The Open University degree - same as 'normal' degree?

Starry-eyed_surprise

The course material of OU courses tends to be of a very high standard- comprehensive, well-researched and clearly presented etc. as it's aimed at independent (albeit supported learners). The clarity and quality of their materials means that other universities often use OU material as part of their own courses. My first degree was with the OU and I found it prepared me well for post grad study. I now teach uni students and have used OU materials with my students. DS uses them too (my old texts!!) at his 'traditional' university. I agree with other posters - employers recognise the extra mile that OU students have often had to take. Just one point - if you want to teach in the state school sector, you will need to make sure you cover a national curriculum subject as part of your degree in order to be accepted on to a PGCE course. Good luck with the rest of your studies.

in_my_wellies

Your OU degree will count well for going into teaching but if you want to be taken on to the GTP your degree must be in a national curriculum subject.

eater_of_its

Wow! Lots of DD100 people here! I just finished TMA03 (the "exam" one) and it was one of the worst experiences of my life. I've not got the result yet but I think it's going to drag down my average.

Anyway, not sure whether I should create a new thread or not (I'm new here), but are there any deals that you can take advantage of through the OU? I'm a member or the OUSA and have the associated NUS card that I can use on the high street, but I was wondering if there are any other little perks that I hadn't found out about.

I looked into getting a student loan to whack into a high interest savings account, but the OU will only lend on course fees and to my recollection don't offer an overly generous rate of interest, the SLC don't lend to OU students.

I haven't yet taken a look into bank accounts, but I wonder if us OUers can take advantage of any available offers there....

Rad

Most student associations have reciprocal agreements, so you may be able to access your local university’s student associations buildings and facilities. I know Edinburgh Uni has an agreement with the OUSA so contact them to see where else they have agreements with.

This goes for students of almost all universities, I found this quite useful when travelling round the UK as you can use things like their washing machines, some have internet cafes and they usually do cheap food too (not to mention the drinks :beer: ). Speak to your SA and they should be able to provide you with a list.

Pauline_Taffley

Hi

I am in my final year of my OU degree. I passed my open degree last year and stayed on to obtain my hons but I can honestly say that from the people I have spoken to, the OU is thought very highly of. I went to my graduation day in Bham in June 06 and was presented my degree by Betty Boothwright (unsure of spelling sorry) she speaks very highly of the OU.

Lorian

I have a 1st Class Hons degree from the OU (graduated 1999)

It is held with regard by others, but most importantly I consider it to be one of my best achievements. Not ony did I learn lots, it taught me a lot about myself.

We'd better not talk about the summer schools :A

elantan

dd100 was a fantastic course i learned alot from it ..certainly helped me think about carrying on

CIS

The OU has just been ranked the best university in the UK by students (again) in two seperate surveys

http://www3.open.ac.uk/media/fullstory.aspx?id=9376

confusedkat

Im not sure this is a reply more a cry of help. I was ment to go to uni this year but decided against this as the student lifestyle doesnt seem to get on with me lol. I really want to get my degree however and hope to do this though the O U. Ive already done a beginers course so know how it works but will my age and the fact Ive chosen this route rather than attending a uni affect how employers view my ( hopefully achieved ) degree????

PasturesNew

I'd say the OU degree was better because you really have to be self-disciplined to do it. There is nobody to mix with/confer with/ask... you just have to plug on and do it yourself.

However, the isolation can be hard to deal with.

I did half mine in 1995-1997, then due to losing my job, moving about continually over the next X years I've since found it difficult to start again as I never know what's around the corner.

However, it is even possible to finish your degree at another University if you want/need to. Each course you do has a number of CATS points. 360 points = a degree. 120 points at Year 1 level, 120 points at Year 2 level, 120 points at Year 3 level. So once you've got 120 points, it is possible to then join a Uni, where, again, each course would have the same points count, so you just need to finish off.

I've been thinking about going to a proper uni just to get mine finished. As I've got 160 points now, so I figure I could potentially join somewhere in a 2nd year. To finish with OU would take me at least 4 years.

Also, as I was in/out of work, not only did I find it difficult to plan ahead/sign up for units, I also found I couldn't actually afford it. If you are in steady employment or unemployment you can get fees paid if you've a low household income (about £15k). But if you are in/out of work every couple of months at various salaries, it's difficult to face going through that process as your circumstances are changing so much, so I never did.

I am nearing my 50s... if I am going to get a degree and use it in a job, I need to crack on!