Open University...Worth it?

onlyroz

It's a big committment, but the courses are definitely well regarded by employers. I've done a few of the postgraduate computing courses, and they require about 8 hours a week study. You definitely can't slack off if you start a course, and you've got to keep up a steady pace or you get behind. But it's certainly very rewarding and the student support system is very good.

ShelBell

If you qualify to get your fees paid (benefits and low income, worth checking), you will also qualify for 3 further grants automatically. £250.00 for study materials/costs, £250.00 for a computer, and your internet bills paid for 1 year.

I did an introductory level course last year and got all of the above, put my 2 x £250 together to get a great dual core HP laptop. Unfortunately I couldn't complete the course due to health problems but they don't ask for anything back.

vivatifosi

In keeping with everyone else, did my degree with the OU and loved every minute of it. Enjoyed distance learning so much that I went onto do a masters, albeit with a different provider. A few tips:
* Found it easier to pick established courses. While its tempting to sign on for the latest releases they can have teething problems for the first year.
* Try and pick a couple of courses with residential modules. You really do benefit from meeting other students and trying out the real university life, even if its only for a week.
* If you haven't studied for a while, read the "Good Study Guide" or whatever has superceded it as you do forget how to learn.
* Try hard not to fall behind, but if you do don't panic. If you can, try and get a week or so ahead on the schedule. Gives you a bit of leeway and longer to revise for exams.
* Don't worry about talking to your tutors or other students if you don't understand something.
* If at all practical to do so, forming a study group can be really helpful.

debbiemc_2

Hi, I'm an OU student working towards a BA in Business Studies. I really enjoy it, the materials are excellent and its a good way of learning - albeit you have to be very committed and motivated, as the others have said. The OU website has lots of helpful info including a calculator to help you work out what funding you are eligible for - it differs depending on where you live, and whether you can top up with an ILA. www.open.ac.uk. Best of luck if you decide to go for it

Debbie. x

russetred

Graduated with an honours degree in natural science with the OU.As a carer I did not have to pay for my courses and got financial help to attend tutorials and travelling expenses to summer schools.Can't recommend the OU highly enough but one word of warning it's highly addictive.In fact I havn't checked out the latest courses.....

paulcornwall

Thanks very much for all your input guys. I've spoken to OU and a advisor will be having a longer chat with me next week. My goal is to become a Paramedic or pre hospital care. I'm aware many Paramedics and Technicians are trained on the job but due to some medical condition i need to wait 2 years before i can apply for my C1 license, hence the interest in OU while waiting. My thoughts were to use this time to get ahead of any competition when i eventually apply.
I was initally suggested Health and Social care, but then had a call back asking me to look at Health Sciences, which look much like my thing.

There is no way i can fund this myself so hopefully being on IS and being a carer for mum will qualify in having the course paid for. Do you think i can meet the deadline for October if i need to get finacial help sorted?

pr1nc3ss

Hi, if you dont manage to get your claim in by the time the course starts you can pay for it, or open a budget account paying small amounts and have 6 months to claim for financial help. If you have paid any monies in this time they will be refunded to you, providing your claim is accepted.

paulcornwall

Thats good to know. Just printed out the financial help forms.

mallard

Hi Paul

Glad you are going ahead with it! Whatever you do will be helpful as in a number of areas Pre-hospital/Paramedic care degrees have been developed. Depends where you live as to whether your local NHS ambulance service will send you on one after you undertaken normal training..

Good luck anyway and no it shouldnt be too late to put in your finance forms.

Mallard

alanobrien

I cannot recommend the OU enough. I left (a bad) school with a poor qualification record. I thought it was because i was dim but a year in college made me realise i wasnt. I then did an OU degree in my own time over 4 a year period. It was tough going many years ago but i enjoyed every minute of it. I am happy to say that I have recently been promoted to Director level in my company. That would never have happened it if wasnt for my OU experience so go for it and all the best !!