Starting either an OU/college course without knowing future career plans.

Oldernotwiser

lisamummytoarchieplusbump wrote: »

hi melissa im interested in doing a science type course from the OU.

i was looking on the website but was getting confused about all the info.

im on benefits so is all the courses free or just selected ones or just discounted on cetain ones?

im going to do basic ones with lifeline which are free and
was suggested by the job center, ie first aid, health and safety.

i will give vision to learn a look aswell

thanks lisa

To be guaranteed funding you need to be doing a course with the value of at least 60 credits, although you MAY get financial help with courses with fewer.

If you're eady to start the degree proper, have a look at Level 1 courses, which are grouped around general areas like Humanities or Science - these will give you the opportunity to study various subjects and enable you to decide what you want to carry on studying.

If you need a bit of preparation before really getting stuck in, have a look at shorter, "bitesize" courses which will help you to prepare for full degree level study.

Don't be afraid to call the OU helpline for further advice and information; I've always found them very helpful and informative.

notisis

The best advice is to do courses you enjoy. You will probably find out of the available courses with the OU it will lead to a coherent degree course without you necessarily deciding at the outset is has to be named. I completed an OU degree before the advent of named ones and mine fits a split technology social science degree, useful in business.

Most employers I know will look at an OU degree as evidence you are comitted, can plan, work independently and show determination and academic ability. All this whilst fitting it around home and work life. Don't worry about too much about the content of any course you do unless of course it will severely limit your employment opportunities like "Circus Skills for the Netherlands Pig Owning Fraternity" or something similar!! General history, economics, technology, science etc will be fine unless you discover you really want to pursue a particular career; in which instance take advice from the governing body as to which choice of courses will be appropriate to obtain recognition.

Best of luck.