Celebrating 50 years of "Open" curriculum at The Open University

As The Open University celebrates its 50th anniversary, you are invited to join the Open Programme team in celebrating 50 years of multidisciplinary teaching and learning, both at the OU and across the wider higher education sector.

Founded in 1969, at the outset of The Open University’s history, the OU’s BA/BSc (Hons) “Open” degree was the only degree qualification offered by The Open University for over 30 years, until named degrees were introduced in 2000. This unique qualification remains the University’s largest degree in terms of student numbers and module choice, enabling students to construct a personalised qualification from a wide range of undergraduate modules across all faculties of the OU, and resulting in a flexible study path which focuses on personal interests and/or career-related skills.

Allowing students to study across a range of chosen subjects in a multidisciplinary way sits at the very heart of the OU’s mission to provide “a broader type of education than that provided by a usual degree” (Open University Planning Committee, 1969). It is a qualification that has evolved throughout its history to meet changing circumstances, yet it is as relevant today as it was in the 1970s and remains unique within the higher education sector. In fact, the Open degree has evolved from a single ‘General BA’ (as it was originally known) into a full programme of curriculum that enables students to graduate with a Certificate of Higher Education Open, Diploma of Higher Education Open, a BA or BSc Open degree (with or without honours), a BSc (Hons) Combined STEM degree and, from October 2018, a MA or MSc Open postgraduate qualification.

This continuous evolution has required the Open degree to adapt throughout its history to meet changing circumstances, particularly in response to external pressures that have led to the introduction of subject-specific degrees in recent years. However, it’s popularity and uniqueness have not only survived, but continue to thrive in a world where the development of graduates with future-proof, non-discipline specific, skills is becoming increasingly important for employers, and students continue to demand – and value – having the freedom to design and achieve their own personalised OU qualification.

Find out more about The Open University at 50.

FAQs

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event? There are no ID requirements, but attendees must be over 18.

Do I have to be a student at the OU to attend? No, this event is open to the public.

I cannot attend the event in person, will the event be recorded? Yes, a recording will be made available post event.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event? Ample parking is available outside the venue. Please follow the signs to the Church car park. If you have any accessibility requirements please contact the event organiser. Map of the OU campus.

Where can I contact the organiser with questions? Email: LTI-Curriculum-Innovation@open.ac.uk.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No. Pease go to the registration desk on arrival, your name will be on the list.

The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay? Please let the organisers know in advance of any name change.