Upcoming Events

What's on at the OU? As an OU graduate, you have access to a number of free, online events across your University. Here are the latest events you can attend. Just click on the links to find out more and save your place. We look forward to seeing you!


The Monsoon and the Planet at Orkney International Science Festival 2024

Thursday 5 September 2024 - 11:30 to 12:30

Phoenix Cinema, Pickaquoy, Kirkwall, KW15 1LR

The Open University is proud to sponsor The Monsoon and the Planet, at the Orkney International Science Festival 2024.


Living on the Moon! at Orkney International Science Festival 2024

Friday 6 September 2024 - 11:30 to 12:30

Phoenix Cinema, Pickaquoy, Kirkwall, KW15 1LR

The Open University is proud to sponsor Living on the Moon! at the Orkney International Science Festival 2024.


Crime in the Spotlight at Bloody Scotland 2024

Friday 13 September 2024 - 09:00 to Sunday, September 15, 2024 - 17:00

Stirling and online

The Open University is delighted to be supporting Crime In The Spotlight at Scotland's International Crime Writing Festival,​ Bloody Scotland 2024.


Frank Gardner at Bloody Scotland 2024

Saturday 14 September 2024 - 13:00

Albert Halls, Stirling, FK8 2QL and online

The Open University in Scotland is delighted to support Frank Gardner, chaired by Ruth Wishart at Bloody Scotland 2024.


Ann Cleeves: in conversation with Lin Anderson at Bloody Scotland 2024

Saturday 14 September 2024 - 16:00

Albert Halls, Stirling, FK8 2QL and online

The Open University in Scotland is delighted to support Ann Cleeves: in conversation with Lin Anderson at Bloody Scotland 2024.


Irvine Welsh and Louise Welsh at Bloody Scotland 2024

Saturday 14 September 2024 - 20:30

Albert Halls, Stirling, FK8 2QL and online

The Open University in Scotland is delighted to support Irvine Welsh and Louise Welsh, chaired by Stephen Jardine at Bloody Scotland 2024.


Chris Brookmyre and Stuart Turton at Bloody Scotland 2024

Sunday 15 September 2024 - 13:30

Albert Halls, Stirling, FK8 2QL and online

The Open University in Scotland is delighted to support Chris Brookmyre and Stuart Turton, chaired by Louise Welsh at Bloody Scotland 2024.


University Archive to host Heritage Open Day events 2024

Various dates, 12:00-13.00

Following a successful first run last year, the Open University Archive will be holding events again this year – including displays of archive material in the Library Atrium and Archive Research Room and historical tours of the Walton Hall campus. These events will be held during the afternoons of the 11th, 12th and 13th September. For further details and to book tickets for the tours, visit the Eventbrite links below:

Eventbrite page for Wednesday 11th September

Eventbrite page for Thursday 12th September

Eventbrite page for Friday 13th September


Why Should We Save the Arctic and the Antarctic? at RSGS - Kirkcaldy

Monday 16 September 2024 - 19:30

The Old Kirk, 40 Kirkwynd, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1EH

Join Mark Brandon, Professor in Polar Oceanography at The Open University, for 'Why Should We Save the Arctic and the Antarctic?' in Kirkcaldy as part of the Inspiring Talks series at the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS). 


Why Should We Save the Arctic and the Antarctic? at RSGS - Glasgow

Wednesday 18 September 2024 - 19:30

The Glasgow Academy, The Watson Auditorium, Colebrooke Street, Glasgow, G12 8HE

Join Mark Brandon, Professor in Polar Oceanography at The Open University, for 'Why Should We Save the Arctic and the Antarctic?' in Glasgow as part of the Inspiring Talks series at the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS). 


‘Discover your design future’ – The Open University

Thursday 19 September 2024, 10.00-19.30

Online

Join us online for ‘Discover your design future’ – a virtual open day at the OU. Explore our new online Design degree (the BDes), participate in a free interactive design taster class; meet the team; network; and hear inspiring stories from students, staff and alumni.


Business Agility Conference UK 2024

Wednesday 25 September, 08.30-17.30

The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA

The UK’s first and only Business Agility conference being held in-person at our Milton Keynes campus on Wednesday 25th September.

  • Hear from public and private sector thought leaders.
  • Learn from multidisciplinary academic experts from across The Open University.
  • Exchange knowledge with other attendees from multiple sectors.

Conference programme  Business Agility Conference 2024 


Researching relationships: Attachment, affairs and sex and intimacy over 65 

Thursday 26 September, 12.00-13.00

Berrill Lecture Theatre, Walton Hall. MK7 6AA

In her inaugural lecture, Naomi Moller, Professor in Psychology and Psychotherapy in the School of Psychology and Counselling in the OU’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, will talk about her research into relationships.

She will ask how do (good) relationships contribute to our wellbeing? How does research on relationships, relationship therapy, and relationships in therapy support improved relationships? This lecture examines these questions through a focus on her research on attachment, affairs and emotional, physical and sexual intimacy for older adults.


Abolition and International Aid and Development: Retreat, Repair and Dignity

Thursday 17 October 2024 - 16.00-17.00

Berrill Lecture Theatre, Walton Hall, MK7 6AA 

The Open University (OU) is a longstanding hub for interdisciplinary, critical, and forward-looking research on international development. Celebrating its work and engaging with current debates, the University is launching the OU Global Development Annual Lecture series.

In the first in the series, Abolition and International Aid and Development, Dr Olivia Umurerwa RutazibwaAssistant Professor, MSc Human Rights and Politics, Department of Sociology, London School of Economics and Political Science offers reflections on what it means to take anti-colonial and decolonial critiques of international aid and development seriously.