News

Dungiven mother of four prepares to begin mental health nursing career after award-winning Open University journey

A Dungiven woman who balanced frontline healthcare work, family life and personal challenges while studying has spoken about how The Open University (OU) enabled her to achieve her ambition of becoming a mental health nurse, an achievement recently recognised with a regional award.

15th January 2026

Libraries NI and The Open University Renew Partnership to Strengthen Learning and Opportunity in Local Communities

Libraries NI and The Open University (OU) have renewed their partnership, bringing together two trusted public services to expand access to learning and support people in communities across Northern Ireland.

14th January 2026

Michael Bower appointed Director of The Open University in Ireland

The Open University has announced the appointment of Michael Bower as the new Director of The Open University in Ireland, following a competitive recruitment process. Michael will take up the role on 30 March 2026, succeeding John D’Arcy, who will retire in April after 15 years in the role. 

6th January 2026

Inadequate supports for disabled people in Northern Ireland facing abuse online: a hidden public health crisis

New research from The Open University has found that in Northern Ireland one in three disabled adults has experienced cyber-victimisation, with one in four reporting cyber-victimisation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

4th December 2025

Leigh’s Fight for Justice Didn’t End in the Courtroom

Leigh, from County Antrim, didn’t just study law, she lived it. 

After leaving school early and surviving a traumatic experience that changed her life at 18, Leigh found herself pulled into the criminal justice system in the most personal of ways. It was an experience that left her determined to make change. 

29th October 2025

From Asylum Seeker to Aspiring Nurse: Latoya's Journey with The Open University’s Sanctuary Scholarship 

From a young age, Latoya knew she wanted to be a nurse. She fondly remembers caring for her mother, who suffered from high blood pressure, and being affectionately called her “little nurse.”

29th October 2025

From Team Secretary to Adult Nurse

Anne, 53, from Magherafelt, graduated with a BSc Honours Degree in Adult Nursing from The Open University (OU), marking a remarkable journey of personal and professional transformation.

22nd October 2025

Kimmins highlights importance of collaboration with Open University for staff development

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has highlighted the importance of a new collaboration with The Open University which is providing an online learning platform for staff.

20th October 2025

90-year-old student completes English Literature degree with The Open University

At 90 years old, Maryette McFarland from outside Derry has proven that it’s never too late to follow your passion. After losing her husband, Maryette decided she wanted to do something new and meaningful — so she returned to university to study English Literature. 

17th October 2025

The Open University Celebrates 50 Years of Transforming Lives in Northern Ireland

The Open University (OU) celebrated 50 years since its first Belfast degree ceremony on Tuesday 14 October, marking a rich history of providing accessible and inclusive education in Northern Ireland.

15th October 2025
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