The Open University

The Open University (OU) is the largest academic institution in the UK and a world leader in flexible distance learning. Since it began in 1969, the OU has taught more than 2.3 million students worldwide and currently has over 150,000 students. Seventy-one per cent of directly registered students are in full-time or part-time employment, and 73 FTSE 100 companies have sponsored staff to take OU courses. The OU works with 2,800 employers in total to deliver workplace education, this includes more than 190 local authorities and 149 NHS Trusts and nations health boards. 

In the latest assessment exercise for university research (Research Excellence Framework, 2021), over three quarters (76%) of OU research was assessed as 4 or 3 star – the highest ratings available, awarded to research that is world-leading or internationally excellent. The OU’s commitment to research and societal impact is recognised too with 82% of its research impact assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent. 

The Open University (OU) has had a unique educational partnership with the BBC since 1971 and today focuses on supporting the University’s social mission by extending reach and engagement. Each year the OU co-produces a wide range of television, audio – radio and podcasts, digital and social content with the BBC. Recent series for television include, Wild Isles, Inside Our Autistic Minds, Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland, A Special School, Women Who Changed Modern Scotland, Parole and Secret Genius of Everything with Hannah Fry. 

For further information please visit The Open University 

Professor Dave Phoenix, Vice-Chancellor of The Open University, said:

“The Open University is proud to be a founding member of Research Plus. The recent Skills White Paper rightly highlights the need for greater collaboration across the sector. Through Research Plus we’re committing to that spirit. We’re working together as a group of research-focused universities because we know this will strengthen our voice and our impact. Our aim is to support policymakers, create opportunities, and drive economic growth. By sharing expertise and aligning our efforts, we can make a more powerful collective contribution to the challenges facing UK research and innovation.”

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