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Welcome to the July 2016 edition of your newsletter from The Open University
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Help make higher education study more flexible
We’re keen that you have your say on future government policy on HE. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) wants you to share your views and experiences with government as it considers ways to make switching course or university easier for students in England. It also wants to gauge potential demand for accelerated degrees where undergraduates can gain a degree in two years.
Share your views by completing the short BIS survey by 19th July. Or download a response form and send to BIS by post or email.
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If you're planning further study in October 2016, you'll need to get everything in place by early September. Qualification registration is now open for courses starting in October 2016, February 2017 and April 2017 and we recommend you apply as early as possible, especially if you need to apply for a loan from Student Finance England.
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OU urges focus on skills for older workers
With around a third of the UK workforce aged over 50, it's more important than ever that employers ensure staff have access to the right skills and training for a changing work environment. That's according to the OU’s Director of External Engagement Steve Hill, speaking on BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today Programme.
Read the full story.
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EU referendum result - what does it mean?
Following the vote to leave the EU, OU Vice-Chancellor, Peter Horrocks has highlighted the important role the OU continues to play. While it will take some time for the full potential impact of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU on our students and staff to become clear, this initial statement has been made. In a speech he also addressed the wider issues around education and social inequality.
You can also find out what Brexit will mean for your personal finances on OpenLearn.
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OBE for eminent OU professor
Professor Eileen Scanlon has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours list for services to education. This is the latest accolade for Eileen who also received the inaugural Regius Professorship in Open Education. Read the full story. (Did you receive an honour? Let us know.)
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International Space Station experiment journeys back to Earth with Tim Peake
British Astronaut Tim Peake is back from a six-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS) but did you know an OU experiment came back to Earth with him? OU Lecturer in Ecology Dr Karen Olsson-Francis explains...
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Hands-free phones not hazard free for drivers, say researchers
Hands-free phones are often viewed as the solution to eliminating hazards while driving. They stop people holding onto a device and the steering wheel at the same time for a start.
But new research by psychologists at the OU and the University of Sussex found that alarm bells should ring about these devices too.
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Former Zimbabwean refugee on the transforming power of education
"I came to this country and couldn’t be who I was before."
Alice Chigumira is a former Zimbabwean refugee, an honorary graduate of the OU and a former student. She says no matter what happens in your life, knowledge can never be taken away from you.
Read her story and watch the video.
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Upgrade your business skills for free
The Open University Business School ran a free 48-hour online event for managers, business leaders and students to exchange ideas, join in discussions and hear from leading academics and top practicing global managers - an excellent opportunity to upgrade your business skills.
The event took place last month, but don't worry, you can use the 'catch up' button on the Online Business Exchange website.
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Why is it time to revisit the moon?
What do recent discoveries suggesting water on the moon tell us? Would it be possible to live on the moon? What do we expect to find when we next go there in 2021?
These are some of the questions which will be raised at the next OpenMinds Talk: Why is it time to revisit the moon? The talk will take place at the National Museum in Cardiff on Wednesday 20th July 2016, the anniversary of Apollo II landing on the moon. Find out more and reserve your free ticket.
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Postcode lottery
The Peoples Postcode Lottery (PPL) supports an international competition for environmental entrepreneurs with a the top prize of €500 000 to be spent on bringing the winner’s product or service to the market. PPL ran a pilot scheme with the OU in 2014 where five people won bursaries to take an environmental MSc while developing their entrepreneurial skills. The first of these winners is expected to graduate next year.
In last years competition (PPL working with the OU and the University of Edinburgh) applicants underwent a rigorous selection process including a “Dragon’s Den” style pitch to the judging panel. 10 deserving winners were identified and will be beginning their studies this autumn. Five of them will be studying at the OU; taking Environmental Management MSc oe the Technology Management MBA. Students will also be offered mentoring and development seminars from the PPL. We'll keep you updated in their progress.
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Discover a range of free online courses on FutureLearn. Here's what's coming up...
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MOOC: Basic science - understanding numbers
This course explains how you can use numbers to describe the natural world and make sense of everything from atoms to oceans. It runs for three hours per week for four weeks and starts on 11th July. Find out more.
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MOOC: From notation to performance - understanding musical scores
Explore what’s involved when musicians create a performance from musical notation in this free online course. It runs for three hours per week for four weeks and starts on 18th July. Find out more.
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MOOC: Childhood in the digital age
This course delves into the lives of children and discusses the potential benefits and limitations of technology in their lives. It runs for three hours per week for four weeks and starts on 25th July. Find out more.
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MOOC: Getting started with online learning
This free online course will explain how you can study online without putting the rest of your life on hold. It runs for three hours per week for two weeks and starts on 1st August. Find out more.
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Free badged open course: Returning to STEM
This course is here to help you get back to work in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. The course is intended for anyone who wants to get back into STEM work after having a break, whether to care for family, because of redundancy or for other reasons. Enrol now or take a look at our interactive toolkit to help reboot your STEM career.
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Discover a range of Postgraduate modules...
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Introduction to mental health science
This module introduces the key topics in mental health science from biological, psychological and social science perspectives whilst developing your postgraduate study skills. 60 credits. Find out more.
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Researching mathematics learning
This module is designed for the professional development of anyone working with learners of mathematics – whether as a teacher, classroom assistant, lecturer, adviser or parent. 60 credits. Find out more.
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New postgraduate loans now available
A new postgraduate loan is now available to help you fund your masters degree and achieve your learning goals. You may be able to get a Postgraduate Loan of up to £10,000*
You only start repaying the loan when you’re earning more than £21,000 a year and, even then, it’s split into small, manageable repayments – this could mean a monthly repayment of only £20* Find out more.
* Eligibility criteria applies. Take a look at the website for full terms and conditions.
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Exodus: Our Journey to Europe
12 months ago, KEO films gave out camera phones to some of the million people attempting to reach Europe to escape war, poverty or persecution. The result is a terrifyingly intimate yet uniquely epic portrait of what has become the biggest story of the decade.
The three-part series starts 9pm, Monday 11th July on BBC Two. Clips from the series are available on the Exodus: Our Journey to Europe page and the episodes will be available shortly after broadcast on BBC iPlayer.
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Genius of the Modern World
Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud changed the landscape of the modern world. Together they re-imagined global economics; questioned the very foundations of morality and society; and unravelled the workings of the human mind.
Genius of the Modern World is a three-part OU/BBC co-production. The first episode was aired on BBC Four on Thursday 16th June and you can watch it on iPlayer now.
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At any one time, there are a million people airborne somewhere in the world. It’s a city in the sky. A city that straddles not just countries but continents and it’s made up of the 100,000 flights that criss-cross the world daily. So what does it take to run a ‘city’ at 30,000 feet?
City in The Sky is a three-part OU/BBC co-production. The first episode was aired on BBC Two on Sunday 5th June and you can watch it on iPlayer now.
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Dream, believe, succeed
Simon injured himself while on exercise as a Royal Marine Commando and ended up as an assistant caretaker in a school. The headmaster believed in him and suggested PE teaching but Simon didn’t have a degree and couldn’t afford to quit his job and go into full time education. That's when he realised the OU was the best option to help him succeed. Graduating with a BSc (Honours) Sport, Fitness and Coaching gave him a massive sense of achievement, a second chance and a new career: he is now a PE teacher and in his dream job!
79% of Open University students we asked said the OU will help them fulfil their career goals
You know firsthand the value of OU study so why not recommend it to your friends and family? Share Simon’s story by forwarding this video or sharing it on Facebook or Twitter.
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Order online using our special Amazon link and you can help the OU at the same time. Every time you buy through Amazon using this link a percentage will be donated to the OU.
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With summer upon us and school holidays just around the corner, how will you be juggling study as well? Or if you're an alumni, how did you survive all those summers of study? We'd like to hear your summer study survival tips so we can share some on social media to help inspire others. Email us and let us know your suggestions.
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The deals and offers page gives OU alumni access to a range of discounts (you need to use your OU username and password to access this site).
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Less ordinary gifts made by extraordinary people
Championing the best of British designer makers and artists whose beautiful and unique products will make your lifestyle less ordinary and your home more gorgeous. Get 10 per cent discount with Gift Wrapped and Gorgeous.
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Free eye test when you spend over £50
At Vision Express, you and your family can enjoy exclusive discounts with our free Vision Select vouchers. Find out more and download your vouchers.
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Careers and Employability Service
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What can you do with your qualification?
Just finished your studies? Planning ahead? Maybe it’s just time for a change? We have lots of advice on what you can do with a qualification in your chosen subject area. Visit our OU study and your career pages for ideas and advice including:
- The employability skills you have developed through your studies
- Career opportunities, including popular career paths
- Potential employers
You’ll also find links to further resources, advice on postgraduate study and more for your chosen subject area.
To get in touch with us, or just keep up with the latest news you can find us on Facebook, on Twitter and online.
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The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England & Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302). The Open University is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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