OU Students Past, Present and Future

juno

addyb wrote: »

Hi all new user to the site. Im looking into the possibility of starting an OU degree in Psychology but no idea what I should do to kick things off. Im still a tad confused as to what the course structure would be and how that equates to:

Study time required
Credits earned
Cost
Grants available to myself

On there website there are plenty of course options but no idea what would be the best one to kick things off with? DD101, DD131, Y183 etc as I was thinking of the dse141.

Im currently in FT employment (work in IT) and earn just under 25k per annum.

If anyone past, present or future with any helpful info wants to help me out I would be forever in your debt!

I guess im just concerned about initial costs and also commiting to something I shouldnt but also not wanting to do a starter course so to speak and it not counting towards the bigger picture, if you get what I mean?

When are you planning to start? The funding changes in September so if you start soon you'll be on a different system. You'll need to get a move on for that, though, as some courses have registration deadlines in early January.

This page explains it in more detail, but basically before September you will be eligible for a fee grant. The OU pays your course fees depending on your income and you don't have to pay anything back. Play with the eligibility checker on that page to see what you'll get.
After September, you'll be eligible for normal student loans. You'll get more straight away but then do have to pay it back after graduation.

With the OU you build up and take one module at a time but they can count towards a qualification if you want. Like building a wall, you take a brick at a time and eventually you get the finished wall but if you want to stop you can. So any starter courses that you do will count for your degree. This also means you can sometimes change your mind on subject and still use the bits you already have.

addyb_2

Thanks for the info juno. Having read a bit more I understand how the modules and credits work now. I think im going to go for the dse141(exploring psychology) as a starter. I can register for that course on the ou website but unsure how I apply for funding etc as ive never done it before. This particular module costs £400.

juno

addyb wrote: »

Thanks for the info juno. Having read a bit more I understand how the modules and credits work now. I think im going to go for the dse141(exploring psychology) as a starter. I can register for that course on the ou website but unsure how I apply for funding etc as ive never done it before. This particular module costs £400.

Follow through the registration, and at some point you'll get a box to tick if you want to apply for financial support. Then you'l be asked if you want to print your own forms or have them sent to you. Obviously printing your own is quicker (especially at this time of year) but you need a printer! Then once you've got the form you should also get some explanatory notes and as long as you read everything carefully you'll be fine.

hcb42

addyb wrote: »

Thanks for the info juno. Having read a bit more I understand how the modules and credits work now. I think im going to go for the dse141(exploring psychology) as a starter. I can register for that course on the ou website but unsure how I apply for funding etc as ive never done it before. This particular module costs £400.

You may not get funding, depending on your circumstances which you havent given here, single - funding not likely given your income. If your family is on eligible benefits then you might. http://www8.open.ac.uk/study/explained/how-to-apply/financial-support quick link will give you a personal indication.

addyb_2

Well I did the eligibility checker and that stated I may be entitled to have a fee of £170 so will see what happens. The particular module ive now provisionally registered for is £400 (dse141)

Registration hasnt been completed due to them having duplicate records or something so ive been advised it will take them 2 working days to check this out and I also should get documentation through the post in 10 days.

So ive made the first step. I know im going to find it tough going at times especially with the study time needed but I can work it into my lifestyle and I only do 35 hours a week and can build up flexi days should I need it.

juno

They can have duplicate records if you've ever signed up to receive a prospectus before, or maybe received one of their free posters. It's nothing to worry about - it happened to me when I first signed up.

Murtle

addyb - I did Exploring Psych first as a good basis.

Then the child psyc and cog psyc ( I did a level 2 and 3 course in one year) then social and the biological one - that came in as a mandatory course just before i finished.

hope you enjoy the courses, although it was hard work I really enjoyed it.

addyb_2

Firstly happy new year everyone.

Secondly I just want to clarify something before I complete my registration with OU. I have been looking at the fees 2012 page and am I right in saying if I register and start a module before Sept 2012 I will be on the current fees and stay on them providing I do a module every year? Only asking as it also states you have to have completed a current module before Sept 2012 to qualify.

Gemmzie

If the course finishes before Sept 2012 then I believe you stay on current fees. Best to phone and check.

addyb_2

Gemmzie wrote: »

If the course finishes before Sept 2012 then I believe you stay on current fees. Best to phone and check.

Yeah thats how I read it. Will have to see what psychology modules start in Feb and end Sept (if any) otherwise I really cant see myself forking out for the new fees. Unless I just try and find another related course to start so I get my foot in the door with the current fees.