A Scottish supermodel is to receive an honorary degree from the Open University as the institution celebrates 50 years of graduation ceremonies in Scotland . Eunice Olumide, who will be recognised for her contribution to arts , culture and social justice in the UK, described the award as an “incredible honour". More than 650 students will cross the stage during this year’s graduation ceremony in Glasgow, which will also feature a speech from Open University success-story Carol Hunter .
The event will feature graduates from as far north as Shetland and as far south as Stranraer, with ages ranging from a low of 20 to a high of 84. Half of the attendees at the 2024 graduation ceremony are the first in their family to study a higher education level, and nearly two-thirds received a grant towards their part-time fees. A total of 25% have a declared disability, significantly higher than the average figures for UK university entrants.
In addition to graduates from Scotland, the ceremony will also recognise 66 students – ten percent of the total – from across Europe and the USA. Established in 1969, the Open University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses , the majority of which have no entry requirements , which are completed using a flexible, distance learning model . Completion of an undergraduate degree typically takes six years for part-time students and costs around £7,000 , although funding of up to 100 % is available based on household income.