The Open University, established by Royal Charter on 23 April 1969 is the leading university of flexible, innovative teaching and world-leading research in the United Kingdom and in 157 countries worldwide.  Uniquely placed to understand the needs of part-time students, combining their learning while earning the Open Universities innovative, award-winning distance teaching credentials have seen over 2 million students receive an education.  The Open University’s mission is to be open to people, places, methods and ideas.  They promote educational opportunity and social justice by providing high-quality university education to all who wish to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.  Through academic research, pedagogic innovation and collaborative partnership, The Open University seeks to be a world leader in the design, content and delivery of supported open learning.