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"A dark blue graphic featuring The Open University logo in white at the top right. The text 'Programme for Government' is centered in bold white font. A decorative purple gradient pattern lines the bottom edge of the image."

The Open University Response to Draft Programme for Government

The Open University has published a response to the Northern Ireland Executive’s draft Programme for Government 2024-2027, “Our Plan: Doing What Matters Most”. 

5th November 2024
A computer monitor displaying The Open University OpenLearn webpage. The website features a colorful graphic with images of mathematical tools, including a ruler, measuring tape, and measuring spoon. The webpage title reads "Learn maths in Northern Ireland," and a search bar is visible at the top along with navigation tabs for subjects, free courses, and study skills.

Numeracy skills set to get a boost with free online maths course from The Open University

The Open University in Northern Ireland is offering adults a fantastic opportunity to strengthen their math skills with a free ‘Everyday Maths 1 (Northern Ireland)’ course.

15th October 2024
A woman with glasses and shoulder-length grey hair smiles while holding a large silver trophy. She is standing in front of a banner with "The Open University" logo. She wears a patterned dress and a brown jacket, appearing proud of her achievement. The background shows large windows with a cityscape visible outside.

Open University Student Wins NIPEC Excellence Award for Nursing and Midwifery

Nancy Law, a 51-year-old Open University student from Greenisland, has been awarded the prestigious NIPEC (Northern Ireland Practice Education Council) Excellence Award for her outstanding contributions in the field of nursing and midwifery.

11th October 2024
A man in a suit leaning over a table looking at old newspaper clippings

The Open University Marks 30th Anniversary of Northern Ireland Ceasefires with New Educational Resource on OpenLearn

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Northern Ireland ceasefires, The Open University is proud to announce the launch of a new educational resource on OpenLearn. 

11th October 2024
Hailee, a woman in her early 20s, sits at the back of a van with its doors open, enjoying a moment of relaxation. She is holding a mug and wearing casual outdoor clothing, including a purple jacket and khaki pants. The van is parked in a scenic area with green hills in the background. She is smiling away from the camera while holding a mug.

Exploring Alternative Paths: Hailee’s Inspiring Journey from A-Levels to The Open University

As A-Level results day arrives, students across Northern Ireland face the exciting yet daunting task of deciding their next steps. While many will follow traditional university routes, Hailee, a young woman from near Holywood, chose an alternative path that balances flexibility, passion, and practicality.

14th August 2024
A promotional graphic with the text "Skill Up, Get Ahead" in bold letters at the top. Below, it reads: "Discover new opportunities with a free course worth up to £3,360." At the bottom, there are logos and text representing The Open University, the Department for the Economy, and Skill Up. The background is dark blue with a stylized geometric design in orange and pink in the upper right corner

The Open University opens applications for hundreds of free places on a range of courses funded by the Department for the Economy’s Skill Up initiative

The Open University has opened applications for a range of free postgraduate courses and short microcredential courses funded by the Department for the Economy’s Skill Up initiative. 

There are 26 courses to choose from in three critical areas: green skills, computing & IT, and leadership and management. Courses range in price from £275 to £3,360 but will be fully funded by the Department under the Skill Up scheme. 

12th August 2024
a navy balloon which has the OU logo and the #OUFamily

The Open University Celebrates 20 Years as Leader in Student Satisfaction in Northern Ireland

The Open University (OU) has once again solidified its position as a leader in higher education, marking its 20th consecutive year as the top institution for overall student satisfaction in Northern Ireland. 

10th July 2024
Jonny, stood outside smiling wearing his Open University degree robes.

From Scrum to Scrumptious: Former Connacht Rugby Star Graduates Law School and Rises as Instagram Baking Sensation

Friday 31 May 2024, marked a significant milestone for former Connacht Rugby player, Jonny Murphy, as he proudly graduated with a law degree from The Open University. His journey to this academic achievement is one of resilience and reinvention, shaped by an unexpected concussion that abruptly ended his promising rugby career and paused his studies.

5th July 2024
Stacey wearing a spotted dress and OU degree ceremony robes stood in front of a light blue tiled wall

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Stacey Kearney’s Story

For Stacey Kearney, 34, from Ballymoney, becoming a mother was a life-changing moment in more ways than one. It was during this transformative period that she found the opportunity to pursue a long-held dream: a career in law. Thanks to her determination and the flexibility of The Open University (OU), that dream is now within reach.

24th June 2024
A group of people hugging from behind

The Open University recognised as a University of Sanctuary

The Open University (OU) has been awarded the status of University of Sanctuary, making it the first university in Northern Ireland to receive this accreditation. 

20th June 2024
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