Once again this past week we’ve been busy scanning across the internet to find the latest information and Open University courses.  This week we take a look at the OU job cuts, related strike action and a have a nice leisurely trip around Ireland. Remember, if there’s a free course or bit of news on the agenda then hopefully we will pick it up and stick it on the next Open University news. 

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) at the Open University will present a petition opposing the closure of seven regional centres to the university’s pro-chancellor Richard Gillingwater ahead of a crucial Council meeting today. The current proposals would result in the closure of offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Gateshead, Leeds, London and Oxford, leading to a loss of 502 jobs.

You can find out more about the petition here

Comments on this story

You go on strike then. Nobody could give a tupenny piece. Every village now has a university. All will be cheaper than the OU, which was only set up in the first place to try and give degrees to schoolteachers.

It may well have been set up for teachers. However over the years it has provided far more than that and for every one

*****

BRISTOL Open University staff are striking in a row over job cuts. Members of the University and College Union (UCU) at the Bristol Open University Regional Centre will walk out this Wednesday, November 25 and again on Tuesday, December 8.

Read more about the Bristol job cuts

*****

After trips around the Equator, Tropic of Capricorn, Indian Ocean, the Holy Land Australia and the Caribbean (amongst other places) in recent years, Simon Reeve’s latest series sees him exploring a culture a little closer to home. The new two-part documentary starting tonight follows Simon as he travels around the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which make up one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It is a place steeped in culture, history and belief, but one with a complex and troubled past.

Read more about Simon’s trip around Ireland

*****

You can read previous posts by clicking here!

Did you enjoy this article or find it useful? Please LIKE/TWEET/SHARE and drop a comment below with your thoughts.

open-university-study-guide

The Open University study guide is now available! Click on this image to find out more.