On this day in UK history – 11th January

On this day in UK history:

11^th January 1973 – The first 867 graduates from the Open University (OU) were awarded their degrees after studying from home. 1000 students sat the final exams and 867 students were successful.

The Open University’s (OU) first students were enrolled in 1971.

The idea to learn from home was originally designed to appeal to mature students however things have changed and now courses are offered to students of all ages.

The OU offer a variety of courses - the list of courses can be found here: http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/atoz/allcourses.htm

By 2010 the OU had educated more than 1.5 million students.

Notable alumni / graduates and honourees:

• ·         Joan Armatrading – singer / songwriter & guitarist
• ·         Lenny Henry – entertainer
• ·         Air Chief Marshal Sir Brian Burridge – Royal Air Force officer
• ·         Elizabeth Arnold – children’s author
• ·         David Wilkinson – psychologist / ambiguity theorist and Oxford academic
• ·         Mylene Klass – actress and media personality