OU Students Past, Present and Future

wannabeslim

Hello everyone I'm starting DD101 on 1 Feb as the first module for a PPE degree, anyone else starting at this time? Maybe doing the same?

supermum38

Hi all

Considering I use this site like my 'bible' I can't believe I haven't seen this thread before!

I am in my third year with the OU. I am aiming for a degree in International studies. I have completed two Level 1 French modules and one Level 1 environment module. I have just received my books for L211 Level 2 French which starts in February.

The first year I started D101 but realised 4 weeks in I didn't like the course and because I got financial support I got a part refund. This enabled me to go the optional French residential school LXR122 which was great! I also completed L192 that year. The second year I did L120 and U116 overlapping. It was ok at first but then the TMA's became due at the same time and I struggled a bit. I have been accepted as a disabled student with Fibromyalgia now, but at the time my first DSA was being processed. I was in the middle of trying new meds and had two TMA deadlines extended. This was my only blip and they were both my lowest marks.

I am glad I did the two modules together now as I plan to only do one a year now. That way I will still complete in time for transitional arrangements where I must finish in 2017. I guess I was lucky that I started just before this came into effect.

I find French is a real challenge even though my mother is French, and my scores are usually around 70-80%, whereas I was getting 90% in Environment studies! I have therefore decided I will not do Level 3 French and will instead do an additional Level 3 environment module. The one bonus of doing Level 2 French is I get to go to the residential school again which was so much fun!

I can hardly believe I am in my third year already. When I started I did not think I would complete the first year!

My advice to anyone thinking about it...just go for it! It's probably a lot easier than you imagine!

Best of luck to everyone.

Indie_Kid

Hoping to start the first module (L194, I think) in Spanish in September.

wannabeslim

Interesting post supermum38, out of interest is D101 (social sciences) the same as what I'm doing DD101? if yes what didnt you like? Just being nosey really;) Well done and good luck with your studies

Indie_Kid

I have to pick another subject alongside Spanish; as each level is only 60 credits. What did other language students choose? Not overly keen on German or French.

kjp

wannabeslim wrote: »

Hello everyone I'm starting DD101 on 1 Feb as the first module for a PPE degree, anyone else starting at this time? Maybe doing the same?

Just coming out of lurkdom to say good luck, I did my PPE degree with the OU, finished in 2012 and graduated last year. Hard work but worth it!!

kjp

Aww, just read back a bit and now am sad I'm not still doing courses!! I miss the excitement of that big brown box arriving, and the dread of an impending TMA, and the nerves when the TMA result is uploaded... Agh, I miss it!

Two more years of professional study for work then might come back and do a masters... *clicks away to open.ac.uk for a browse...*

wannabeslim

kjp wrote: »

Just coming out of lurkdom to say good luck, I did my PPE degree with the OU, finished in 2012 and graduated last year. Hard work but worth it!!

Thanks, I cant wait! I'm doing it purely for personal gratification, I'm intending to do a masters then a doctorate if all goes well. Its my first time dealing with the OU and they are so lovely and helpful, they call me and email me to make sure I have everything I need and I havn't even started yet:), I'm really looking forward to the face to face tutorials as well, any tips on the course would be much appreciated, there doesnt seem to be many people doing PPE

supermum38

wannabeslim wrote: »

Interesting post supermum38, out of interest is D101 (social sciences) the same as what I'm doing DD101? if yes what didnt you like? Just being nosey really;) Well done and good luck with your studies

Yes my error. Should have DD101. I just didn't like the course materials. For the first month we had to watch a DVD of a road in Cardiff and read a lot of material. When it came to the TMA it was only an essay questions asking about connections on the road and compare to a road you know. I found it a bit vague and ended up waffling in the essay. I then decided I had gone in the wrong direction. I guess that wasn't necessarily the case after all it's about your own interpretation.

The problem I have is that having done journalism and been taught not to waffle, stick to the facts, and don't use vague descriptions like 'local'. The TMA was asking me to do the opposite. I also got fed up watching the DVD for quotes when I didn't find it even remotely interesting.

I chose U116 instead and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was more about interpreting facts and explaining in your own words etc.

I guess it's more a personal choice?

mum2one

I couldn't get on with DD101 either, ditto the street in Cardiff, I guess as I had mainly done business style it was hard going back to the comparing and general elements, it does look a good course, but an acquired taste. xx