College & Open Uni clash..

GEEGEE8

Hey everyone,

I study Civil Engineering at college part time, 1 day (10.5) hrs a week.

I was looking at the Open Uni website and saw that I could get financial support up to £800 (ish).. so I sent off for the pack.

Inside it says that I cannot get financial support if I'm registered with another institution..

So, I'm guessing I can't get the fee support.. which is such a shame. I wanted to take a maths course to help me once I get to uni in a couple of years.

Any advice? or is that it do you think?

Oldernotwiser

I'd give them a ring and check that this applies if you're studying something below degree level. I have a feeling that it only applies in that situation.

Voyager2002

It is also worth trying to get hold of what they call the "study pack" for that course. This means all the learning materials that a student gets: text-book, DVD of the lectures, exercises, the lot. It does NOT include contact with a tutor, nor marking of assignments, nor the course certificate.

They sell study packs for a LOT less than the course fee, but usually a lot of the study pack is there on the OU website, free for you to use. And many public libraries have copies.

dmg24

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I'd give them a ring and check that this applies if you're studying something below degree level. I have a feeling that it only applies in that situation.

I would agree with this, the OU are pretty flexible with funding if you speak to someone who knows their stuff.

I was offered funding for an undergraduate module whilst studying for my Masters part time at a regular university. The reasons were quite complicated, but it came down to my disabled status plus the undergrad module helping me towards my final goal.

I didn't do the course, I decided it would be too much work. I am now considering doing it in the year between my Masters and (hopefully) my PhD!

GEEGEE8

Thanks so much guys!

I didn't even consider the undergraduate status.

I shall ring them tomorrow and report back..

Thanks again

Zziggi

Voyager2002 wrote: »

It is also worth trying to get hold of what they call the "study pack" for that course. This means all the learning materials that a student gets: text-book, DVD of the lectures, exercises, the lot. It does NOT include contact with a tutor, nor marking of assignments, nor the course certificate.

They sell study packs for a LOT less than the course fee, but usually a lot of the study pack is there on the OU website, free for you to use. And many public libraries have copies.

Voyager, do you have any idea where you can get full 'study packs' from please?

Voyager2002

Zziggi wrote: »

Voyager, do you have any idea where you can get full 'study packs' from please?

You can order them via the OU website: look at a particular course that interest you, and you should find the option of 'buying' it either by studying it or just buying the study pack. I have also seen them in public libraries, and in the libraries of other universities. (Most university libraries will allow you in to refer to material there, but not to borrow, so long as you write and ask and give a good reason for wanting access.)

Owain_Moneysaver

Voyager2002 wrote: »

I have also seen them in public libraries, and in the libraries of other universities.

And the OU has regional centres - they might have the packs there you could look at.

GEEGEE8

Apparently if you are studying Higher Education you are okay to get the funding. If you are studying Further Education (HNC / HND) you do not qualify.

So, as it stands I can get one years free study from them.

After that I start my HNC so I won't qualify.

I'm going for a foundation degree undergraduate scheme job at the moment, so I will hold off until I know the outcome of that, because I won't qualify if I'm doing that.

Thanks for all advice. !

Oldernotwiser

GEEGEE8 wrote: »

Apparently if you are studying Higher Education you are okay to get the funding. If you are studying Further Education (HNC / HND) you do not qualify.

So, as it stands I can get one years free study from them.

After that I start my HNC so I won't qualify.

I'm going for a foundation degree undergraduate scheme job at the moment, so I will hold off until I know the outcome of that, because I won't qualify if I'm doing that.

Thanks for all advice. !

HNC/HND is HE not FE so this may make a difference to your plans. Are you sure you got the information the right way round?

GEEGEE8

Oh! well that would mean I could get 3 yrs funding.

To be honest, the lady I spoke to was foreign and it wasn't easy getting information from her.

I have the telephone number for the regional office, I shall try them and ask.

Thanks for pointing that out, as it would make a big difference..