Are Open University degrees widely recognised and respected by employers?

bhz-2

I'm considering doing an MBA from the Open University because it's more flexible and less expensive than the unis in my area.

I'd like to have an honest opinion from employers and people who applied for jobs after getting an OU degree.

The fees for the MBA first year are nearly £4,000, so, I need to do a lot of research before I commit myself. It's a lot of money for me and I'd also have to fit my studies around a full-time job.

I would welcome constructive opinions and advice.

Thanks in advance.

Quiet_Life

Type
MBA Open university into search box and it'll bring up this topic from a few days ago

heretolearn_2

As both a student and employer:

As a student, I've only had very positive reactions from prospective employers at interview stage, as it is a highly respected institution and they've acknowledged the effort needed to study while working. One employer went on to sponsor me (pay for) my next course.

As an employer, I'd rate an OU MBA as one of the top ones, certainly a hell of a lot more prestigious than the umpteen crappy MBAs I've see listed on CVs from crappy colleges that aren't even universities! So I do understand your concerns; not all MBAs are equal.

It might interest you that 20% of all UK MBAs are taken through the OU. Take a look at their website, on the course descriptions you can see course feedback from students, they do put the good and the bad on there so you get an honest picture.

I've done an OU review on dooyoo here: http://dooyoo.co.uk/universities/open-university-in-general/1431331/
(note I don't earn anything if you click on my link as a non-member, I'm not trying to earn from you, just help you).

jimbms

Consider this, a vast majority of OU graduates are ordinary people who have worked hard full time, looked after a family and studied hard to get this degree and pay for it themselves as opposed to a standard uni degree where the majority of the non study time has been spent in the bar without the hassle of needing to work to live. So who would you regard as having put the most work in for the degree and has earned the most respect? I know I always put OU graduates on a higher level when interviewing.

bhz-2

Thanks for the replies so far.

Heretolearn, the reviews on dooyoo are very useful and provide a lot of practical details/advice not available on the OU website. I'm going to read them all when I've got a bit more time (I've managed to read 20 so far!).

Jimbms, you've made a very important point there and it's definitely something I'll keep in mind.


Another question for you: Is it possible to get some assistance with funding OU studies if you work full time?

heretolearn_2

yes it's based on household income, where the income comes from is irrelevant. I get fully funded.

Unfortunately, like all universities, there isn't standard funding available for post-grad study. You are expected to fund yourself through this. However there is a limited amount of funding, in the form of bursaries, depending on which course you are doing. You need to contact the OU directly and discuss with them.

bhz-2

I'd welcome more views about OU qualifications.

Heretolearn, I'll contact the OU re funding. Thanks a lot for your contribution.

Gazing_On_Sunsets

I did an art degree the standard way. Then, while I worked in a load of pants jobs, I did lots of OU study - mainly in English. I have never consolidated into a degree, but when I came to train as a teacher in my mid twenties, I found it opened so many doors to me. The OU study is top quality, fantastic, and I have only ever had a positive response to it. It proves you want to move on, get things done, and shows you have pretty good time management skills too!

jimbms

Just to add to previous comments, unless your degree is in engineering or a science etc most employees now regard the standard university degree as just an add on to 3 years of having a nice drinking and party time and has such has no real worth, now an OU degree as many have said shows real commitment and a desire to progress.

hethmar

Definitely Id look upon someone doing this off their own bat as being more impressive than someone just following the system. OU students are more committed generally and usually more mature in outlook.

Very best of luck.

bhz-2

Many thanks for your views and advice. You've really made me decide to go for the OU course! :j

I'm very committed, motivated, have very good time management skills and really want to do something positive about my career.

I'm going nowhere with my job and have been extremely unhappy for a long time. I considered several careers, none of which felt right for me. After having checked out how much it costs to get an MBA from other universities, I'm glad I've found the OU. It's expensive, but the flexibility, learning materials and support I'll get make it all worthwhile.

I'm well aware that I can lose my job halfway into my MBA, but I'd rather take the risk. If I really lose it, at least I can afford to finish the first year of my studies and have a break until I get another job.

Just to be on the safe side, I'm currently looking for an evening or weekend job (temporary until Nov) to supplement my income and help me with the MBA fees.

Thanks once again and please feel free to post your views here.