Meet our students and alumni

The Open University in Scotland provides supported open learning to over 16,450 students across the country. Our flexible programmes and wide range of qualifications enable learners to choose a study route that best suits them. Meet some of our students and alumni below.

OU graduates Elvis and Arlene

Elvis and Arlene, Aberdeenshire

Married couple Elvis and Arlene each achieved their Bachelor of Science honours degrees alongside full-time work and family life, with Arlene also progressing in her career and Elvis starting his own business.

OU graduate Paul Slevin

Paul, Coatbridge

Paul combined taxi driving with studies for his Psychology with Counselling honours degree, wanting to help others experiencing mental health challenges. He recently secured a Support Worker job and is a charity volunteer. 

OU student Eilidh

Eilidh, Fife

Eilidh was born with Cerebral Palsy, and after German at college, is now doing a Language Studies honours degree. Eilidh says the OU’s open entry policy meant she could pursue her teaching dreams. 

OU graduate Saffron

Saffron, Orkney

Saffron was determined to study at university level. Having had her children when young, she didn’t further her education at that time. Thanks to an Open honours degree, Saffron was able to pick her own courses. 

OU graduates Abbie and Norah

Abigail and Norah

Abigail (20) and Norah (90) celebrated their honours degree successes on the same day, as respectively the youngest and oldest graduates to cross the stage. History was Abigail’s subject, and Norah did an Open degree.

Entrepreneur and OU student Kane Edwards

Kane, Greenock

Entrepreneur Kane has developed a new health-focused drinks brand, with OU enterprise and funding support. He is combining his flexible Open degree (honours) studies with product launch preparations.

OU student Chris McCormick

Chris, Glasgow

Representing Scotland as the country’s leading male freestyle skier, the OU has made it possible for Chris to gain a university degree while competing across the world. Chris is in Team GB at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. He studies Physics and Mathematics (honours).

OU graduate Craig

Craig, Clackmannanshire

Craig juggled his engineering honours degree with the demands of working offshore and family life, through the OU’s flexibility. New career opportunities have opened up with the electronic technician’s qualification, and he has started his own business.

OU graduates Kayleigh and Nicole

Kayleigh and Nicole, Wishaw

Sisters Kayleigh and Nicole gained their honours degrees in Business Management and Adult Nursing. The pair both work in the NHS. Kayleigh was promoted during her studies, while Nicole has upskilled to become a nurse.

OU graduate Eddie

Eddie, Perthshire

Eddie chose the OU for his Environmental Studies honours degree due to its flexibility and strong reputation for adult learner support. His ‘life-changing’ studies have opened new doors in his renewables sector work.