Open University Update

The very considerable impact of the Open University on the lives and jobs of its students is highlighted by a new survey of more than 5,000 of its graduates. A large majority say that the effect of study has been beneficial. Some 57 per cent claim that their job performance or career prospects have improved as a result of their studies. Eight out of ten say the experience was good for them as individuals; but there were more mixed reactions about the social and domestic effects, and seven per cent said there were some bad effects on their family life. The main personal benefits reported in the survey were more self‐confidence, different perspectives, new ideas which could be put to practical use, increased initiative, and greater balance and maturity.