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Welcome to the September 2016 edition of your newsletter from The Open University
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An international team of astronomers has detected a planet orbiting our nearest star, Proxima Centauri. The research, which has been published in Nature to a global audience, suggests the planet is at just the right distance from Proxima Centauri for liquid water to exist on its surface and has the potential to support life.
OU Phd student Dr John Barnes was instrumental in establishing that the observed ‘wobble’ of Proxima Centauri was caused by a nearby planet. He said: "If further research concludes that the conditions of its atmosphere are suitable to support life, this is arguably one of the most important scientific discoveries we will ever make."
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Following the Government’s plan to introduce the Apprenticeship Levy, from April 2017, the OU and KPMG have announced a partnership to enable employers to identify and fulfill future training needs.
The partnership has been designed to offer employers a high quality, scalable and accessible service and includes three initial higher level apprenticeships programmes. It will bring together KPMG’s expertise in workforce analysis and the OU’s track record in delivering high quality online learning supported by expert tutors.
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The OU Business School is the first in Europe to offer credits for its courses through MOOCs on the FutureLearn platform. Now, learners could earn 30 credits towards a BA Business Studies or 15 credits towards an MBA.
The suite of eight undergraduate courses (Business and Finance Fundamentals) and four post-graduate courses (Digital Economy) have been designed by expert academics to address the changing aspects of modern business. The four-week courses can be studied purely on mobile devices and incorporate a unique social learning function where ideas can be shared by learners for critique and feedback from the learning community on that course.
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Could wearable fitness trackers like Fitbits – currently seen as trendy accessories for the young – play a key role in improving the health of older people?
This is what OU researchers aim to discover, in a year-long study following people over 55 using a range of digital wearable health-monitoring technologies.
The research will also investigate whether wearables currently on the market are sufficiently accessible and appealing to older users, and how they could be made more age-friendly.
If you're interested in supporting this research, led by Professor Shailey Minocha, you can take part in a survey.
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As nations all over the world welcome their Olympic athletes home, let's take a moment to reflect on the whirlwind of psychological pressure, physical strain, elation and disappointment, which they have just experienced. Whether they’re revelling in the glory of hard-won medals, or recovering from heartbreaking defeats, Olympic athletes won’t have long before our attention shifts to the next spectacle.
So what happens to elite athletes when their moment in the spotlight is over? It seems likely that many could suffer a case of the post-Olympic blues, writes sports psychologist Dr Karen Howells.
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Films set in the ancient world can no longer adequately live up to the demands of the 'epic'. As the new film Ben Hur is released, visiting research fellow Amanda Potter suggests we should look to films set in space instead.
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Discover a range of free online courses on FutureLearn. Here's what's coming up...
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What is distinctive about leadership in the public sphere? Find out more about what it takes to lead public service organisations. This course is led by the Department of Public Leadership and Social Enterprise at the OU's Faculty of Business and Law and has been developed in collaboration with the OU Policing Consortium. It runs for three hours per week for three weeks and starts on 12th September.
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Learn how to build and sustain your network to enhance your professional relationships and open up career opportunities. It runs for three hours per week for four weeks and starts on 12th September.
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Learn how sustainable energy from the Greek elements – earth, air, fire and water – can replace fossil fuels and nuclear power. It runs for three hours per week for four weeks and starts on 5th September.
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Learn how to order food and drink, greet people, and introduce yourself, in this first Italian for Beginners course. It runs for four hours per week for four weeks and starts on 5th September.
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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 2 new PG qualifications and a range of postgraduate modules...
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This postgraduate qualification is designed for those with an academic or professional interest in space science and the technology that underpins this discipline. It equips students with the skills to carry out scientific investigations using space-based instrumentation, both individually and as a team. 180 credits.
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This qualification is an exciting opportunity to develop your skills as a writer in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and scriptwriting for film, radio and the stage. You will be able to write in a genre of your choice and experiment with at least one other through practical and inspiring activities. 180 credits.
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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 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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Presented by James O'Brien and Steph McGovern, this programme examines the roots of Britain's low-pay economy.
One hundred workers, who represent all levels of pay, face one another to discuss why Britain has a low pay problem and what needs to be done to give everyone a pay rise.
This lively one-hour debate also examines how Brexit and the new living wage will affect wages and asks what needs to be done to improve British productivity.
Catch up on iPlayer.
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Are you from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness or Kirkcaldy?
If you're also under 35 and your OU degree (or studies so far) have helped your career, we'd like to hear from you. If you'd be interested in sharing your story with us, drop us an email with a few details and we'll get back to you.
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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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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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Cotswold Outdoor have over four decades of experience in outdoor retail. They offer one of the most extensive and comprehensive ranges of outdoor clothing, equipment and accessories.
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Wimdu are a new holiday accommodation company with a twist. It allows people to rent out their houses, flats, villas, apartments and even private rooms so that you can get a local's view of your holiday destination.
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Careers and Employability Service
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The great Twitter careers challenge
LinkedIn is widely regarded as THE social network when it comes to your career, but what about Twitter? It may not be the obvious choice but it can be a great tool for finding jobs, industry news, engaging with employers and getting your name out there.
Between now and Friday 9th September, join Careers & Employability Services @OpenUniCareers for daily top tips and practical challenges to help you make your Twitter account work for your career. #OUCareersChallenge
If you’re not a member of the Twitterati but still want the latest careers news and information, the Careers & Employability Services website now has a new look.
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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