The OU in Ireland

Many 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: ow.ly/NfjG50YUYO5

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: ow.ly/RxbW50YVuQs

OU researchers will study how surface materials on Jupiter’s icy moons Europa & Ganymede record their histories. The project will explore clues to subsurface oceans and potential habitability. Learn more: ow.ly/KrwY50YEVxz

Interested in studying Psychology? Scratch beneath the surface at The Open University’s Psychology Open Day on 14 May at 12pm. Book your place now: ow.ly/gPwY50YVtMA

Our offices will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 4 May. Our phone lines will reopen on Tuesday 5 May. If you need support in the meantime, you can explore our online resources anytime. However you're spending the long weekend, we hope you have a relaxing and enjoyable break.

Happy International Workers’ Day. Work is changing and its okay to feel uncertain. Build your confidence and resilience with our free OpenLearn course, 'Developing Career Resilience'. Start here: ow.ly/NXw450YIkfm

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: ow.ly/9YxP50YFw3m

A new project, led by the OU’s Dr Alessandra Marino, aims to trial an integrated governance approach to protect the Moon and its sites of interest. Entitled "MoonRISE: Re Imagining Space Environments", it brings together a range of scholars from different disciplines to address how we safeguard the Moon at a time of intensified exploration. Learn more: ow.ly/WmrL50YFzB4

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.

Open University researchers are leading international advances in planetary protection, helping ensure that space exploration is safe, sustainable, and scientifically rigorous. Their research brings together the latest international perspectives on preventing contamination in space and safeguarding Earth from extraterrestrial material. Learn more: ow.ly/4AJo50YFvXt

Listen to a Today FM interview with Dr Mimi Tatlow-Golden, OU Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies of Childhood discussing how frequently children are exposed to targeted unhealthy food and influencer content. The Last Word interview starts at 02:37: ow.ly/hyLu50YKvYB

One month on from our Dublin degree ceremony and the celebrations still feel fresh. To everyone who graduated in Dublin congratulations again. Your journey doesn’t end here. It’s only just getting started.

Our offices will be closed on Friday 3 April and Monday 6 April for Easter. Our phone lines will reopen again on Tuesday 7 April. However you’re spending the Easter break, we hope you have a peaceful and restful time.

This World Autism Day, we’re sharing our free Supporting Neurodivergent Children toolkit. Designed for parents, carers, educators and professionals, it offers practical advice and expert guidance to help you feel more confident supporting neurodivergent children. Explore the toolkit here: ow.ly/YLYe50YuB6P

Already studied? Don't start over. Sean from Dublin used OU credit transfer to keep moving forwards towards Chartered Engineer status without going back to square one. Apply for Oct 2026 courses Credit transfer deadline: 13 August Start here: credit-transfer.open.ac.uk

After 16 years with The Open University, our Nation Director John D’Arcy is retiring and beginning a new chapter. A champion of public service, innovation and people, his leadership has made a lasting impact. Wishing John every success in the next phase of his journey.

Join our online Student Consultation Meeting for students in Ireland on 26 March from 18:30 to 19:30 and help shape what comes next in the OU. Register now: ow.ly/uFKY50Yr8kG

March is now officially Irish American Heritage Month, recognising the contributions of Irish Americans to the history of the United States. Our series of free OpenLearn articles tell the fascinating story of migration from Ireland to America, a story that begins long before the Famine of the 1840s and continues to be written well into the 21st century. Learn more: ow.ly/LUoZ50VeYGP

For Brian from Dublin, career growth didn’t mean stepping away from work. With The Open University’s flexible learning, he earned an MBA round his schedule, building leadership, sustainability & project skills he now applies every day. For OU MBA courses starting in May 2026, register by 16 April at the latest. Find out more here: ow.ly/15r850YtuXT

Lá Fhéile Pádraig! Saint Patrick's Day began in Ireland but is now celebrated in more countries than any other national festival. It's even been marked by astronauts on the International Space Station. Explore the key moments from Saint Patrick's life in our interactive timeline: ow.ly/YiPp50YtugZ