Founded in 1969, The Open University is the largest academic institution in the United Kingdom by student number. As a public research university, it specializes in distance and online learning, making higher education accessible to students worldwide through innovative teaching methods and technology
200000
total students
34
undergraduate age under25
8599
overseas students
middle states commission
The OU provides comprehensive career development through its Careers and Employability Services (CES). Services include career planning, employer events, interactive career tools, and one-to-one consultations. Support continues for three years after graduation
These are the expert instructors who will be teaching you throughout the course. With a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, they’re here to guide, inspire, and support you every step of the way. Get to know the people who will help you reach your learning goals and make the most of your journey.
Strategic Marketing Expert and Social Innovation Scholar
Dr. Haider Ali serves as a Senior Lecturer in Strategic Marketing at The Open University's Faculty of Business & Law, where he currently holds the position of Director of Microcredentials and Short Courses. His academic journey includes a BSc from LSE, an MPhil from Cranfield School of Management, and a PhD from Imperial College, with research focusing on start-up businesses. Since joining The Open University in 1999, he has developed extensive expertise in social marketing and sustainable business practices. His international experience spans multiple countries including India, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, where he has conducted consulting, training, and teaching work. On Coursera, he leads four significant courses focused on sustainable business strategies: "Critical thinking for sustainable business solutions," "From prototyping to validating business models," "Thinking about sustainable business systemically," and "Understanding the need for a sustainable business." His research since 2002 has concentrated on social marketing, including evaluation projects related to health services and cardiac patients. He has secured funding from organizations like the British Heart Foundation and has published in prestigious journals including the Journal of Marketing Management. As a guest lecturer at the London School of Economics and an Academic Reviewer for the Arab Open University, he continues to influence business education globally while maintaining his role in developing innovative online teaching methodologies.