Happy 50th birthday, Open University!

Today is the 50th anniversary of the day that the Open University received its Royal Charter – in effect, its 50th birthday.

UNISON has been working with the Open University since 1997 – and during that time thousands of members have enrolled in a wide range of accredited courses, all the way up to degree level.

Many of those members have applied to our bursary scheme and received financial support to help them cover the cost of their degree.

Hundreds of professional development workshops have helped learners build their skills and confidence in workplaces across the country.

And UNISON members have also been able to take advantage of free online learning via OpenLearn, including a suite of six badged modules developed in collaboration with the Social Partnerships Network.

The Open University’s belief that education should be open to everyone who has the determination to change their lives is one that UNISON shares.

Here’s to the next 50 years!

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