Get Involved
How you can get involved and contribute to change
Here you can explore what opportunities are available for you to get involved in developing the student experience at the OU
Are you interested in being a member of a Periodic Quality Review Panel? We are advertising for a Student Reviewer for the School of Mathematics & Statistics.
Location: At home / online Duration: On-going Dedication: On-going
Posted on:
Periodic Quality Review (PQR) is an internal six-yearly review of taught provision within an OU subject area.
PQR reviews the student experience and academic standards, to help us meet external regulatory body requirements within the four UK nations, such as those of the Office for Students (OfS) and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
Working with three other Panel members, including two internal members of staff and an external colleague with subject expertise, the Student Reviewer will review and evaluate the management and operation of academic provision within the School. We will provide you with training and pay you £484.33 (subject to cost-of-living increases, National Insurance and tax deductions).
The role of Student Reviewer offers a unique opportunity to help to enhance the experience of students within the School of Mathematics & Statistics and work closely with senior academic colleagues to learn more about the Open University and how it works from an ‘insider perspective’. From a professional development perspective, being a Student Reviewer demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate information sets and findings from discussions, which is an important academic and professional skill.
Eligibility
To be eligible for consideration for this particular PQR opportunity:
• You must be a taught student. This means that you must be studying, or have previously studied within 12 months of the date of your application, a taught undergraduate or postgraduate module/qualification and achieved a minimum of 60-credits.
• You must not be a student of the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) and must not have studied in this area at any point within the last six years.
Time Required for Review Activities
• You must be available on 3 November 2026 (between 9.00 am and 17.00) to participate in the Maths & Stats PQR event.
• You must also be able to attend the following meetings taking place in advance of the PQR event on 3 November:
Date Time Meeting 22 September 14.00-16.00 Panel Pre-meeting 1 22 September 17.00-19.00 Panel meeting with students 1 October 10.00-11.30 Panel meeting with Associate Lecturers 1 October 14.00-15.30 Panel meeting with External Advisers 6 October 11.00-13.00 Panel Pre-meeting 2
• You will need to dedicate time to reading the Self Evaluation Document and Supporting Documentation in advance of the first Panel pre-meeting on 22 September. It is anticipated that this documentation will be available from the beginning of August.
• You should also be able to contribute to the first draft of the Maths & Stats PQR report, prepared by the PQR Manager, by reviewing it and providing comments.
All meetings, including the event on 3 November 2026, will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams, with no travel to Milton Keynes required at any stage.
Appointment Process
All applications received will be reviewed against the criteria by a small team, comprising a student representative from the OpenSU (OU Students Union) and members of staff from the Academic Quality & Standards Team. The application process does not involve interviews. The successful applicant will be required to attend a one-hour training session at a mutually convenient time prior to 1 August 2026.
Further Details
If you are interested in applying, please email the Academic Quality and Standards Team for an application form: aqs-mailbox@open.ac.uk. They will also be able to send you the full role description.
If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process or the role, please contact us at the same email address.
The closing date for receipt of applications is midday on Tuesday 5 May 2026.
Student reviewers must be eligible to work in the UK and a Right to Work Check will be conducted.
National Student Survey 2026 - receive a thank you voucher for completing the survey
Location: At home / online Duration: Flexible Dedication: Less than 1 hour
Posted on:
The National Student Survey is now open! If you’re eligible, you’ll have received an email with a personalised link. You can also access the survey via the https://www.thestudentsurvey.com/faqs/ or by clicking the button below. This is your chance to share honest feedback about your experience at The Open University. Your input helps us improve teaching, assessment, and student support. Complete by 6 February for a £5 Love2shop e-voucher, and enter the additional prize draw for vouchers up to £500 if you complete by 30 April.
Your feedback shapes real changes at the OU. Results are published nationally, showing how we compare across the sector.
Participation is voluntary, but every response counts toward improving the OU experience. Take the survey now: https://www.thestudentsurvey.com/faqs/
Find out moreSign up to the Student Voice and Student Consultation mailing list
Location: At home / online Duration: Flexible Dedication: Flexible
Posted on:
Sign up to the Student Voice mailing list to find out about all current opportunities that need your opinion, your voice, to make changes within the OU.
Please click on the 'find out more' button to be redirected to the mailing list sign up document.
Find out moreDo you have a passion for the environment and/or sustainability at the OU?
Location: At home / online Duration: Flexible Dedication: Flexible
Posted on:
If you have a passion for the environment or a general interest in making things more sustainable, then OpenSU would love to hear from you!
Join the Environmental and Sustainability Society, which is for students, former students, and staff of The Open University, as well as others who advocate our society’s aims. “We envision a regenerative world, working together towards sustainable practices for a healthy environment, without compromising on the needs of future generations”.
The society members will support activities, events, and environmental action in the community and as individuals. The society are looking for help as it grows so if you are interested in joining as a member or a volunteer, contact us by following the link on the 'find out more' button. The link will take you direct to an article with much more information and contact details.
Find out more
