gen Z Out of Sync on Skills

A new report from The Open University reveals an opportunity to close the skills gap.

23rd June 2025

Youth-Led Education Key to Reducing Youth Violence in Belfast, New Report Finds

Giving marginalised young people access to a youth-led, innovative and flexible education programme delivered by frontline youth workers in their local areas can change lives and lay the groundwork for long-term, peaceful change. This is the finding of ‘Learning from Why Riot?’, a powerful new report from The Open University based on a research partnership with five local youth organisations working with at-risk young people in interfaces and areas of deprivation across Belfast

28th May 2025

Karen smiling to camera in OU degree ceremony robes

From anxiety to achievement: How Karen overcame mental health barriers and got her degree

Karen from Derry celebrated her success at our Dublin Degree Ceremony last year. It was a moment of triumph for her that once seemed out of reach. Her story is one of persistence, mental health struggles and rediscovering a love for learning after years away from education.

13th May 2025

A photo of Kathryn smiling in front of a door.

Lurgan Nurse-in-Training Champions Mental Health and Adventure

Kathryn Edwards, a 32-year-old Senior Nursing Assistant from Lurgan, is making strides in her journey to becoming a Registered Mental Health Nurse through her studies at The Open University. Working in a secure forensic unit, Kathryn provides care for males with intellectual disabilities, but her passion extends far beyond her professional role.

9th May 2025

A smiling woman with long red hair wearing a blue dress and black graduation gown stands in a stadium, with green pitch and empty seats in the background.

Donna’s Journey: From ‘Superwoman’ to Career Success

For Donna from Newry, juggling a career, studies, and three young children seemed impossible—but she made it work.

23rd April 2025

An elderly woman with white hair, wearing a red Puma sports top, stands smiling on a running track while holding a large sign that reads "Take Five to Age Well." The sign features colourful icons representing wellbeing. In the background, there is a green hillside, trees, and a bright blue sky with some clouds.

University initiative encourages public to make life changes to support ageing well

Launching in May, ‘Take Five to Age Well' is a new month-long challenge designed to help people in Northern Ireland adopt small, everyday habits that can lead to a longer, healthier life.

14th April 2025

Minister for the Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald stands with members of the Alliance for Lifelong Learning on the terrace at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. The group is posed smiling in front of scenic parkland, with two members holding copies of a report titled "Measuring the Impact of Adult Education in Northern Ireland."

New Research Highlights Importance of Measuring the Impact of Adult Education and Listening to Learners’ Voices in Northern Ireland

The new research report launched this morning at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, reveals the impact of adult education in Northern Ireland and the value of measuring it.

10th April 2025