Stay up to date with the latest research, course updates and activities from The Open University in Northern Ireland.

110 Victoria Street, Belfast
Joined September 2013
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Thinking about university, but worried about paying for it? We do university differently. If you're eligible, a student tuition fee loan could help cover the cost of your studies, making it easier to start your degree without paying everything upfront. At The Open University, you'll find guidance on the funding options available, so you can make the choice that's right for you. Your future shouldn't have to wait because of the cost. ow.ly/Owgu50ZmigI
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We’re looking for a Senior Manager, IAG, Quality and Disability to join The Open University in Ireland. You’ll help shape high-quality, inclusive support for students across Ireland, while being part of a talented team. We’re looking for someone with strong leadership experience, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a background in advice and guidance, student or customer services. Join a supportive, welcoming workplace where your ideas can make a real difference. Find out more and apply: jobs.open.ac.uk/job/Senior-M…
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'Financially I had to be independent, so stopping work to study was not an option.' For Lyndsey, becoming a nurse couldn't come at the expense of supporting her family. With three young children, a mortgage and a full-time job, she needed a degree that fitted around real life. Studying with The Open University meant she could keep earning while learning, with support from her employer, and achieve her goal without putting her life on hold. Today, she's a first-class honours graduate and a Registered Nurse. Your ambitions shouldn't have to wait because life is busy. We do university differently. ow.ly/Ntjj50ZjW9o
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University should fit your budget as well as your life. At The Open University, there are different ways to pay for your studies, including student finance, pay-as-you-go options, scholarships and other funding support. Whether you want to spread the cost, explore financial support or find a payment option that works for you, you don't have to let money stand in the way of your goals. Because the path to a degree should be flexible from the very start. We do university differently. Find out more: ow.ly/quVJ50Zl3ao
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The 39th John Hewitt International Summer School is almost here, and we're delighted that Open University academics Csilla Toldy, Jennie E. Owen and Dr Nessa O'Mahony will be inspiring writers through a series of creative writing workshops in Armagh from 27–30 July. Register here: johnhewittsociety.org/
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Funding made study possible when it otherwise would not have been. We do university differently. Chris wanted to study Law, but he needed a route that could fit around his health, his recovery and his finances. With The Open University, he could study online, at his own pace, while accessing funding support through the Disabled Veteran's Scholarship. Whether it's scholarships, student finance or flexible study, we're helping more people take the next step towards a degree. Because your circumstances shouldn't stand in the way of your ambitions. We do university differently. ow.ly/CFQp50ZjW7w
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Already have a Foundation Degree, HND, or previous university study? We do university differently. Your previous study could count towards an Open University qualification through credit transfer. That could mean less time needed to complete your qualification, lower overall study costs, and a faster route to achieving your goals. It’s worth checking what credits you could bring with you. Applying by 13 August for courses starting this autumn. Because the learning you’ve already achieved should count. We do university differently. ow.ly/1rCT50ZjW5i
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Join Csilla Toldy, Jennie E. Owen and Dr Nessa O'Mahony for workshops from gothic fiction to contemporary poetry, showcasing the breadth of creative writing expertise at The Open University while celebrating nearly four decades of the John Hewitt International Summer School. Register here: johnhewittsociety.org/
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A degree can change your future but it shouldn't be out of reach. With The Open University in Northern Ireland, you could save up to £7,000 on undergraduate degree fees compared to other NI universities. Our flexible study is built to fit around your finances, your job and your life, with different ways to pay and support available. So you can take the next step without putting the rest of your life on hold. That’s university done differently. ow.ly/oiU650ZkZmc
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Following the fantastic news that The Open University has been ranked number one for overall student satisfaction in Northern Ireland in the National Student Survey, our Director for Ireland, Michael Bower, has a special message of thanks for our students and colleagues. We're proud to support thousands of learners across Ireland and beyond, and this achievement wouldn't have been possible without the feedback of our students and the dedication of staff across the University. Watch Michael's message below and join us in celebrating this success.
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We're proud to announce that The Open University has been ranked number one for overall student satisfaction in Northern Ireland in the National Student Survey. 🎉 Thank you to all our students who took the time to share their feedback. We're honoured to be part of your learning journey and grateful for the trust you place in us. This achievement also reflects the hard work and dedication of colleagues across the University, who are committed to helping students succeed every day. Together, we've achieved something truly special. Thank you for making The Open University the UK's most satisfying university experience. #StudentSatisfaction #OpenUniversity #NSS2026
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“What my student loan balance is at the minute compared to my friends is night and day difference.” Choosing university doesn't mean graduating with a huge level of debt. For Odhrán, studying with The Open University meant earning a degree while working, fitting study around life, and benefiting from student finance. If you're in Northern Ireland, you could save up to £7,000 on undergraduate degree fees compared with studying at other local universities. Flexible study. Lower costs. The freedom to learn your way. University should open doors, not close them. That’s university done differently. ow.ly/m4hX50ZkZoi
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Where could flexible learning take you? See for yourself at our Virtual Open Day on 14 July at 7pm. Chat to experts and see how OU study can help you step into your future. Book your place now: ow.ly/5pkY50YVCCF
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Want to excel in business? Or launch your own? Discover skills-boosting, flexible Business & Management courses at The Open University Virtual Open Day on 9 July at 7pm. Book your place now: ow.ly/1ObC50YVCaQ
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Your autumn start is closer than you think. With The Open University, university can fit around work, family and everyday life. That’s what we mean when we say we do university differently. Register by 10 September for courses starting this autumn. Apply now: ow.ly/5kxk50Zhybq
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The OU in Northern Ireland retweeted
Economy Minister Dr @CArchibald_SF today met with Michael Bower, recently appointed Director of the Open Univesity in Ireland, to discuss how @OUBelfast University is supporting the delivery of her Economic Vision. Following the meeting, Minister Archibald said: “The Open University plays a vital role in higher education by offering accessible, inclusive, and flexible learning pathways for everyone. "I look forward to working with Michael and Open University in supporting more people gain the skills and qualifications needed to access good jobs that will drive productivity and address regional imbalances across the north.”
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Michael never imagined he would finish his diploma in Criminology while recovering from a brain tumour. His study had to work around hospital treatment, long stretches of recovery and the reality of rebuilding his confidence. With The Open University, Michael had room to pause, return and keep going. His tutor shaped deadlines around his needs and offered steady support at every stage. That level of flexibility and accessibility helped him reach the finish line. When asked what advice he would give others, Michael said: “Believe you can do it.” At the OU, support is built around real lives. From flexible study to local guidance and disability support, you’ll have people there to help you move forward. Because community isn’t a campus. It’s people. That’s university done differently. ow.ly/6nEa50ZhypG
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How can legal and advice organisations use AI in a way that is practical, responsible and fair? Join The Open University Law School’s Open Justice Centre and @AdviceNI for a free, discussion-led workshop on AI, law and legal training. The session will explore AI literacy, ethics, governance and real-world examples of how AI tools are being used across legal and advice services. No technical knowledge needed. Just bring your experience, questions and ideas. 📍 Law Society House, Belfast 📅 Tuesday 7 July 🕤 Arrival from 9.30am Registration is free but essential: ow.ly/4gyQ50ZhtxR
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See a future in Law or Criminology? Join The Open University’s Law Virtual Open Day on 2 July at 12pm to discover flexible, accredited courses with dedicated support. Book your place now: ow.ly/LIKF50YVyu4
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