Does anyone have any experience of studying with the Open University?

unluckyone

I'm interested in doing some further study.
As the colleges have the majority of they're courses starting in September (and I've missed that) I'm just looking into other study routes.
I'm looking at the Open University.
It is a distance learning arrangement.
Although the website assures you of continued support etc I just wonder if anyone has had any personal experience of studying this way and how did you find it?

Becles

It depends on how active you are.

I've seen people complaining about lack of support, but they don't bother attending tutorials or speaking in the online tutor group forums. If you are just going to sit at home expecting people to support you, it doesn't work.

However, if you are pro-active, attend the tutorials, participate in the tutor group forums, you build up better relationships with your tutor and fellow students and you will get much better support.

You will also have access to a regional support team who are very helpful. I've just used their services as I was ill and had problems and they sorted things out for me.

unluckyone

Becles wrote: »

It depends on how active you are.

I've seen people complaining about lack of support, but they don't bother attending tutorials or speaking in the online tutor group forums. If you are just going to sit at home expecting people to support you, it doesn't work.

However, if you are pro-active, attend the tutorials, participate in the tutor group forums, you build up better relationships with your tutor and fellow students and you will get much better support.

You will also have access to a regional support team who are very helpful. I've just used their services as I was ill and had problems and they sorted things out for me.

Thank you for your reply Becles,

So are you actually studying with the OU?

Oldernotwiser

If you have a look on the Student Board there are several threads about OU study which you might find interesting.

skylight

I have studied too and found it difficult to fit in with my family life etc. But then I was pregnant twice and babies too trying to fit it all in (wasn't planned to all be together!!)

And you need a supportive OH too (this I also lacked) if you have kids etc as you do need someone to be able to take the kids out and be able to deal with the "MUM!!! I want/She did/Can I??" without driving you mad. (Bitter?? Me???!!! lol)

As mentioned, you need to be the pro-active one. Make a schedule and stick to it. Its all well and good missing a study night occassionally but it can really put you off your stroke especially when you have life/family/job around to.

But its very rewarding. Knowing that you did it. Knowing that despite of everything else getting in the way, you did it.

unluckyone

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

If you have a look on the Student Board there are several threads about OU study which you might find interesting.

Please could you direct me to the student board.

Becles

unluckyone wrote: »

So are you actually studying with the OU?

Yes I started a BA in business studies in November 2006 and hope to graduate next year.

It's not been easy, especially as I had my third baby in the middle of it and I've continued to work part time, but I have enjoyed it. You do need to set a schedule and stick to it. I fell behind earlier this year due to illness and found it very hard to catch back up again.

Oldernotwiser

unluckyone wrote: »

Please could you direct me to the student board.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=25

AzimScot

I done this many a year ago. I say don't do it. It does depend on how active you are although having a class is 100 times better in my opinion. It does depend on where you study at home or library, but I found studying at home impossible as they are too many distractions e.g. kids, phone, someone at the door, Maw need help etc etc.

Also, I believe you don't get funding for open university or long distance courses if you go part time with college or uni you get funding.

freightexec2009

I did an OU course when I was back in school, in child psychology. All I gained from it was 10 UCAS points for university, so nothing like what I propose you want to do course wise.

I personally found the support and tution from home fantastic. I do believe it is something you need to be personally motivated for.

I had to conduct essays, and was sent various DVD and book materials, which I found fantastic. The essays were great, she would phone me once she had received them, discussed them and then she would send them back with red pen all over it!LOL.

I had a tutor, who was pleseant and became someone that I looked forward to speaking too.

If your heart it set on it ( mind you, I never really wanted anything along the lines of child psychology ) I think you'll do well, and find the support a bonus and very constructive.

It has always been something of a talking point on my CV too.

Fred56

I've been studying with the OU for some time and have enough credits for a BSc but am continuing to get enough for honours. I have also studied at a traditional univeristy.
The OU works. It's not easy, but then getting a degree is not supposed to be. I find it far preferable than the traditional university. There are no lectures where the lecturer fails to turn up, no cancelled lectures because the university can't manage room bookings and that kind of stuff.
I would say there is more work in achieving credits with the OU than at the traditional univeristy so don't try to go too fast. Take one module at a time and choose 60 credit modules. The shorter modules, particularly the 30 credit ones have a disproportionate workload. You have to suffer group work but it's not as bad as the traditional university where the motivated student is used to carry the dossers.
It is imperative that you attend all the tutorials and engage with the course forums. Keep pace with the study calendar and don't be tempted into the sustitution trap. You must maintain a good relationship with your tutor and that's not always easy as they can be the sole conduit for your frustration.

It will take over your life. I'd like to see a study of the relationship failure rate of OU students.

It's cheap, especially if you qualify for the finanacial help. If you're a young person still living with mum and dad, it's more or less free which beats the traditional university lifetime debt by pure infinity.