Not sure what to do

greensmurf

I started University in 2008 and have just reached the end of the second year. I have just reached the end of my second year. However, I have not passed the exam modules. I have been offered the reassessments, but these at capped at 40 at present.

I have requested consideration for retrospective mitigating circumstances to allow me to take the exams as a first attempt. This is because I have been given new arrangements by Disability Services. However, it normally takes about a month to get a decision.

I have reserved a place on two OU courses, for which I could transfer my credits. However, I wanted to do it full time but am therefore not eligible for financial support. My dad has agreed to cover the cost of the OU if I want to go down this route, but I'm not sure how it would work without a job.

My reserved places on the OU courses are available until 31st August. I finish my resits on 3rd September, but don't receive the results until a week before the new semester begins, so I won't know how many credits I still have to do.

I'm really not sure where to go from here. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

MrsManda

Hi I'm in a similar situation and was just wondering why are you considering doing the OU rather than continuing at your university if you are still wanting to study full time?

greensmurf

Thanks for the message. The reason is that, if I decide to study with the OU, then the degree classification is worked out wholly on the basis of OU modules - those taken next year; all the rest are simply qualifying units. This means that my performance won't be adversely affected by a few 40% marks if I'm unable to claim my mitigating circumstances. I'm aso influenced by the fact it is about £2000 cheaper then taking out a tuition fee loan for he year, but this is a secondary consideration.

Oldernotwiser

If you do go down the OU route and money is an issue, why not study part time? You'll get your fees paid if you're on a low income and can live on your earnings or benefits.

greensmurf

Thanks for the advice. Money is not really an issue because I will be entitled to government support if I continue on the campus route or my parents will pay for the OU. The main thing is that I don't really want to do OU study part-time unless I could find a job. I don't endorse the idea of living off benefits really, but it is difficult in the current economic climate.

alisoninbristol

I know you say you don't want to go the OU route - but if you do decide to do that don't forget to check for financial support from the OU. If you are entitled to it your parents won't have to pay.

You could ask to OU to hold your reservation until you get the result, in my experience they are usually pretty helpful.

Good luck either way,

A

greensmurf

Thanks for the advice. I received the financial support forms from the OU yesterday. If I wanted to study with them and receive help, then I would only be able to do it part-time; the financial support is not available to those who want to study full time.

I will contact the Open University to see if it is possible for them to hold open my place on the reserved courses until I have my exam results.