The Open University in Northern Ireland

29/05/2026

Where could flexible learning take you?

See for yourself at our Virtual Open Days running in June and July.

Chat to experts and see how OU study can help you step into your future.

Book your place now: https://ow.ly/Ublp50YVvGS

28/05/2026

Ever wondered why Menstrual Health Day falls on 28 May?

It's no coincidence, 28 reflects the average of 28 days per cycle, while May, the fifth month, represents the average length of a period.

It’s a chance to raise awareness, challenge stigma and recognise that periods are linked to health, dignity, equality and access to support.

This OpenLearn article explores five thoughtful ways to mark the day, from learning more about menstrual health to supporting local organisations and starting important conversations.

Read it here: https://ow.ly/ycCa50Z54eI

28/05/2026

Northern Ireland needs more engineers and technical managers to drive innovation and growth.

The Open University offers flexible engineering and STEM courses, from engineering and electronic engineering to Combined STEM, Open degrees and postgraduate study, designed to fit around your work and life.

Study around your job. Stay close to home. Build skills that can take you further.

That’s university, done differently.

https://ow.ly/mMOs50YREcB

27/05/2026

Graduating soon or recently graduated? Your next opportunity could start with a conversation.

The Northern Ireland Graduate Recruitment Fair is a great chance to meet employers, ask questions and explore graduate roles starting later in 2026.

The OU team will be there on the day, so do come over and say hello. Whether you’re feeling ready for your next step or still working out what that looks like, we’d love to chat.

📍 Ulster University Belfast
📅 Tuesday 2 June 2026
⏰ 11am to 3pm

Find out more or register here: https://ow.ly/ghTj50Z4gBF

26/05/2026

is nearly wrapped, but there’s still time to power up your skills.

Explore free OpenLearn resources from The Open University, designed to support Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector.

Build confidence in areas like cyber security, digital skills, sustainability, operations, finance and workplace resilience.

Start learning for free today: https://ow.ly/pOsz50Z3KzU

25/05/2026

Colm’s OU journey started with a nudge, from the person who believed in him most. His girlfriend at the time, now his wife.

Nearly a decade later, he graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) and a story that took him from Ireland to Budapest to Madrid.

In that time, life didn't slow down. He changed jobs, moved countries, got married, and kept studying in the moments in between. On trains. On buses. On metros.

That’s what made the difference. Colm could keep learning wherever life took him, building the skills to grow his career in engineering and tech.

Northern Ireland needs more engineers and technical managers. With The Open University, you can build those skills, without leaving your job or your home.

That’s university, done differently.

https://ow.ly/TI1N50YREc8

The Open University offers flexible full-time and part-time study, supported distance and open learning for undergraduate and postgraduate courses and qualifications.

21/05/2026

Northern Ireland needs more sustainability and environmental professionals to support a greener future

The Open University offers flexible courses across environmental science, environmental management, natural sciences, and geography, designed to fit around your work and life.

So you can build in-demand green skills, apply them in real time, and contribute to shaping a more sustainable future in your own community. Study around your job. Stay close to home. Make an impact where you are.

That’s university, done differently.

https://ow.ly/pu5L50YREaz

19/05/2026

You do not need to own a business to think like an entrepreneur.

This , OpenLearn is sharing free resources to help you build confidence, develop new skills and bring fresh ideas into your working life.

The hub explores intrapreneurship: using creativity and problem-solving skills to make change happen from within the place you work.

Explore free resources on leadership, entrepreneurship, AI and digital skills.

What fresh thinking could you bring to work?
https://ow.ly/bQF950Z15K2

18/05/2026

Joanne didn’t always see herself as a “proper scientist”.

After moving from an admin role into a scientific position with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, she knew she needed deeper knowledge to progress.

So she chose The Open University. While working full-time, supporting her family and staying connected to her community, Joanne studied Environmental Science, building her skills and confidence step by step.

That flexibility paid off. After completing her Certificate of Higher Education in Environment, she secured a promotion to Higher Scientific Officer. Now, with her full degree, even more doors are opening up.

Northern Ireland needs more sustainability and environmental professionals. With the OU, you can build those skills, without leaving your job or home.

That’s university, done differently.

https://ow.ly/hEv350YRE81

The Open University offers flexible full-time and part-time study, supported distance and open learning for undergraduate and postgraduate courses and qualifications.

14/05/2026

We need your help!

The Open University is surveying people 16-24 in Northern Ireland not in employment, education or training. We would like to find out how you could be more supported and about your long-term aspirations.

If this is you, please fill in this Opinium survey. Or share with those you think can help.

https://survey.opiniumresearch.com/1oSW5t?smpl=17

14/05/2026

Northern Ireland needs more business leaders and SME owners.

The Open University offers flexible Business and Management courses across leadership, marketing, economics, finance, and HR, designed to fit around your work and life.

So you can build in-demand skills, apply them in real time, and progress your career without stepping away from it. Study around your job. Stay close to home. Build your future where you are.

That’s university, done differently.

https://ow.ly/jpzK50YRE1F