Meet our students and alumni

The Open University in Scotland provides supported open learning to over 19,500 students across the country. Our flexible programmes and wide range of qualifications enable learners to choose a study route that best suits them. Meet some of our students and alumni below.

Student stories across 50 years

We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of our first ever degree ceremony in Scotland, with a range of OU student stories from the past five decades, such as third-generation OU graduate Charlotte Lopez.

Vitalis, Paisley

Zimbabwean refugee Vitalis’ degree has enabled a new career in social work. During his flexible studies Vitalis also juggled part-time work and being the main carer for his youngest daughter who has cerebral palsy. 

Stuart, Argyll and Bute

Stuart gained a new job in an accountancy practice during his Business Studies degree, changing career from the hospitality sector. The OU's flexibility also allowed Stuart to balance changes in family life. Studies were funded by a Part-Time Fee Grant. Stuart's sights are set on becoming a Chartered Accountant. 

Richard, Motherwell

Richard gained his OU honours degree in Psychology while playing football professionally. He had left school aged 16 to pursue his sporting career, and felt supported by OU tutors when returning to education in his late 20s for his degree studies. Richard is now lead development coach at Scottish Premiership side Motherwell.

Genuine, Edinburgh

Law graduate Genuine was inspired to start his charity to help orphans, street children and Tanzania’s poorest during his degree. Studies were Part-Time Fee Grant funded, and learnings were applicable to Genuine’s job as a university safeguarding officer as he progressed. 

Lois, Shetland

Adult Nursing degree graduate Lois was able to upskill while working in healthcare support at an island hospital, and to remain with her family during her studies. Lois is the winner of a Royal College of Nursing Scotland student nurse of the year award.

Duncan, Glasgow

Duncan, a former laboratory technician at a college, has an OU Masters in Science and is continuing his OU postgraduate studies with Astrophysics and Space Science. The university’s accessibility was an important factor for Duncan. 

Jasmine, Scottish Borders

Sport, Fitness and Coaching graduate Jasmine is a Mental Heath and Wellbeing for Sport Project Co-ordinator. The OU’s flexibility was important to Jasmine, who has dyslexia. She could also build her career and care for family while studying.

Carol, Dunfermline

Carol’s college qualification was a springboard to her OU undergraduate degree, and she then gained an OU Masters degree. Overcoming challenges, Carol now inspires others, including those also with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and adoptive backgrounds. 

Steven, Dumfries

Military veteran Steven Wilson was badly injured during a rescue mission. With a chance to retrain through an OU scholarship, he gained a Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care and now provides care for the elderly as a support worker.