New podcast helps students stay on track with The Open University in Scotland

A new podcast series, developed to support students with starting and continuing to study with The Open University (OU) in Scotland, is out now.

The first episode of On Track with The Open University in Scotland focuses on support provided to address common study challenges and is available on a wide range of audio streaming platforms.

Released at the start of a new academic year, the episode aims to help students ahead of their first assignment deadline, plus provide advice that can be useful throughout the whole of the study journey

The podcast was developed for and with OU in Scotland students, to explore difficulties students may face and possible solutions. It’s relevant to students of all subjects and undergraduate qualifications.

From breaking-up long study tasks, by alternating between studying and hands-on activities such as breadmaking, to submitting dummy assignments for practice, it’s a chance to hear study hacks from fellow students, as well pointers from the OU in Scotland’s student support team.

Episode one - trailer below - stars Karie Westermann, an arts student who lives in Glasgow and who recently captained the OU’s University Challenge team. Karie is interviewed by law student Ashley Mackie, Scotland’s representative for the Open University’s Students Union, Open SU.

As well as general hints and tips, they discuss the peer support available and advice they’d give their past-selves, with Karie sharing:

“There is no need to make yourself sick with worry over doing an assignment, it's just one little bit towards a bigger whole. Take one little step at a time and believe in yourself.

“I'm a lot calmer about studying now. I was really, really, anxious to start off with, thinking I needed to read everything three times. I'm a bit more relaxed now, knowing it's okay to read something just once, not having to learn dates by heart...What's important is knowing where to find information and to be kinder to yourself”.

The episode also features Catriona Bergman, a sciences student from Aberdeenshire and former intern on the OU’s Virtual Internship scheme. Catriona is interviewed by Andrew Potter, an OU in Scotland Senior Lecturer and Staff Tutor in Mathematics and Statistics, who has also studied with the OU.

As well as highlighting practical information for starting modules, their conversation explores the wide range of support available from OU in Scotland staff, with Andrew advising:

“I think the biggest mistake that students who are struggling make is not getting in touch. So, getting in touch with your tutor or the student support team as early as you possible can, will only be a good thing.

“It’s also important to remember that our tutors are experts in supporting students who have busy lives, who work part-time, who are carers, who are parents, who are students who have disabilities. Our tutors will be very happy to have that conversation about how best to support you.”

The 40-minute episode is designed to act as a ‘study buddy’ that can be listened to whilst studying.

It’s accompanied by further information on the help and resources discussed in the podcast, and more, available on the OU in Scotland’s Support and services for students webpage, including Scotland-specific support.

Future episodes are planned to explore other challenges that OU students sometimes juggle with their studies, such as caring responsibilities, mental and physical health issues, disabilities, and changes in relationships and finances.

Martin Boyle, Director of The Open University in Scotland said:

“Supporting students throughout their whole study journey is paramount to The Open University in Scotland. We know that how a student starts their studies can be key to their confidence and success in continuing.

“This podcast is a fantastic resource in helping students at the beginning of their experience with us and beyond, with fascinating and revealing insights shared by students and staff.”

Trailer: 
 

13 October 2025