The Open University

Politics academic consults for OU/BBC series: Rethink

8th January 2026

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.

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

19th November 2025

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.

Able Seaman Heidi Telford converses with an Afghan soldier at the southern side of the Nahr-e-Bughra Canal, near Checkpoint Salaang, Helmand province, June 11.

Workshop held on improving the recruitment of women into the British Armed Forces

23rd July 2025

On Tuesday 1 July, Dr Georgina Holmes and NGO SecurityWomen ran an internal workshop for the UK Ministry of Defence on the recruitment of women into the British Armed Forces, ahead of the new tri-service recruitment programme 2027.

'Black-and-white image of Professor Stuart Hall with text: "Professor Stuart Hall Dissertation Prize in Sociology" on a grey background.

Sociology launches Stuart Hall Dissertation Prize

18th June 2025

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.

Criminologist secures funding to unravel a dark part of Lancashire’s history

11th March 2025

Criminologist Dr David Scott secured funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to commemorate the bicentennial of the Chatterton Massacre.

President Zelensky wearing an army green t-shirt with the words I'M UKRAINIAN, stares down the camera lens

The Zelensky Story triumphs at Broadcast Awards 2025

12th February 2025

OU/BBC co-production 'The Zelensky Story' wins Best Specialist Factual Programme at the Broadcast Awards 2025.

OU academic Dr Precious Chatterje-Doody stands alongside the visual foreword to Art for a Better World

FASS Academics use Art for a Better World

24th November 2024

A collaboration between academics, artists and NGOs, Art for a Better World uses visual arts to make research about global social challenges accessible to general audiences.