Caroline Clayton

Southampton-based Caroline Clayton (pictured), who turned 25 this August, graduated with her Law degree in 2022.

Her successful OU studies earned a place at the University of Cambridge for a Master of Studies (MSt) in AI, Society & Ethics. This is examining AI-related issues such as governance, data justice, fairness, misinformation and privacy through ethical, philosophical, historical and sociological perspectives.

She is also a Senior Policy Advisor for the UK’s consumer champion, Which?, working in the Digital and Data Policy team on areas such as artificial intelligence and smart data recently.

Caroline said: “After completing my A-Levels, I struggled to find a study method I enjoyed. Traditional classroom settings and fixed timetables didn’t suit my learning style so I chose to study with the OU. I was aware of their distance learning and flexible approach, and thought this would really suit me.”

It allowed Caroline to pursue part-time work with Citizens Advice, as well as volunteering with both the Child Poverty Action Group and the Riding for Disabled Association, during her studies.

She also actively grabbed OU-promoted opportunities such as an essay competition organised by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, working over the summer of 2020 and eventually awarded first prize by Lord Neuberger as an early Christmas present.

Part of the Open Justice Centre’s pro bono Law Clinic, Caroline also enjoyed collaborating with another OU student to encourage other young students to connect during studying.

She added: “I’ve always had really positive engagement in response to my experience gained at the OU. I think it goes a long way in proving your resilience, organisational and time-keeping skills.

“My academic studies with both the OU and at Cambridge have prepared me for a career in digital policy, focusing on areas increasingly impacted by the proliferation of AI and digitalisation.”