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“Forensics: The Real CSI,” featuring a forensic investigator in protective gear, police tape in the foreground, and numbered evidence markers scattered across a dark outdoor crime‑scene setting.

Psychology academic consults for OU/BBC series - Forensics: The Real CSI

Psychology academic Dr Jim Turner consults for OU/BBC series Forensics: The Real CSI, which returns this Sunday, 1 March. Tune in to BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

27th February 2026
Niello-inlaid engraving of a haloed eagle-headed St. John the Evangelist upon the gold plaque from Brandon, Suffolk, 32720001 (©The Trustees of the British Museum

Interdisciplinary study throws new light on premodern experiences of bodies

Picturing bodies in medieval and early modern Europe is the latest issue of the Open Arts Journal, showcasing interdisciplinary research.

12th February 2026
BBC image for the short film: What does it take to be a prison officer?

Criminology academics consult for OU/BBC short film: What does it take to be a prison officer?

Prof. Deborah Drake and Dr Isla Masson consult for a brand new BBC Ideas short film: What does it take to be a prison officer?

27th January 2026
BBC image for series Rethink

Politics academic consults for OU/BBC series: Rethink

Politics Professor Simon Usherwood consults for OU/BBC series Rethink, which returns for series five, exploring new ideas in politics, society, and technology to improve the world.

8th January 2026
By H. Humphreys - From File:The First Methodist chapel called "The Foundry" - Capel Cyntaf y Methodistiaid Wesleyaidd a Adnabyddid Wrth "Y Foundry".jpeg Cropped and improved contrast, Public Domain

Music academic completes new edition of the first Methodist tune book

Prof Martin Clarke completes a new edition and recordings of The Foundery Collection (1742), providing insights into the sound-world of early Methodism.

11th December 2025
Left to Right: Dr. Vickie Cooper (Exam Panel Chair), Dr. Gunjan Sondhi (PhD Supervisor), Prof. Umut Erel (Lead PhD Supervisor), Myself, Prof. Parvati Raghuram (PhD Supervisor), Prof. Sophie Watkins (Examiner) and Dr. Rachel Humphris (Examiner)

From challenge to triumph: a Sociology PhD journey

Recent OU PhD graduate Xenia Rochelle Jones shares her inspiring sociology journey, overcoming personal and academic challenges to succeed—offering hope and encouragement to future doctoral students.

19th November 2025
3.	A large room with a wooden-beamed high ceiling, lined with bookshelves and including several sofa, chairs and writing desks

OU Creative Writing joins forces to support working-class writers

Creative Writing Department launches new handbook and sponsorship of Working-Class Writers’ Prize with online event featuring bestselling authors.

18th November 2025
Prof Derek Matravers (on the left) and Dr Claudia Giupponi (on the right)

Dr Claudia Giupponi wins 2025 Will Swann Award

Dr Claudia Giupponi has been awarded the 2025 Will Swann Award for Innovation and Knowledge Development.

12th October 2025
A portrait of a person in historical attire with the name 'Jane Austen' in large yellow script and the subtitle 'RISE OF A GENIUS' in smaller yellow capital letters, set against a dimly lit indoor background.

FASS academics advise on OU/BBC series Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius

The BBC/OU docudrama, Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius, made for the 250th birthday anniversary celebrations of the world-famous author, has pulled in 4.7 m viewers. Nicola J Watson and Emma Sweeney (ECW) served as nominated academics.

6th October 2025
Prof James Robson and Dr Emma Bridges with Classics for All’s Chief Executive, Jo Hobbs MBE and Chairman Jimmy Mulville

Department of Classical Studies wins prestigious outreach award

Classical Studies is a winner!  It’s just taken home the Universtity Outreach Award in Classics for All’s annual impact awards. 

10th July 2025
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