OU Students Past, Present and Future

alyth

redmel1621 wrote: »

AA100, this is the updated version of A103...I loved it and could also get through the work very quickly. I also discovered I loved art history and philosophy by doing this course!!!

Mel x

That's the same as me Mel, I didn't realise the course had changed it's name, I just love it, I can read and absorbe the information so well, although I bet that will change as I get further into the course.

Cassie, I didn't mean in the least to insult you! That's kind of how I got started with the OU, when I separated last year the nights were long on my own, so I started with A178 and just loved it, and decided to go ahead and do my degree. I hope you are justfiably proud of yourself, you're very inspirational for someone like me who is hoping to continue with the OU - thanks!

jessicamb

Hello students

Can somebody help me with a question - How much room do your study books take up? I seem to remember them taking over at uni with books, notes papers etc and I dont have a lot of room. I'm trying to reorganise [STRIKE]cull[/STRIKE] what I have now but if anyone could let me know how much space their course stuff takes up and how long the course lasts I would appreciate it.

Thanks

scubaangel

jessica it depends on the course, at the moment all mine live in box files behind the sofa, but the Environmental Science I expect will take up a couple of files.

Courses dont all last the same length of time, the short science ones can be done in 3 or 5 months, whereas other 'full' courses can be up to 8 months.

jessicamb

scubaangel wrote: »

jessica it depends on the course, at the moment all mine live in box files behind the sofa, but the Environmental Science I expect will take up a couple of files.

Courses dont all last the same length of time, the short science ones can be done in 3 or 5 months, whereas other 'full' courses can be up to 8 months.

cheers this one is a year long which is why I'm a bit worried abour being drowned in paperwork :eek:

HangTime

I'm currently studying towards and MSc in Computing for Commerce and Industry, although it'll take years, so I may end up with just a Certificate or Diploma.

So far I've done M865 Project Management, but I'm not studying at the moment as my sister died last year and I moved house in December so didn't think I'd be able to fully commit to studying another unit. I've now got a bit of a dillema because I fancy starting a new unit in May, but I'm getting married halfway through the month and then will be on honeymoon! Not really the best start and could potentially jeapordise my first TMA... in theory I could try and blitz it all in the week or two before I get married but a) I'll be more worried about preparing for the wedding; and b) I'm a lazy so-and-so who always leaves work until the last minute!

The other concern, and most relevant to this forum, is of course the cost of the course. Even the 15pt units cost £945 and I must admit I do sometimes wonder if doing a postgrad course is really such a good idea. It's not gonna land me a good job and I think sometimes my 'academic ego' gets the better of me, it's not like I'll gain all that much from my study, I just enjoy the buzz from doing it and having something vaguely taxing to do with my brain to keep it ticking over rather than the dumbed-down nature of working life where I never get the chance to write anything of substance or do much in the way of in depth analysis.

jessicamb

HangTime wrote: »

The other concern, and most relevant to this forum, is of course the cost of the course. Even the 15pt units cost £945 and I must admit I do sometimes wonder if doing a postgrad course is really such a good idea. It's not gonna land me a good job and I think sometimes my 'academic ego' gets the better of me, it's not like I'll gain all that much from my study, I just enjoy the buzz from doing it and having something vaguely taxing to do with my brain to keep it ticking over rather than the dumbed-down nature of working life where I never get the chance to write anything of substance or do much in the way of in depth analysis.

If you can afford it and it will make you happy then why not study it? I'm sure some people will spend a lot more than that during the year on their hobbies/activities.

I know what you mean about the cost though - mine is 60 points and is costing £3,540 :eek:.

HangTime

Because being able to afford something has never been the overriding factor as to whether I spend money or not I always worry about value and the opportunity cost of spending money. I think the only things I've ever really pushed the boat out on in terms of "I want it, who cares if it's expensive and I could get something almost as good for a lot less" are internet connections, going to football and probably my honeymoon which we really ought to book soon!

I'm actually quite embarrassed about how much my course costs and don't tell friends and colleagues how much it is. They'd consider me crazy for spending thousands on something with little in the way of practical benefit.

Floxxie

Currently studying W200 (law). Previously studied W100.

Already have LLB (Hons) but was done many, many moons ago so now redoing the whole lot. OU is a very different approach. Wish I had more time to study properly but doing ok so far.

Have signed up to W201 but now need to raise the funds (am a SAHM mum now)

Floxxie

Floxxie

In terms of paying for the courses, if you shop at Tescos you can use the clubcard vouchers. I've got £200 of vouchers which works out as £800 towards my next course.

Floxxie

penguin83

Yeay Floxxie - someone who can help me!

Currently studying W100 and hoping to carry on with the LLB - completed Y166 while I was waiting for W100 to start because I am impatient and it was nice and gentle to help get back into the swing of things! x x