Double degree joy at Open University ceremony for Aberdeenshire couple

OU graduates Elvis Mohammed and Arlene Warrick-Mohammed

A husband and wife from Aberdeenshire have shared their delight at graduating from The Open University (OU), celebrating their successes at the same degree ceremony.

Elvis Mohammed and Arlene Warrick-Mohammed achieved Bachelor of Science (Honours) degrees, in Combined STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and Health Sciences respectively.

The Westhill pair juggled full-time work and family life alongside their flexible courses.

“We became each other’s cheerleader while studying together,” said Arlene, “supporting each other through the lows and celebrating all the wins.”

Elvis said: “My biggest inspiration during my studies was Arlene. She started OU studies before me, and her determination showed me that it was possible to achieve a degree while balancing work and family.”

The couple's children Kiara and Mikhail joined in the special occasion at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall recently.

Career progression

Achieving my OU qualification feels very rewarding...The sacrifices and hard work have been immense, but every moment was worth it."
Arlene Warrick-Mohammed,
OU graduate

Project lead Arlene works in the health sector and studied for free, thanks to a Part-Time Fee Grant and top up funding from the OU. Her new qualification and course knowledge has given her the confidence to twice apply for higher level roles, successfully resulting in career progression.

Arlene said: “Achieving my OU qualification feels very rewarding and I have a deep sense of pride.

“The sacrifices – late nights, missed social events - and hard work have been immense, but every moment was worth it.

“Achieving our OU qualification together is a testament to our resilience, teamwork, and belief in each other.

“This journey has inspired our children and has shown them the power of perseverance.”

OU's reputation

I studied with the OU to strengthen my professional knowledge and open new career opportunities."
Elvis Mohammed,
OU graduate

The OU’s reputation for supporting working professionals was important for engineer Elvis, knowing he could balance his career – including international travel - family, and studies.

His degree was part self-funded, and part employer-funded.

“I studied with the OU to strengthen my professional knowledge and open new career opportunities,” he says.

Elvis has now transitioned into maritime industry acoustic precision engineering, and been inspired to start a technical consultancy too.

“Studying with the OU has had a real impact on both my career and my business,” he says, adding, “Arlene’s encouragement kept me going through the tough moments, and I often reminded myself of her example.”

Congratulations on milestone

Arlene and Elvis' dedication, perseverance and achievements perfectly reflect the spirit of The Open University."
Martin Boyle,
OU in Scotland Director

Martin Boyle, Director of The Open University in Scotland, said: “Congratulations to our graduates Arlene and Elvis, whose dedication, perseverance and achievements perfectly reflect the spirit of The Open University.

“Their shared success is an inspiring reminder of what’s possible through determination and mutual support, and we are privileged to have been a part of their milestone.”

Arlene and Elvis were among 660 Open University graduates who crossed the Glasgow stage during two ceremonies held on 24 October.

The University also awarded honorary degrees to Scottish music icons Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh, for their outstanding contribution to arts, culture and society, as well as foreign affairs academic Dr Fiona Hill, in recognition for her exceptional contribution to foreign policy, democratic scrutiny and the importance of equality of opportunity.

My name is Elvis, Elvis Mohammed I'm graduating with a Bachelor of Science in STEM. I'm from Aberdeen originally, I migrated from Trinidad, which is in the Caribbean. And I am Arlene, Arlene Warrick-Mohammed. This is my husband, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and originally from Trinidad also, and we both live in Aberdeen.

For me it's the flexibility because I work full-time, so I think The Open University offered me that option and it worked really well in terms of balancing work and study life balance.

Well for me it was also to make a change in life. You know, I was going to that phase where I felt I wanted to build on my career upskill, and Arlene was already studying, so I felt that seeing how she was coping with work and studying, the OU offered that flexibility. I thought to myself, maybe I'll give this a go. And a few years after I'm graduating now with a degree, so, you know, all the hard work was worth it.

I think we kept each other motivated, didn't we? No, we did. But I have to say, it's not an easy road. Yeah, times you can see like, okay, is it all worth it? But you take it step by step.

I think you have to take each TMA, EMA as it comes and try to enjoy it as well, I think, I think enjoyment. I chose courses that I enjoyed, I had fun with what I was doing, so yeah, it kept me motivated.

Yeah, and I think for us, it's just finding that balance, you know, finding, celebrating all the wins and supporting each other during the low times. We missed a lot of social events, a lot of late nights, so it was really worth it. We were sort of each other's cheerleader.

Just do it because, you're thinking, if you're looking for upward mobility in terms of your career pathway, it does offer you that extra edge. And if you're into full time work, it gives you that option also. So yeah, just take the leap of faith and just do it.

Stick with it really because it's worth it at the end and it builds that confidence with time, say to your managers, "yeah, I'm able to do that, I'm able to project manage this because I know what I'm doing. I have the tools to use."

So yes, I advise any student who is studying, go for it, stick with it. I think for me it's also been open and transparent with your tutor because they're there for a purpose.

4 November 2025