Open University

The Open University (OU) is the British 'open' learning university, established in 1969. The majority of students are based in the UK however its courses are also studied in the rest of Europe, in Africa and the Far East. The administration is based at Walton Hall, Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire although it has offices in each of its thirteen regions around the UK. It awards undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, diplomas and certificates.

Research

Like other UK universities, the OU actively engages in research. The OU's Planetary Sciences Research Institute has become particularly well known to the public through the Beagle 2 Mars space probe project led by Professor Colin Pillinger, head of the Institute.

Related Topics:
Planetary Sciences Research Institute - Beagle 2 - Mars - Professor - Colin Pillinger

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The OU now employs over 500 people engaged in research in over 25 areas, and there are over 1,200 research students. It spends approximately £20 million each year on research, around £6 million from the Higher Education Funding Council for England, the remainder from external funders.

Related Topics:
£ - Higher Education Funding Council for England

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