Open University...Worth it?

paulcornwall

Not sure if this is the right board so mods please move if required.
Has anyone had any experience with the Open University?, I beleive goverment grants are avaialble for those on benefits.

skylight

Yes. Its worth it, as is any education (from a reputable college or uni).

Search for the OU on the student board. There are many, many people (like me) who do OU courses, long and short, for fun or career building.

paulcornwall

thanks for the reply, i was just worried that some companies offering unreconisable qualifications for silly money and just wanted reassurance Open was not one.

shown73

Depends on you and your personal circumstances. Do be aware that it is a big commitment, and in fact, becomes almost a way of life. I did it too late to make any difference to career or anything like that, in fact I graduated at 60! I loved it, and I'm quite chuffed with myself. Hard going, but fascinating, because I could choose subjects that were interesting to me, rather than trying to get ahead in a specific area. You have to want to do it, for its own sake really, if that makes sense. You would also meet an amazing variety of people. It's not cheap, so I suppose you would have to weigh up the potential benefits, but many companies now seem to be compensated and are therefore more likely to sponsor you than was previously the case. The great thing about the OU, to me, is that everyone you meet is there because they want to be, the rest drop out quite quickly. Just don't underestimate the level of commitment. The impression given is that you can do it at your own pace. Not so! You have to keep up, once you've started a course. Well worth it though, to be able to hold your head up in any company.

pandora205

I can vouch for its value. I did an OU psychology degree over 30 years ago when I was a teacher. This was recognised not just by the British Psychological Society but also universities for masters level qualifications. I went on to UCL to do educational psychology and have never looked back.

It is challenging to study but the materials are excellent and the discipline of studying while working/bringing up a family is highly valued.

pr1nc3ss

Hi, Im an OU student studing for a degree in IT. Ive just had confirmation of my latest course in networking as a pass and can now claim a certificate in computing and IT. Its been hard work and taken up a lot of my time but if like me and many other students, you want it bad enough you can achieve it.
The OU is brilliant, I only wish I knew about it a long time ago.

x

Clowance

you can use tesco clubcard deals to pay for courses:
http://www.tesco.com/clubcard/deals/product.aspx?R=456&bci=4294966476%7CEducation

mallard

Hi Paulcornwall

I tutor for the OU and (it might be biased) but it is an excellent educational provider. I have worked for a number of universities and the OU is way ahead!! Plus all the students i come into contact with are all very positive about the support and educational materials.

A friend of mine who was unemployed for a long time recently started a course (got fees paid) and has not looked back. Yep it is hard work but worth it in the long run.


Good luck and PM me if you want any help
Mallard

belfastgirl23

I have friends who tutor for OU and they have had fantastic training. OU also seem to select the people who I would think of as the best tutors...it is definitely a very reputable UK university.

Do think hard though about the time commitment - the time commitments they state on their modules etc are accurate. Saying this cos I once tried to do a course and had assumed it could be done faster - it couldn't

saintsfan

I got my OU degree in the mid 80's. It's well respected by employers and you come across many bosses who are also OU graduates and realise the time and effort that you have put into getting your degree.

When I did mine, local authorities would help with fees but I don't know what the situation is now.

Hard work but well worth it.

Caramelapplebetty

I did my degree with OU - and I am just about to embark on a PGCE course to train as a teacher. I had three small children and a part-time job and because it is distance learning and you have to be disciplined and organised to succeed my experience has been that interviewers/employers recognise that.

All the best!