As well as being a provider of education nationally, The Open University is involved in a number of local projects and partnerships, contributing to education and the local economy.
top
Local colleges and universities provide facilities for Open University staff to meet their students for tutorials at the following places in the South West:
Barnstaple, Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham, Chippenham, Exeter, Gloucester, Plymouth, Redruth, St Austell, Swindon, Taunton, Torquay, Weston super Mare, Yeovil.
Where appropriate, venues other than colleges and universities are used. Tutorials are held at selected locations depending on level of student demand.
The Open University has always aimed to make higher education accessible to people unable to pursue the traditional routes to university study. In response to government requirements we are taking further practical measures to realise our vision of a university "open as to people, places, ideas and methods".
The Open University in the South West works with community groups across the region to raise awareness of Open University courses and to develop ideas for overcoming any barriers to Open University study.
We welcome the opportunity to present information on our programme at community events and meetings. For further information, contact Martin Higginson at the regional centre
Our widening participation strategy also focuses on increasing numbers of disabled undergraduate students. We are taking steps to ensure that students with disabilities have every opportunity to succeed. Further information is available from the regional centre
View the OU Widening Participation web site
Over 3000 employers in the South West have sponsored their employees on Open University courses. As well as offering a cost effective high quality solution to staff development and training needs, The Open University works with businesses in the following ways:
The Open University in the South West contributes to the provision of information advice and guidance (IAG) about educational opportunities for adults through its Regional Centre at Bristol. Our main focus is on the University’s own courses and qualifications though, where appropriate, we refer enquirers to other IAG services with which we are affiliated.
Each network offers information, advice and guidance concerning education and career opportunities within a given county or other local authority area.
The Guidance Council provides details of other IAG networks outside these areas: www.guidancecouncil.com
The Open University is a member of the Higher Education Regional Development Association - South West (HERDA-SW), the association of HE institutions in the South West. It has the joint aims of extending higher education's contribution to sustainable regional development and competitiveness and influencing and shaping the social and economic agenda in the South West by appropriate joint action.
There are a number of herda-sw projects that support activities in the region. These include:
For further details of the association and projects visit the website at http://www.herda-sw.ac.uk/
The South West Lifelong Learning Network (SWLLN) is a new Partnership which aims to create a greater quality of choice in Higher Education for work-based, vocational learners in the region. It is part of a national Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) initiative.
The SWLLN is uniting with universities and colleges, employers and other organisations across the region to improve the quality of choice in Higher Education for work-based learners.
Flexible, bite-size university-level courses are being developed which are ideal for people who are in work or have other commitments and will be more affordable as they can pay as they go.
The courses will specifically relate to key sectors in the South West such as Public Services, Heritage, Tourism and Hospitality and will give learners the knowledge and skills needed in the work place.
Learners will be able to move between programmes and establishments as credit and progression agreements are strengthened. The SWLLN is also working with current information, advice and guidance providers to enhance support for learners in the region.
The Open University’s involvement with the SWLLN includes:
visit: www.swlln.ac.uk for more information
