Practise public speaking with other OU students
Join a debate or workshop to explore ideas, build confidence and practise explaining your point of view. You can speak, or come along to listen.
Our events are organised by students and volunteers. Newcomers are welcome.
Upcoming events
Choose a debate or workshop. Check the event details for eligibility, ticket price (if any) and how to register. Some registrations require approval before your place is confirmed.
What to expect
Choose an event. Read the topic, date and details on the event listing.
Register on Luma. Follow the instructions for that event. Debates require an OU student email address, and some registrations need approval.
Join in your own way. Debate sessions have a chair who manages speaking turns. You can volunteer to speak or attend to listen.
Our mission
We make debate accessible, enjoyable and empowering, helping people think clearly, speak confidently and disagree well.
Become a society member
Free membership lets current OU students vote and take part in our student leadership elections.
Premium membership is coming soon, with the same election rights and exclusive learning resources.
Help keep the club running
The club relies on support to cover its website, online meetings and event tools. Donations help us continue organising debates and workshops for the OU community.
You can make a one-off donation or choose to give monthly.
Volunteer with us
Help promote an event, plan a workshop or chair a debate. We offer defined volunteer roles for current OU students, with support from the Society’s leadership team.
Frequently asked questions
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Yes. You can listen during a debate and decide whether you want to speak. You do not need previous debate experience.
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A chair introduces a motion and manages the speaking turns. Participants put forward arguments for and against it. The audience normally votes at the end.
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Yes. Choose an event on Luma and follow its registration instructions. Some registrations need host approval.
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Our casual debates are free. Some workshops, guest speaker events and competitions may have a ticket price. Check each listing before booking.
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Our debates are intended for enrolled Open University students. Check the event listing for its precise entry requirements.
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We maintain fairness by following a timeboxed debate structure and entrusting a neutral chairperson to moderate the discussion. This approach counters the misconception that debating is just an unstructured exchange of views. Instead, each participant has an allocated time to present their arguments, and the chairperson enforces these limits, intervening when necessary to keep the proceedings on track.
Alongside this, we operate under Chatham House Rules. This means that while the ideas and information shared can be discussed outside the event, the identity and affiliation of any speaker—or any other participant—must remain confidential. To safeguard everyone involved, we have a strict policy against hate speech or bullying. By combining clear rules, confidentiality, and respect for all viewpoints, we create an environment where everyone can speak candidly yet courteously. This structure not only ensures the debate is well-organised and enlightening, but also prevents any single perspective from dominating the conversation.
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Get in touch with a suggested motion. We consider whether it is clear, balanced and suitable for the community.
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Yes. Current OU students can join free to vote and take part in our student leadership elections.
Premium membership is coming soon. It will include the same election rights plus exclusive learning resources.
Read about membership and how to join.
Our casual events are free. Some workshops, guest speaker events and competitions may require a paid ticket.
The Open University Debate club