Societies are a recognised feature of student life in all universities and OUSA is very proud of its role in supporting O U students to establish their own, further enriching the study and lives of OUSA members. Societies formed by students are run autonomously by and for their members and currently there are around twenty different ones affiliated to OUSA.
Some Societies arose from related Open University courses and some are the consequence of interests or hobbies. All were initiated by small groups of enthusiasts wanting to share their passion with others. The majority of Societies offer membership not just to students but also to friends and families ensuring a real cross section of members.
Some of the larger, more established Societies organise regular meetings, revision weekends, conferences, outings and events; others might have modest numbers relying on newsletters in order to thrive. Some Societies require an annual membership fee to be paid, others subsist by voluntary donation. Occasionally defunct Societies fold and new ones come on board reflecting changing student interests and differing times.
The one thing that they have in common is that they are full of enthusiasts and supporters in different measures and small committees of devotees who ensure that the Societies continue to function. If you would like to be a part of any of the Societies listed below, further information about them can be obtained by using the websites links where provided or by contacting the Societies Desk, OUSA Office, PO Box 397, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6BE or telephone +44(0) 1908 652003 or fax +44 (0) 1908 654326. Alternatively, email the Societies Desk direct at ousa-societies@open.ac.uk
Change Ringers Society
Founded in 1979 a Society for bell ringers of all standards. 4 meetings a year are held countrywide.
Chemistry Society
Pursues the interest, understanding and appreciation of Chemistry. Day and weekend events organised.
Development & Environment Society
Anyone interested in third world development and environment is welcome. Organises events on a wide range of interesting topic.
Entrepreneurs Society
Creates a friendly space where all forms of enterprise are promoted, developed and supported. They offer training and development events, networking opportunities and a supportive community of like-minded people. Membership of the Society is open to all staff and current/ former students.
Physics Society
Aims to provide information on all aspects of physics with a newsletter and website, to foster communication between students, and between students and the Physics Dept, and to promote events such as lectures and visits to places of interest.
Geological Society
Encourages active friendly self help groups. Arranges lectures, get-togethers, field trips, national and local events. AGM with dinner dance and annual Symposium weekend.
History Society
Aims for the scholarly study of History, with quarterly magazine containing articles, reviews and members' research. Postal loan service of transcript library.
Life Sciences Society
We are a community of people interested in the Life Sciences whose full members are students, former students and staff of the Open University. Associate membership is
open to any other person. We encourage the exchange of ideas, theories and practices of Life Sciences and Health Sciences.
M500 Society.
If you are interested in mathematics, M500 could be a way of alleviating the isolation of studying alone. Forum for discussion, comment and argument, as well as fun!
Psychological Society
Provides support in Open University courses and offers opportunities to further interests in psychology.
Students for Ethical Science Society
Opposes harmful animal use in research and teaching in the Open University, and promotes the many alternatives available.
Mountaineering Society
For those interested in fell walking, mountain walking, climbing etc: for all levels of experience.
Music Society
A music lovers forum of information, advice & support. Promotion of performance of members' work with an Annual Music Day each summer. Contact: Linda Brown, 21 Kirby Road, Portsmouth Hants PO2 OPG lindabrown1@onetel.com
Poetry Society
Publishes a magazine five times a year with members' work and reviews. Yearly anthology of best work. Meetings and weekends with leading poets.
Shakespeare Society
Promotes and encourages the study of the works of William Shakespeare and organises cultural events.
Tadpoles Society
Members share skills, experiences, ideas & knowledge of creativity & personal growth in the spirit of ‘TAD292 Art and the environment’ 76-85. Events include spring bank holiday gathering.
Contact: Mrs Chris Nadin, Secretary, 14 Aspen Way, Tiverton EX16 6UJ