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• Effective writing in professional social work practice

  This free course, Effective writing in professional social work practice, will introduce you to the importance of writing in professional social work. It will develop your understanding of the different ways that writing forms an integrated part of professional practice in the UK. People are at the centre of writing in social work practice, ...

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• Exploring Ovid’s big ideas

  In this free course, Exploring Ovid’s big ideas, you will find out why Ovid’s work is still so relevant today. You will meet characters from ancient myth like Actaeon the hunter who was turned into a stag, and Ta’aroa the ancient Pacific Islander god who lived in a shell. And you will discover how ancient stories still give us new ways of ...

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• Closing the awarding gap: practical actions to support Black and minority ethnic students

  Drawing on recent research and Open University scholarship (2020–2024), Rajvinder Samra explores how educators can help to close the awarding gap for Black and minority ethnic students. 

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• Year of the Horse: Chinese Lunar New Year

  Happy Chinese New Year of the Horse! As the Lunar New Year approaches once again, millions of people across the world prepare to welcome a new zodiac cycle with festive celebrations, family gatherings, and expressions of hope for the year ahead. 

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• Does the universe have a heartbeat? The science of cosmic connection

  On Valentine’s Day, we focus on hearts, connection, and the promise of a fresh start. But did you know space has its own versions? From a giant red heart made of gas to a frozen dwarf planet that endlessly renews itself, discover the science behind the enduring cycles of the cosmos.

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• How to write to a lover

  Have you ever thought of writing a poem to a lover? Or a love letter? Like using online dating apps, writing for a lover can be fun. Dr Lania Knight shares her experiences.

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• The biology of loving our pets

  Can cuddling our pets bring us health benefits? Dr Vikki Haley explores the power of oxytocin.  

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• Dating apps: is swiping right a thing of the past?

  Thirty years since the emergence of online dating, and with mixtapes, dial-up internet and Walkman’s a distant memory, are dating apps now also a thing of the past?

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• Milano Cortino Winter Olympics 2026 – let the slipping and sliding commence!

  Simon Rea previews the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy and looks at who in Team GB have the best chances of winning medals.

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