The Open University in Northern Ireland

"Support helped me find my way back."

While training to become a Registered Mental Health Nurse, Cheryl faced addiction and stepped away from her studies to focus on recovery.

When she was ready to return, The Open University was ready to support her. Tutors and staff checked in, listened and helped her rebuild the confidence to keep moving towards the career she knew she wanted.

Because sometimes support isn't about deadlines or modules. It's about having people who understand what you're going through. Today, Cheryl is heading into her fourth year of sobriety and working in her dream role with Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

Her story is a reminder that the right support can change everything.

We do university differently. Because community isn’t a campus, it’s people.

Global university. Dedicated mental health support when you need it.

That’s university done differently.

https://ow.ly/Z5ww50Z70Ma

Online Learning Courses and Adult Education - The Open University The Open University offers flexible full-time and part-time study, supported distance and open learning for undergraduate and postgraduate courses and qualifications.

See a future in tech?

Join The Open University Computing & IT Virtual Open Day on 18 June at 12pm to explore career-boosting courses in AI, cyber security and more, all with dedicated tutor support.

Book your place now: https://ow.ly/urNA50YVxCW

Caring can shape the rhythm of every day. For Alexandra McDonnell-Hill, from Belfast, that means balancing work, family life, study and support for her mum.

Alexandra is studying English Literature and Creative Writing with The Open University. It is her first time studying at university, following an OU-funded Access course that helped her prepare for higher education.

Alongside her studies, Alexandra works as a childminder and supports her mum, who has sight and hearing disabilities, with day-to-day outings, companionship and independent living.

For Alexandra, studying has become something of her own. A chance to build confidence, grow as a writer and share what she is learning with her mum.

“I’m learning so much,” Alexandra says. “And not just for myself. I talk to my mum about what I’m learning every day.”

Her journey shows what can be possible when study is flexible enough to fit around real life.

This Carers Week, we’re sharing The Open University’s Carers’ Scholarship, which could help eligible unpaid carers study an OU undergraduate qualification for free.

Check whether you could be eligible: https://ow.ly/NZWt50Z8PE4

Unpaid carers give so much to the people around them, often while balancing work, family, finances and their own future plans.

This Carers Week, we’re sharing The Open University’s Carers’ Scholarship, which could help eligible unpaid carers study an OU undergraduate qualification for free.

With flexible study built around real life, it could be a chance to take a step for yourself.

Check whether you could be eligible: https://ow.ly/l1tH50Z8NlC

In light of recent events and further planned road closures and protest activity across the city, we have taken the decision to postpone today’s event.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. We will contact you shortly with details of a rescheduled date and look forward to welcoming you then.

Thank you for your understanding.

"I wanted a future that felt meaningful."

For Matthew, studying Psychology with The Open University was about more than gaining a qualification. It was about building a new direction for his life.

While working full-time, he accessed Careers and Employability Services that helped him turn ambition into action.

From CV support and interview preparation to careers advice shaped around his goals and the local job market, he had support at every stage.

And with each step, his confidence grew.

Matthew moved into the mental health sector, joined Inspire Wellbeing and was progressed from support worker to mental health project worker.

A new career. A healthier life. A future he chose for himself.

We do university differently. Because community isn’t a campus, it’s people.

Global university. Careers support from day one to graduation and beyond.

That’s university done differently.

https://ow.ly/PKrI50Z70Hk

Online Learning Courses and Adult Education - The Open University The Open University offers flexible full-time and part-time study, supported distance and open learning for undergraduate and postgraduate courses and qualifications.

What does ageing well mean to you?

Join us at Shankill Road Library for a free community event exploring brain health, wellbeing and positive ageing.

Discover The Open University's Future Life Toolkit – a practical resource designed to help people think positively about later life, stay connected, support their wellbeing and make informed choices for the future.

Hear from expert speakers including Dr Sinéad Eccles from The Open University and the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, and take away practical tips to support healthy ageing at every stage of life.

📅 Wednesday 10 June
🕑 2pm–4pm
📍 Shankill Road Library
🎟 Free to attend

Whether you're planning for your own future, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in learning more about healthy ageing, everyone is welcome.

Book your place today: https://ow.ly/wnoJ50Z65YM

We are proud to be working in partnership with Libraries NI and The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland as part of the Belfast Learning Festival, alongside Belfast City Council and Belfast Learning City.