The OU in Northern Ireland

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

[The OU in Northern Ireland @OUBelfast]

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://t.co/J1ZZHjjKJ0

[Pivotal @pivotalpolicy]

"How can policymakers ensure that young people are equipped with the skills to navigate a religiously diverse society?" John Maiden of @OUBelfast is this week's guest contributor to Pivotal Platform. https://t.co/JO3ar1bpjr

[The OU in Northern Ireland @OUBelfast]

#ManufacturingMonthNI 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://t.co/JxnWxo4r6t

[The OU in Northern Ireland @OUBelfast]

You do not need to be your own boss to think like an entrepreneur.

This #LearningAtWorkWeek, explore intrapreneurship with OpenLearn and build skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, AI and digital skills.

What fresh thinking could you bring to work?
https://t.co/HsKdGYoJGx

[N I Assembly Library @AssemblyLibrary]

📢 Our @RaISe_KESS seminar returns this Wednesday 20th May!

'ONLINE SAFETY FOR YOUNG & DISABLED PERSONS: CONSIDERATIONS WHEN LEGISLATING'

Secure your place 👉 https://t.co/sOBsBuNyXL

#KESS2026 #OnlineSafety

[The OU in Northern Ireland @OUBelfast]

“I always regretted not getting my degree.”

Karen once felt anxiety had closed a door on university.

With The Open University, she rebuilt her confidence step by step and graduated with a first-class degree in Psychology with Counselling.

“The world no longer seems out of bounds for me, and I’m loving that."

Read her story: https://t.co/WyTQtYsene

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

[The OU in Northern Ireland @OUBelfast]

Where could flexible learning take you?

Join our Virtual Open Day on 21 May at 12pm to chat with experts and discover how OU study can help you step into your future.

Book your place now: https://t.co/cb1gF59UoT

[The OU in Northern Ireland @OUBelfast]

Behind every nurse is a story.

Elena, Nicola, Cheryl and Graham all came to nursing through different life experiences, from frontline care and mental health advocacy to personal loss and family inspiration.

What unites them is a commitment to care.

This #InternationalNursesDay, we celebrate every nurse making a difference.

[The OU in Northern Ireland @OUBelfast]

This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, remember: you don’t have to face things alone.

AWARE NI offers free support groups across Northern Ireland and online for people experiencing low mood, anxiety, depression or bipolar.

Take the first step when you’re ready.

https://t.co/fN7DFSCcq2

[The OU in Northern Ireland @OUBelfast]

Watching nurses care for her parents left a lasting impression on the mum-of-three Lyndsey from Co. Tyrone and sparked an interest in the profession.

Read the Belfast Live article about Lyndsey's inspiring story here: https://t.co/BhCqbEedK6

[The OU in Northern Ireland @OUBelfast]

Calling all start-ups and freelancers. The Open Business Creators Fund is now open to OU students and recent alumni in the UK.

The Spring 2026 fund is offering grants of up to £5,000 to grow your business as well as free access to valuable business portfolio planning tools. The deadline to apply is Friday 12 June.

Find out more for start-ups: https://t.co/MsJ8hJ3QMl
Find out more for freelancers: https://t.co/mTmontqfrn

[The OU in Northern Ireland @OUBelfast]

Interested in studying Psychology?

Scratch beneath the surface at The Open University’s Psychology Open Day on 14 May.

Book your place now: https://t.co/9YlAotSLIf

[The OU in Northern Ireland @OUBelfast]

According to research from Hospice UK, 27% of people struggle to talk about death with loved ones.

Our @OUFreeLearning article explores the West of Ireland tradition of men voluntarily digging the grave when a neighbour dies.

Learn more: https://t.co/wzbL0FQNZ5

#DyingMattersAwarenessWeek

[The OU in Northern Ireland @OUBelfast]

Our offices will be closed on Monday 4 May for the bank holiday.

Phone lines reopen Tuesday 5 May.

Enjoy the long weekend.

[The OU in Northern Ireland @OUBelfast]

The OU and Microsoft have just launched an exciting new free AI hub on @OUFreeLearning.

Access free courses and build your AI skills.

Start exploring here: https://t.co/rzufcCtvcK

[The OU in Northern Ireland @OUBelfast]

Today is The Open University’s Charter Day, marking our Royal Charter on 23 April 1969.

We reaffirm our mission to open learning to all, promoting opportunity, equity, and social justice through accessible higher education that empowers people everywhere.

[The OU in Northern Ireland @OUBelfast]

Orlagh left college with just 1 A-level and thought university wasn’t for her.

Years later, she took a chance with The Open University and never looked back.

“I only regret not starting sooner.”

Explore your options: https://t.co/YORCJgOXRM

[The OU in Northern Ireland @OUBelfast]

Join an important conversation in Belfast.

The Black Women’s Health Manifesto Collective is hosting a community consultation on 24 April, 12pm to 5pm at our OU building in Belfast.

Attend in person or online. See the graphic for registration details.

[The OU in Northern Ireland @OUBelfast]

📢 Upcoming KESS Seminar with OU academics

Creative Learning to Affirm Diversity
Dr John Maiden, Dr Stefanie Sinclair & Prof John Wolffe
📍 Parliament Buildings, Stormont Estate, Belfast
📅22 April 2026
🕐 1.30pm

Set against a rapidly evolving policy context — including the proposed Race Equality Bill, reforms to 16–18 education, and the recent Supreme Court judgement on Religious Education in Northern Ireland — this seminar explores how education can respond to increasing diversity while reflecting cultural and historical traditions.
The team will present an innovative, evidence-based approach using collaborative filmmaking, where young people explore religious, cultural and ethnic diversity through creative production. Alongside deepening understanding of tolerance and peace, the approach builds practical skills in:
• teamwork and collaboration
• managing disagreement
• communication
• media literacy
Drawing on pilot work across Northern Ireland, the UK and Europe, the session will share evidence of impact from learners aged 12–early 20s, including 16–18 learners in shared education settings.

This is a valuable opportunity for policymakers, educators and practitioners to engage directly with research shaping the future of education in Northern Ireland.

👉 Register here: https://t.co/l3u1A6dp60

[N I Assembly Library @AssemblyLibrary]

Our new @RaISe_KESS programme is here!

The programme features eight seminars, jointly delivered by the @niassembly Research and Information Service (RaISe) and local universities.

Booking for the first seminar on the 22nd April is available now.

https://t.co/G2YsKSX2GQ

[The OU in Northern Ireland @OUBelfast]

Hear from local employer EY, plus Rolls-Royce, Serco and Companies House, on the skills employers value most. Get practical advice and confidence to talk about your people skills.

If you're an OU student or recent graduate, book your FREE place here: https://t.co/oVyOLgKbXB