OU Students Past, Present and Future

sat_mad

Lizling wrote: »

I've been on the phone to the OU a lot recently about the details of when the new fees kick in and how to stay on the old level. To stay on the old fees system, you need to start a module before September 2012, which in practice means a Feb start. You then need to tell them that you plan to work towards a certain qualification like a degree or diploma, and that'll mean that any further modules you take towards that qualification stay at the old rate unless you take a break of over a year.

I am working towards a BSc (Hons), and was planning to pick up a DipHE or Diploma on the way.

If you nominate the BSc (Hons), can you stay on the old fees if you 'claim' a DipHE, and then need a few courses to complete the degree?

Katexx

sat_mad wrote: »

I am working towards a BSc (Hons), and was planning to pick up a DipHE or Diploma on the way.

If you nominate the BSc (Hons), can you stay on the old fees if you 'claim' a DipHE, and then need a few courses to complete the degree?

I'm sure I've seen them confirm that this is fine, as long as all the modules are counting towards the BSc too. However, it's not in the actual FAQs so it's probably best to contact them directly and get an answer - preferably in writing...

There are lots of fee-related discussions in the OUSA Matters forum where you might find your answer. However, people have been given conflicting information over the last few months!

mum2one

I don't if its any help, but I am signed up for a BA Hons, as my goal, with the courses I have done it gave me the credits for the qulaification, as I went along.

You can click a box which says what qualifications can I get, and then add them in.

But - when I did my level ones I did W100 - Intro to Law - that automatically gave me a qulaification - Certificate in Law, then I did B123 You + Your money, and B120 Intro to Business - both of those gave me a certificate in business, and I recieved the qulaifications automatically in the post.

My next step is Foundation Degree in Business, - which hopefully will be from this years study. xx

Lizling

sat_mad wrote: »

I am working towards a BSc (Hons), and was planning to pick up a DipHE or Diploma on the way.

If you nominate the BSc (Hons), can you stay on the old fees if you 'claim' a DipHE, and then need a few courses to complete the degree?

Yes, it's fine as long as all the modules count towards the degree. They confirmed that to me on the phone.

sat_mad

Thanks for your replies - really helpful. My courses will be counting to both the diploma and the degree so hopefully will be ok. I remember reading last year that we would be asked sometime during this year to nominate a qualification, so I'll probably drop my local centre an email then.

One thing that has also been puzzling me lately is (for career purposes) which is more 'respected', a diploma or a DipHE? I've been reading past posts regarding the levels (2&3 vs 1&2), but with the DipHE being double the credits, is it not the 'better' qualification?

littlestar1981

Hmmm, in undergraduate terms, I believe

120 credits = certificate (aka CertHE)
240 credits = diploma (aka DipHE)
360 credits = degree

I have a DipHE but none has ever really recognised it for what it is, essentially 2/3 of a degree.

I don't really like the word diploma as it's been used for too many things now... DipHE, 16-18 diploma, social work diploma (now extinct), the list goes on. From Wikipedia: 'In the UK, diploma can refer to several different types of academic qualification. The Diploma of Higher Education is a higher education award below the standard of a bachelor's degree. The term can also refer to a Postgraduate Diploma or to the 14–19 Diploma that was introduced in England in September 2008. Postgraduate Diploma award is higher than the Bachelor's degree.'

I know it doesn't really answer your question!

sat_mad

Thanks for that littlestar... confusing it certainly is!

Looking at your points comparison, I think some of the OU ones are non-standard.

The OU certificates I have are all 60 points (level 1).

The 'diploma' (which I could claim) is 120 points (level 2&3).

The DipHE (which I can claim this year if I don't claim the diploma) is 240 points (level 1&2).

It would be easier if it could all be standardised!

kittiej

Woohoo just found out I passed my course T123 Sustainable Scotland and I had all the prescribed learning outcomes as demonstrated so i am well chuffed :T

I shed a tear I must admit and tonight I will celebrate :beer:

My advice to everyone else is persevere, I found doing a course spanning Christmas to be the hardest thing as there are so many destractions but now i am so glad I carried on.

AnnBar

kittiej wrote: »

Woohoo just found out I passed my course T123 Sustainable Scotland and I had all the prescribed learning outcomes as demonstrated so i am well chuffed :T

I shed a tear I must admit and tonight I will celebrate :beer:

My advice to everyone else is persevere, I found doing a course spanning Christmas to be the hardest thing as there are so many destractions but now i am so glad I carried on.

Well Done!!!

mum2one

kittiej wrote: »

Woohoo just found out I passed my course T123 Sustainable Scotland and I had all the prescribed learning outcomes as demonstrated so i am well chuffed :T

I shed a tear I must admit and tonight I will celebrate :beer:

My advice to everyone else is persevere, I found doing a course spanning Christmas to be the hardest thing as there are so many destractions but now i am so glad I carried on.

that is absololutey brilliant news well done, so whats the next course.

I'm down to 2 x ECA (B122 and BU130 due in by 12th April) then get a break till Oct. xx