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Celebrating 25 years of The Open University Law School

Milestones of the past 25 years

New LLB in 2004 with more choice, 17 new or updated modules, Consideration of post-Brexit legal landscape, EDI informed, SQE pathway - 3 additional modules. LLM review, growing PhD programme, and more world leading research. With the Twitter hashtag #OULS_25 at the top right hand corner.

Founded in 1997, The Open University Law School launched the UK's first distance taught law degree in partnership with the College of Law.

Check out this timeline to learn more about our journey over the last 25 years.

View the timeline

The year 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of The Open University Law School (OULS) and we want to celebrate with you!

Keep an eye out for fascinating student and staff stories dating back over the past 25 years.

Over the course of this milestone year, we hope you will join us as we marvel at the unstoppable nature of our flourishing alumni, recognise the research that is contributing to a better future, and observe how truly impactful our work is.

OULS academics supported BAFTA nominated BBC/OU co-productions. The number of countries OULS alumni are located in are 57. 11,500 graduates with a LLB and/or Bachelor degree in Law. 12,000 alumni. The Open Justice Centre established in 2016 empowers students to deliver social justice. 60,000 students over 25 years. The first OULS Research Excellence Framework submission resulted in two-thirds of OULS impact cases rated as internationally excellent. The largest Law School in Europe. With the Twitter hashtag #OULS_25 at the bottom right hand side corner.

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Study with us

We offer a variety of study options, from undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to short courses or free, informal learning.

The law in 2048

Where do you see the law in 25 years’ time? Read responses in this series of blogs from our students and staff.

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Update your details 

Have you updated your contact details? Complete this form to stay in touch for upcoming OU related news and updates.

Read about some of our amazing alumni

Photograph of Sarah Tutsel Buse

I’ve done this to change my career. I never wanted to go back to pubs and bars! I’d love to stay on with the Open Justice Centre, or to help people in some capacity, perhaps with Citizen’s Advice or in HR or contract law.

I’d also like to be an Associate Lecturer with the OU … and I’m now considering doing an OU Master’s Degree too. Watch this space!

Sarah Tutssel-Buse

 Read her story
Photograph of Harry Goodwin

My tutors really inspired me during my studies as they championed people sharing ideas and values.

It enabled great discussion, whilst building everyone’s confidence and realising that different backgrounds just means different experiences, and that we should embrace our differences and utilise these for the greater good and our own personal development.

Harry Goodwin 

Read his story

How you can get involved

We'd love to hear about your journey with The Open University Law School:

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