News

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?

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Sociology announces the Professor Stuart Hall Dissertation Prize, awarded annually to three outstanding Sociology dissertations that contribute to discussions on issues relevant to the field of sociology, with a particular focus on social justice and equality. 

A Historic England Blog post by OU historian David Grummitt celebrates the 30th anniversary of Historic England’s Register of Historic Battlefields