Louise Lyons

In her television career, Louise Lyons works behind the scenes, but her recent degree ceremony was a turn for the spotlight, as she celebrated gaining her Open University (OU) qualification. 

The art director and 3D (three dimensional) visualiser chose the OU for her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Open degree as it enabled her to continue working. 

Since her first television job on Noel’s House Party, Louise has worked on a host of drama and entertainment shows across almost 30 years. Her art directing credits include Taggart and productions with Alan Carr and Richard Osman. Louise also worked on a Sports Personality of the Year in Aberdeen.

Comic Relief and King Charles’ Christmas message, plus a Britian’s Got Talent special and a China Central Television show all feature among her visualisation and computer-aided design projects from the last decade. Louise is currently working on Channel Four News’ set for coverage of America’s presidential election. 

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, in Louise’s home city, was the setting for her degree ceremony. She says, “All my studies have enriched my life immeasurably.”

Before starting her OU journey in 2003, Louise “had thought of working in factual television where a degree would have been required”. She says, “I had always been aware that the OU is a well-known and very respected university.”

Open degree: choice of modules

Opting for an Open degree, Louise was able to select a range of modules, covering philosophy to biology. After a gap of many years, she returned to the OU during the first Covid lockdown. At certain points, she combined studies with caring for her mother.

I was always inspired by the idea that it is possible to do creative, artistic work as well as study, and even do science too. I feel very strongly about this. We know the latter requires creative thinking too."

“Being freelance I studied intensively in the weeks I was not filming and at weekends when not exhausted!” she says.   

“In recent years I also studied during lunchbreaks in the lighting gallery of the studios where I would be based. And even sometimes at the back of the set in the dark on my laptop at quiet moments in filming.

“I was always inspired by the idea that it is possible to do creative, artistic work as well as study, and even do science too. I feel very strongly about this. We know the latter requires creative thinking too.

“I had been surprised at how much more exciting the course material made the subjects than I had imagined.

“From philosophical questions about whether living things have intrinsic value, to the biology of what makes a thing living - the very molecules that make a cell not just a ball of chemicals.

Tutor encouragement

“There were a number of tutors too who were very encouraging and motivating in both my areas of study. And working on projects in groups with other students was really inspiring.” 

A number of tutors were very encouraging and motivating in both my areas of study. And working on projects in groups with other students was really inspiring."

The 59-year-old says, “Studying philosophy changed me hugely in my thinking and my ability to be disciplined with time management.

“Studying molecular biology was more fascinating even than when I loved biology as a schoolgirl.

"I had hoped to go to university to study biology, but life had taken a different route, away from science to art.  

“So, to find I had the ability to study science subjects even at this age and to complete my degree with the module Biological science: from genes to species gave me a great sense of satisfaction.

“I do feel my studying has made me more thorough in my thinking on all kinds of subjects and issues, as we should expect from university study. 

“It has made me certain of the need to question everything and the equal need to use logic in doing so.”

Louise had been able to use credit from non-OU studies – a Higher National Diploma in Spatial Design, and study towards a Master of Arts degree in Scenography – towards her OU qualification.  

Enjoyment in learning

She says, “I advise anyone thinking of studying with the OU to choose a subject which they really enjoy learning about. Maybe that they are even passionate about – however that can grow.  

If you want to keep picking up the books on a subject even when you are tired and find yourself wanting to squeeze more learning into free moments in the week and weekends, that’s a good sign!"

“It’s that simple, because then you will always find the time and stay driven over the years required.  

“If you want to keep picking up the books on a subject even when you are tired and find yourself wanting to squeeze more learning into free moments in the week and weekends, that’s a good sign! All the other life factors can be dealt with if you start from this, I believe.

“If you have a goal it will keep you motivated when you hit less interesting sections in your module. 

“However, if you don’t have a clear ultimate aim, don’t worry. Just keep in mind that your studies will be extremely useful in the future in ways you don’t even know yet and will lead to clarifying your aims over time, so keep going. 

“Always keep going.”

Photo by Kathryn Tuckerman