Donna Smith
@drdonnasmith.bsky.social
Open University Politics Senior Lecturer, Director of OU Tuition Programme. PFHEA. CMgr MCMI. CODE Fellow. Political Studies Association Honorary Secretary. Views own.
Pinned
Donna Smith
@drdonnasmith.bsky.social
· Nov 29
The Open University
A report published by The Open University today shows that young people in Wales are more likely to be dissatisfied with democracy and less likely to participate in formal politics. The research fol...
www5.open.ac.uk
Delighted the Changemakers website and report has been published this week! Check out what young people in Wales understand about politics and making change, our policy recommendations, and the website we created that helps Welsh citizens to make change!
www5.open.ac.uk/wales/en/new...
www5.open.ac.uk/wales/en/new...
Reposted by Donna Smith
*PSA Resource* Read and share our NEW 'Guide to Studying #Politics & #InternationalRelations at University'
➡️ Studying #PIR helps develop sought-after critical thinking, analytical and communication skills.
➡️ Discover what a Politics degree can offer, and where it can take you.
buff.ly/T1BCZ8a
➡️ Studying #PIR helps develop sought-after critical thinking, analytical and communication skills.
➡️ Discover what a Politics degree can offer, and where it can take you.
buff.ly/T1BCZ8a
buff.ly
January 8, 2026 at 6:02 PM
*PSA Resource* Read and share our NEW 'Guide to Studying #Politics & #InternationalRelations at University'
➡️ Studying #PIR helps develop sought-after critical thinking, analytical and communication skills.
➡️ Discover what a Politics degree can offer, and where it can take you.
buff.ly/T1BCZ8a
➡️ Studying #PIR helps develop sought-after critical thinking, analytical and communication skills.
➡️ Discover what a Politics degree can offer, and where it can take you.
buff.ly/T1BCZ8a
Reposted by Donna Smith
*PSA PRIZES* APSA-PSA International Partnership Award
🏅 Awarding political scientists engaged in collaborative & productive cross-national partnerships in the areas of teaching, research, or civic engagement.
📆 Application deadline 11 February 2026
➡️
🏅 Awarding political scientists engaged in collaborative & productive cross-national partnerships in the areas of teaching, research, or civic engagement.
📆 Application deadline 11 February 2026
➡️
APSA-PSA International Partnership Award - Political Studies Association
The APSA-PSA International Partnerships Award honours political scientists engaged in collaborative and productive cross-national partnerships that make a
buff.ly
January 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM
*PSA PRIZES* APSA-PSA International Partnership Award
🏅 Awarding political scientists engaged in collaborative & productive cross-national partnerships in the areas of teaching, research, or civic engagement.
📆 Application deadline 11 February 2026
➡️
🏅 Awarding political scientists engaged in collaborative & productive cross-national partnerships in the areas of teaching, research, or civic engagement.
📆 Application deadline 11 February 2026
➡️
Reposted by Donna Smith
🚨Tomorrow🚨TLN Webinar: ‘Using Objects to Enhance Learning in Political Science Education’ with William L Allen @unisouthampton.bsky.social
📆 13 Jan, 12.30pm, Online
➡️ Discover how object-based learning can help convey, capture, and express complex ideas.
FREE and open to all
📆 13 Jan, 12.30pm, Online
➡️ Discover how object-based learning can help convey, capture, and express complex ideas.
FREE and open to all
TLN Webinar: Using Objects to Enhance Learning in Political Science Education - Political Studies Association
Most higher education teaching activities rely on texts. By contrast, I argue object-based learning—or using physical materials to convey, capture, and
buff.ly
January 12, 2026 at 8:15 AM
🚨Tomorrow🚨TLN Webinar: ‘Using Objects to Enhance Learning in Political Science Education’ with William L Allen @unisouthampton.bsky.social
📆 13 Jan, 12.30pm, Online
➡️ Discover how object-based learning can help convey, capture, and express complex ideas.
FREE and open to all
📆 13 Jan, 12.30pm, Online
➡️ Discover how object-based learning can help convey, capture, and express complex ideas.
FREE and open to all
Reposted by Donna Smith
🌟NEW PSA Website🌟 We start the new year with the launch of our new website! This first phase of development coincides with other digital initiatives including a new 'My Membership' area and new membership database. Ongoing developments will continue this year.
🎉Enjoy the new site buff.ly/67rovjj
🎉Enjoy the new site buff.ly/67rovjj
January 12, 2026 at 11:13 AM
🌟NEW PSA Website🌟 We start the new year with the launch of our new website! This first phase of development coincides with other digital initiatives including a new 'My Membership' area and new membership database. Ongoing developments will continue this year.
🎉Enjoy the new site buff.ly/67rovjj
🎉Enjoy the new site buff.ly/67rovjj
Reposted by Donna Smith
Still time to sign up to both webinars - open to students and the general public👇
Want to learn more about how UK Parliament works? Sign up to 2 events, available to students & public.
Webinar 1: Intro to Your UK Parliament 27 Jan 6pm events.teams.microsoft.com/event/54f0ff...
@oupips.bsky.social @ukparliament.parliament.uk #UKPW
Webinar 1: Intro to Your UK Parliament 27 Jan 6pm events.teams.microsoft.com/event/54f0ff...
@oupips.bsky.social @ukparliament.parliament.uk #UKPW
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
events.teams.microsoft.com
January 5, 2026 at 1:31 PM
Still time to sign up to both webinars - open to students and the general public👇
Reposted by Donna Smith
🌟PSA PRIZES🌟 Nominate by 1 December!
🏅 We invite prize nominations for outstanding Research, Professional Contributions and Teaching & Learning.
📆 Deadline for nominations 1 December 2025
➡️ Full details, eligibility, guidelines and forms online
🏅 We invite prize nominations for outstanding Research, Professional Contributions and Teaching & Learning.
📆 Deadline for nominations 1 December 2025
➡️ Full details, eligibility, guidelines and forms online
Academic Prizes Overview | The Political Studies Association (PSA)
Become a member Log in
buff.ly
November 26, 2025 at 11:13 AM
🌟PSA PRIZES🌟 Nominate by 1 December!
🏅 We invite prize nominations for outstanding Research, Professional Contributions and Teaching & Learning.
📆 Deadline for nominations 1 December 2025
➡️ Full details, eligibility, guidelines and forms online
🏅 We invite prize nominations for outstanding Research, Professional Contributions and Teaching & Learning.
📆 Deadline for nominations 1 December 2025
➡️ Full details, eligibility, guidelines and forms online
Reposted by Donna Smith
Webinar 2: Get Your Voice Heard in UK Parliament 4 Feb 6pm events.teams.microsoft.com/event/828506...
@oupips.bsky.social @ukparliament.parliament.uk #UKPW
@oupips.bsky.social @ukparliament.parliament.uk #UKPW
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
events.teams.microsoft.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Webinar 2: Get Your Voice Heard in UK Parliament 4 Feb 6pm events.teams.microsoft.com/event/828506...
@oupips.bsky.social @ukparliament.parliament.uk #UKPW
@oupips.bsky.social @ukparliament.parliament.uk #UKPW
Reposted by Donna Smith
Want to learn more about how UK Parliament works? Sign up to 2 events, available to students & public.
Webinar 1: Intro to Your UK Parliament 27 Jan 6pm events.teams.microsoft.com/event/54f0ff...
@oupips.bsky.social @ukparliament.parliament.uk #UKPW
Webinar 1: Intro to Your UK Parliament 27 Jan 6pm events.teams.microsoft.com/event/54f0ff...
@oupips.bsky.social @ukparliament.parliament.uk #UKPW
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
events.teams.microsoft.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Want to learn more about how UK Parliament works? Sign up to 2 events, available to students & public.
Webinar 1: Intro to Your UK Parliament 27 Jan 6pm events.teams.microsoft.com/event/54f0ff...
@oupips.bsky.social @ukparliament.parliament.uk #UKPW
Webinar 1: Intro to Your UK Parliament 27 Jan 6pm events.teams.microsoft.com/event/54f0ff...
@oupips.bsky.social @ukparliament.parliament.uk #UKPW
Reposted by Donna Smith
Are you an @openuniversity.bsky.social student interested in speaking to other students about politics? If so, join @oupips.bsky.social – a great way to mark UK Parliament Week! #UKPW
Find out more here: oupips.org.uk
@ukparliament.parliament.uk
Find out more here: oupips.org.uk
@ukparliament.parliament.uk
OU PIPS
OU Politics, International Relations and Policy Society
oupips.org.uk
November 25, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Are you an @openuniversity.bsky.social student interested in speaking to other students about politics? If so, join @oupips.bsky.social – a great way to mark UK Parliament Week! #UKPW
Find out more here: oupips.org.uk
@ukparliament.parliament.uk
Find out more here: oupips.org.uk
@ukparliament.parliament.uk
Reposted by Donna Smith
UK Parliament Week #UKPW is back to spread the word about what #Parliament is. Get started with the free
Open Learn course - Introduction to making political & social change.
Check out the video: youtu.be/pq9bDCrjFFw
@ukparliament.parliament.uk @oupips.bsky.social
Open Learn course - Introduction to making political & social change.
Check out the video: youtu.be/pq9bDCrjFFw
@ukparliament.parliament.uk @oupips.bsky.social
Introduction to making political and social change (Free Course Trailer)
YouTube video by OpenLearn from The Open University
youtu.be
November 25, 2025 at 10:08 AM
UK Parliament Week #UKPW is back to spread the word about what #Parliament is. Get started with the free
Open Learn course - Introduction to making political & social change.
Check out the video: youtu.be/pq9bDCrjFFw
@ukparliament.parliament.uk @oupips.bsky.social
Open Learn course - Introduction to making political & social change.
Check out the video: youtu.be/pq9bDCrjFFw
@ukparliament.parliament.uk @oupips.bsky.social
Sign up to this great free course about making political change #UKPW
UK Parliament Week starts today, raising awareness of @ukparliament.parliament.uk & how to get involved! @oupolitics.bsky.social academics are working with #UKPW again to educate more people on how they can make political change:
www.open.edu/openlearn/so...
oupips.bsky.social
www.open.edu/openlearn/so...
oupips.bsky.social
Introduction to making political and social change
Written in a moment of multiple crises – environmental, economic, political, social and health-related – ‘An Introduction to making political and social change’ gives you a grounding in some of the...
www.open.edu
November 24, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Sign up to this great free course about making political change #UKPW
Reposted by Donna Smith
This #TrusteesWeek we celebrate the PSA trustees and recognise the difference they make to our charity.💙 buff.ly/qC1d7TZ
@drdonnasmith.bsky.social
@dralberro.bsky.social
@profnjallen.bsky.social
@omaromalleykhan.bsky.social
@rosegann.bsky.social
@stefwolff.bsky.social
@teachpolitics.bsky.social
@drdonnasmith.bsky.social
@dralberro.bsky.social
@profnjallen.bsky.social
@omaromalleykhan.bsky.social
@rosegann.bsky.social
@stefwolff.bsky.social
@teachpolitics.bsky.social
Governance and Board of Trustees | The Political Studies Association (PSA)
Become a member Log in
buff.ly
November 5, 2025 at 8:00 AM
This #TrusteesWeek we celebrate the PSA trustees and recognise the difference they make to our charity.💙 buff.ly/qC1d7TZ
@drdonnasmith.bsky.social
@dralberro.bsky.social
@profnjallen.bsky.social
@omaromalleykhan.bsky.social
@rosegann.bsky.social
@stefwolff.bsky.social
@teachpolitics.bsky.social
@drdonnasmith.bsky.social
@dralberro.bsky.social
@profnjallen.bsky.social
@omaromalleykhan.bsky.social
@rosegann.bsky.social
@stefwolff.bsky.social
@teachpolitics.bsky.social
Reposted by Donna Smith
A reminder to all, that our AGM takes place at 5pm today.
Everyone is welcome, and all committee positions are open for election.
Sign up here - events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f504f6...
Everyone is welcome, and all committee positions are open for election.
Sign up here - events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f504f6...
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
events.teams.microsoft.com
October 19, 2025 at 10:33 AM
A reminder to all, that our AGM takes place at 5pm today.
Everyone is welcome, and all committee positions are open for election.
Sign up here - events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f504f6...
Everyone is welcome, and all committee positions are open for election.
Sign up here - events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f504f6...
Reposted by Donna Smith
OU PIPs kick off with inspiring ‘Welcome Week’ event
As part of this year’s Open University Welcome Week, the newly formed Politics, International Relations and Policy Society (PIPs) held its first event with Matt Staples, Head of the School of Social Sciences and Global Studies (SSGS) and Dr…
As part of this year’s Open University Welcome Week, the newly formed Politics, International Relations and Policy Society (PIPs) held its first event with Matt Staples, Head of the School of Social Sciences and Global Studies (SSGS) and Dr…
OU PIPs kick off with inspiring ‘Welcome Week’ event
As part of this year’s Open University Welcome Week, the newly formed Politics, International Relations and Policy Society (PIPs) held its first event with Matt Staples, Head of the School of Social Sciences and Global Studies (SSGS) and Dr Edward Wastnidge, Head of Politics and International Studies. Hosted by Jack Flaherty, Faculty Representative for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS).
oupips.org.uk
October 2, 2025 at 5:01 PM
OU PIPs kick off with inspiring ‘Welcome Week’ event
As part of this year’s Open University Welcome Week, the newly formed Politics, International Relations and Policy Society (PIPs) held its first event with Matt Staples, Head of the School of Social Sciences and Global Studies (SSGS) and Dr…
As part of this year’s Open University Welcome Week, the newly formed Politics, International Relations and Policy Society (PIPs) held its first event with Matt Staples, Head of the School of Social Sciences and Global Studies (SSGS) and Dr…
Reposted by Donna Smith
Tonight at 6:30. We are really looking forward to it
Join us on 30th September - 6.30pm - 7.30pm, joined with Matt Staples and Dr. Edward Wastnidge will be sharing how the Open University’s teaching, research, and wider engagement in politics and international relations connect with the aims of our new society
Join: www.oustudents.com/ents/event/2...
Join: www.oustudents.com/ents/event/2...
September 30, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Tonight at 6:30. We are really looking forward to it
Reposted by Donna Smith
Join us on 30th September - 6.30pm - 7.30pm, joined with Matt Staples and Dr. Edward Wastnidge will be sharing how the Open University’s teaching, research, and wider engagement in politics and international relations connect with the aims of our new society
Join: www.oustudents.com/ents/event/2...
Join: www.oustudents.com/ents/event/2...
September 22, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Join us on 30th September - 6.30pm - 7.30pm, joined with Matt Staples and Dr. Edward Wastnidge will be sharing how the Open University’s teaching, research, and wider engagement in politics and international relations connect with the aims of our new society
Join: www.oustudents.com/ents/event/2...
Join: www.oustudents.com/ents/event/2...
Reposted by Donna Smith
Interested in undergrad IR? Check out this thread of @openuniversity.bsky.social links, including sign up details for our new module D228, a new @ouopenlearn.bsky.social course, our IR degree, and two informative videos #StudyIR #OpenUniversity
@polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @mybisa.bsky.social
@polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @mybisa.bsky.social
August 8, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Interested in undergrad IR? Check out this thread of @openuniversity.bsky.social links, including sign up details for our new module D228, a new @ouopenlearn.bsky.social course, our IR degree, and two informative videos #StudyIR #OpenUniversity
@polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @mybisa.bsky.social
@polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @mybisa.bsky.social
Reposted by Donna Smith
Congrats to @drdonnasmith.bsky.social 😀👇
Delighted to have won the @journalpolitics.bsky.social best learning and teaching article!
Details below, and original article here: journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
@polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @sagepub.com @uofglasgow.bsky.social @oupolitics.bsky.social @openuniversity.bsky.social
Details below, and original article here: journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
@polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @sagepub.com @uofglasgow.bsky.social @oupolitics.bsky.social @openuniversity.bsky.social
2024 Best Learning and Teaching Article published in Politics @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @sagepub.com @uofglasgow.bsky.social: we are happy to announce that the winner is Dr Donna Smith @drdonnasmith.bsky.social for her work on student communities. Details at: journals.sagepub.com/page/pol/col...
August 7, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Congrats to @drdonnasmith.bsky.social 😀👇
Delighted to have won the @journalpolitics.bsky.social best learning and teaching article!
Details below, and original article here: journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
@polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @sagepub.com @uofglasgow.bsky.social @oupolitics.bsky.social @openuniversity.bsky.social
Details below, and original article here: journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
@polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @sagepub.com @uofglasgow.bsky.social @oupolitics.bsky.social @openuniversity.bsky.social
2024 Best Learning and Teaching Article published in Politics @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @sagepub.com @uofglasgow.bsky.social: we are happy to announce that the winner is Dr Donna Smith @drdonnasmith.bsky.social for her work on student communities. Details at: journals.sagepub.com/page/pol/col...
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
journals.sagepub.com
August 7, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Delighted to have won the @journalpolitics.bsky.social best learning and teaching article!
Details below, and original article here: journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
@polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @sagepub.com @uofglasgow.bsky.social @oupolitics.bsky.social @openuniversity.bsky.social
Details below, and original article here: journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
@polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @sagepub.com @uofglasgow.bsky.social @oupolitics.bsky.social @openuniversity.bsky.social
Reposted by Donna Smith
Sign up for the MA below!
@openuniversity.bsky.social @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @mybisa.bsky.social
@openuniversity.bsky.social @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @mybisa.bsky.social
Ready to shape the future of global politics? From climate diplomacy to rising powers, our MA in International Relations builds the expertise that defines tomorrow's world. Registration closes 14 August 2025 - secure your place today! www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate...
MA International Relations Part 1 | Open University | D818
Explore the key dilemmas of international relations including international divisions, rising powers, security and global challenges, democratic crisis, and global ethical dilemmas.
www.open.ac.uk
July 25, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Sign up for the MA below!
@openuniversity.bsky.social @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @mybisa.bsky.social
@openuniversity.bsky.social @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @mybisa.bsky.social
Reposted by Donna Smith
*PSA PRIZE* To mark #PSA75 anniversary the #German #Politics Specialist Group @psagermanpol.bsky.social have launched an #EssayPrize for #undergraduate & #masters #students ➡️
German Politics | The Political Studies Association (PSA)
Essay Prize 2025Deadline - 30 September '25To mark the 75th anniversary of the UK’s Political Studies Association, the German Politics Specialist Group (GPSG) has created a One-off Essay Prize for…
buff.ly
July 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM
*PSA PRIZE* To mark #PSA75 anniversary the #German #Politics Specialist Group @psagermanpol.bsky.social have launched an #EssayPrize for #undergraduate & #masters #students ➡️
Reposted by Donna Smith
Our MA in International Relations (IR) is open for registration! Over the next few days we’ll share info on what the course looks like & the kind of things you’ll be study in D818 – Part 1 of the MA
@mybisa.bsky.social @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @ou-gcsj.bsky.social @openuniversity.bsky.social
@mybisa.bsky.social @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @ou-gcsj.bsky.social @openuniversity.bsky.social
July 22, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Our MA in International Relations (IR) is open for registration! Over the next few days we’ll share info on what the course looks like & the kind of things you’ll be study in D818 – Part 1 of the MA
@mybisa.bsky.social @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @ou-gcsj.bsky.social @openuniversity.bsky.social
@mybisa.bsky.social @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @ou-gcsj.bsky.social @openuniversity.bsky.social
Reposted by Donna Smith
Session takes place on: Thurs 17 July, 1pm. In Teams.
Link to register: eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ap/t-59584e8...
Link to register: eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ap/t-59584e8...
Join conversation
eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
July 11, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Session takes place on: Thurs 17 July, 1pm. In Teams.
Link to register: eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ap/t-59584e8...
Link to register: eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ap/t-59584e8...
Reposted by Donna Smith
FAO @openuniversity.bsky.social students!
Drop-in session: D228: Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives
Planning to register on D228 or have done so already and want to know more? Pop into our drop-in session with Prof. Agnes Czajka.
[Link in next post]
Drop-in session: D228: Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives
Planning to register on D228 or have done so already and want to know more? Pop into our drop-in session with Prof. Agnes Czajka.
[Link in next post]
July 11, 2025 at 8:28 AM
FAO @openuniversity.bsky.social students!
Drop-in session: D228: Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives
Planning to register on D228 or have done so already and want to know more? Pop into our drop-in session with Prof. Agnes Czajka.
[Link in next post]
Drop-in session: D228: Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives
Planning to register on D228 or have done so already and want to know more? Pop into our drop-in session with Prof. Agnes Czajka.
[Link in next post]
Reposted by Donna Smith
🚨Report by @drdonnasmith.bsky.social & Dan Taylor with @policywise.bsky.social out now!
"Engaging the disengaged: a guide for policymakers & campaigners" explores practical ways to engage disengaged groups in democracy.
🔗Read here: fass.open.ac.uk/sites/fass.o...
@openuniversity.bsky.social
"Engaging the disengaged: a guide for policymakers & campaigners" explores practical ways to engage disengaged groups in democracy.
🔗Read here: fass.open.ac.uk/sites/fass.o...
@openuniversity.bsky.social
July 2, 2025 at 9:36 AM
🚨Report by @drdonnasmith.bsky.social & Dan Taylor with @policywise.bsky.social out now!
"Engaging the disengaged: a guide for policymakers & campaigners" explores practical ways to engage disengaged groups in democracy.
🔗Read here: fass.open.ac.uk/sites/fass.o...
@openuniversity.bsky.social
"Engaging the disengaged: a guide for policymakers & campaigners" explores practical ways to engage disengaged groups in democracy.
🔗Read here: fass.open.ac.uk/sites/fass.o...
@openuniversity.bsky.social