The idea for the creation of the Open University, came from the then Socialist Prime Minister Harold Wilson, who was elected to power in Britain in 1964.
Harold Wilson came from humble beginnings, born in Yorkshire to a chemist father, and Schoolteacher mother.
He excelled at school and went on to study at Oxford, gaining a first class BA degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
When Wilson came to power in 1964 he introduced a range of reforms, aimed at helping the poorest, who had no access to formal education.
One of these reforms was the expansion of the Education system and the creation of the Open university.
He believed this would improve the country's economy, have an educated work force and create greater opportunities for social mobility.
The way Education was made available to its registered students, was by utilising the television and radio, to broadcast it's courses, also through the distribution of course books.
This led the way to link the Open University to the new technological developments, that were soon about to follow in this country.
In April 1969, the Open University was granted a Royal Charter, enabling it to continue its good work, in Educating it's more disadvantaged citizens, and all those seeking to gain access to
Higher Education.
Wilson was influenced by the politicians of his day, such as Clement Atlee, Ernest Bevan and Gaitskell.
Further more he took important steps to stop discrimination against women, and ethnic minorities, under the then socialist government.
Wilson also joined forces with the United States Senator(Democrat) William Benton, the publisher of Encyclopedia Britannica, who sponsored Wilsons vision for educating the people of Britain.
Nowadays the Open University opens it's doors to everyone with an Education, with little Education, or with no Education at all. It is open to everyone!
It is also available to overseas students, and all those seeking higher qualifications, including Diplomas, Degrees, Open Degrees, MAs and PHDs. The Open University provides an excellent quality of Education, and is well recognised nationally, as well as worldwide.
References ;
Open university
Gov. UK
Wikipedia
Comments
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Hi Gill,
The OU certainly gave me a second chance, as for so many other people. I was not well during my last few years in the 1960s at school, and I left school with no 'A' Levels. That ruled out conventional universities for me.
I caught up later, in the 1980s when I was working full time and had caring responsibilities too. I did my first degree with the OU, part time. It wasn't easy by any means. No internet back then. All book work and handwritten assignments. TV broadcasts in the small hours. But also the wonderful residential weeks as a mandatory part of most modules (courses as they were known then).
But... I did it. And that BA Open (no hons) degree has always been of high worth to employers.
Nowadays, the OU is still there for me, to help me keep my little grey cells busy and maintain my sanity with study fur pure enjoyment.
The OU has its faults, and there have been a lot of adverse changes particularly in recent years with financial cutbacks. But it is still (IMHO) a crown jewel of the UK education system.
Jan
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Hi Gillian
I hated school with but managed to gain 5 o’levels. Once kids were grown up I decided to do an open degree to prove to myself that I did in fact have a brain.
I am now going to begin a Masters next October
Judith
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Hi Jan and Judith , Thank you. Sometimes it is a good thing to remember how the OU all started, and to remind ourselves how lucky we all are to have a second chance at studying again.
Well done for your many years of study Jan, you can teach us newbies a thing or two in perserverance and plodding on.
Judith I wish you all the best with your Master's I am sure you you can achieve it you are a strong determined lady.
All the best to you both. Gill