After 15 years at the helm, the director of the Open University (OU) in Northern Ireland is stepping down, marking the end of a transformative era that saw the institution evolve from a "best-kept secret" to a fully recognised third university for the region.
From 'Secret' to Established Institution
John D'Arcy, who took on the director role in 2015, said he felt the time was right to move on, both personally and professionally. Reflecting on his initial goal of connecting with the local community, Mr D'Arcy stated that a key objective was to secure the OU's place alongside Queen's University and Ulster University. "My thing was, if you want to be called one of three universities in Northern Ireland, you've got to be playing your part," he explained.
This ambition has been realised, with the Minister for the Economy now routinely referring to the "three universities," and the OU consistently included in high-level governmental discussions. A pivotal shift occurred in 2013 when funding responsibility moved from London to Stormont, embedding the institution more deeply within Northern Ireland's educational landscape.
Explosive Growth and Diverse Student Body
The impact of this strategic focus is clear in the student numbers. From 4,225 registered students in Northern Ireland during the 2019/20 academic year, enrolment surged to 7,430 by 2022/23 – a dramatic increase of 76%. The student body is notably diverse, encompassing professionals, pensioners, young people, and even prisoners across the island of Ireland.
Mr D'Arcy highlighted the breadth of the OU's curriculum, which counters any perception of it being limited to arts and humanities. "We have got a nursing programme... We do a lot of hard sciences, like physics, chemistry, engineering," he said. IT and cyber security have been major growth areas, including the recent launch of the UK's first part-time computing with artificial intelligence degree.
He also emphasised the flexibility of the OU model, where learners can take single modules for career advancement without committing to a full degree. With fees supported by departmental grants and part-time student loans, Mr D'Arcy stressed the institution's affordability and cost-effectiveness, noting it operates without the overhead of traditional campus buildings.
A Legacy of Partnership and Accessible Learning
Under Mr D'Arcy's leadership, the OU forged significant partnerships with Queen's University, Ulster University, further education colleges, Libraries NI, and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. These collaborations have been central to adding value to the wider educational ecosystem.
The director spoke fondly of graduation ceremonies, where personal triumphs are most visible. He recalled one graduate remarking, "very good for somebody didn't get their 11 plus and has no GCSEs," after an eight-year learning journey. "A lot of people come back to learn, it's not necessarily to get a job, it's that pursuit of knowledge, mental well being as well," Mr D'Arcy reflected.
Looking ahead, he identified raising awareness among younger students and schools as a continuing opportunity. The OU's free OpenLearn platform was highlighted as a crucial tool in an era of abundant online information, providing quality-assured, credible academic content.
As he prepares to depart, John D'Arcy leaves an institution that has firmly cemented its status, moving decisively from the periphery to the heart of Northern Ireland's higher education and skills agenda.
