Meet our students and alumni

The Open University in Scotland provides supported open learning to over 19,300 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.

Charlotte Lopez graduating and a photo of her as a child with her mum and grandma.

Student stories across 50 years

We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of our first ever degree ceremony in Scotland, with a range of OU student stories from the past five decades, such as third-generation OU graduate Charlotte Lopez.

Vitalis Mumbure

Vitalis, Paisley

Zimbabwean refugee Vitalis’ degree has enabled a new career in social work. During his flexible studies Vitalis also juggled part-time work and being the main carer for his youngest daughter who has cerebral palsy. 

Vicki and David Medina, pictured on the day of their graduation ceremony. Photo by Kathryn Tuckerman.

Vicki and David Medina, Moray

Married couple Vicki and David Medina celebrated their respective Bachelor of Science honours successes at an OU degree ceremony on the same day. Their studies - juggled with work, family life and relocating - have already resulted in career progression for Vicki, and a route towards David’s dream career. 

OU graduate Alana

Alana, Hamilton

Alana aged 20 has achieved her OU honours degree in Psychology. She plans to pursue an OU Masters, and related career. Alana is autistic and dropped out of school at 16, with National 5 qualifications. She found OU supported distance learning ideal, also enabling her to focus on non-study priorities and responsibilities.

Julie McElroy

Julie, Glasgow

Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate Julie lives with cerebral palsy and is an award winning trailblazer for disability rights. Julie is a non-executive director for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, and plans to create a more inclusive world. 

OU graduate Anne Ramsay

Anne, Dumfries and Galloway

Living in a rural village in Scotland’s south-western tip proved no barrier to Anne feeling part of an OU student community, and graduating with an arts and humanities degree. She fitted studies around her job at a botanic garden and also family life.

OU nursing student John Langan

John, Edinburgh

John combines working as a senior carer and dementia champion at a care home with upskilling to become an adult nurse through his degree studies. At the Royal College of Nursing Scotland Awards 2025 he was named runner up nursing student of the year.

OU alumna Zara Mahon at her degree ceremony, with her child.

Zara, Glasgow

Entrepreneur Zara has her own counselling and therapy practice, after embarking on a career change with her first class honours degree. Having been told at school she had ‘no prospects’, Zara received a life-changing dyslexia diagnosis during her OU studies.

OU graduate Laura Elam, on the day of her degree ceremony. Photo by Julie Howden.

Laura, Dunfermline

Laura’s employer supported her studies, with OU flexibility enabling her to continue working. Always having intended to go to university after leaving school, Laura started her Open honours degree - with a focus on health sciences - in her 30s, going on to gain a First. 

Steven Wilson, holding his Open University certificates

Steven, Dumfries

Military veteran Steven Wilson was badly injured during a rescue mission. With a chance to retrain through an OU scholarship, he gained a Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care and now provides care for the elderly as a support worker.