Degree through the Open University

storymaker

Has anyone any experience of completing a degree through the OU?

I'm debating whether to start on the Mathematics and Statistics with a view to a PGCE.

I just wondered how you found the coursework?

Thank you x

bestpud

I can't help as I've not studied with the OU yet, but further down the page there is a thread called 'OU students present, past and future' (or something like that) that may be worth a look if you haven't already.

PassedAtFailing

I've done a few OU Mathematics courses. The material is of good quality and the tutors can be excellent too. I doubt you'd struggle much getting onto a PGCE course if you completed the Mathematics and Statistics degree - they do even have some teaching mathematics courses which may be of interest to you. The OU also take part in a Student Associate Scheme which allows you to take a placement in a secondary school for some experience. Of course, experience will be important if you wish to apply to do a PGCE.

The OU itself can suffer from time-to-time from large-organisation-fatigue where it acts like a giant centipede where the back legs are unsure where the front legs are going. Which usually results in a student or two being spun around in a whirlwind before everything sorts itself out again. Not to say the OU is bad, far from it - I would say the OU is useful.

mum2one

I'm doing a Business degree with the open uni, so far have 120 points at level 1, 120 level 2, (got some spare points extra courses), and I start level 3 in Feb, but to get the BA Hons, it needs to be 2 x 60 pointers.

I can't fault the OU, they have been absolutely brilliant, I have had fab support from the tutors, I'm disabled, but excuse the expression, they have bent over backwoods to do anything and everything to help me keep studying.

You have regular tutorials (optionial to attend), full support from tutor, you can call them at home - which is great as its not a 9 to 5 arena, remember one Sat ngt, with 4 hrs to go to submission, I had the biggest brain block possible, picked up the phone, and had all the help I needed.

I wouldn't necessary say there negative points - just something to take into consideration.

Lot of home study - need to be disciplined
Can feel bit lonely - but then there are tutor group - chat with other students
Some weeks the workload can be harder and longer than the estimated time, others your fly throu.

Would definately recommend it, its one of the best decisions I have made x

Loanranger

I agree with Mum2One, she's spot on.

Many worry at first about the amount of work and whether they'll be up to the level required so if you feel like that, it's normal.

Their system was designed for people who had few or no qualifications or have not studied for years. It's a tough way to do a degree because, unlike bricks and mortar universities, you are not immersed in the academic environment and it does take a long time. On the other hand, you're not racking up debt.
Be prepared to sacrifice some area of your life to accommodate the study time.
Time management is essential and you cannot fit in the study required and have an active family/social life/ allotment/ TV habit/ DIY projects and a full time job.

It's the UK's biggest university in terms of student numbers and employers recognise the commitment, tenacity and discipline required to get an OU degree.

The OU attracts people from all walks of life, all ages - it's a classless institution.

I have two OU degrees and signing up was the best decision I ever made and probably changed my life.
My regret was that I didn't start the OU earlier.
OU should carry a government health warning, it's addictive.

Oldernotwiser

storymaker wrote: »

Has anyone any experience of completing a degree through the OU?

I'm debating whether to start on the Mathematics and Statistics with a view to a PGCE.

I just wondered how you found the coursework?

Thank you x

Hi! You might remember that I suggested OU study on your other thread.

One thing that you might be interested in is the fact that many b&m universities will accept one or two OU units as an alternate entry qualification to their traditional degrees. I remember that you don't have A levels so this could mean that you could study for a year or two with the OU and then either complete your degree this way (if you find you enjoy distance learning) or move to a b&m university if you don't get on with it so well.

Just a thought.

newmum1

Ive just completed my degree in social policy and criminology, ive been studying with them since 2005, im about to start a masters at a traditional uni and they were really impressed with the OU modules which I took. Tutors are fab always ready and willing to help

KatieShopstoomuch

The OU is excellent I studied three courses with them and was hopeing to complete my degree with them although i've ended up changing my mind and going to a traditional university I found the OU so helpful and luckily most tutors I had were fantastic......Good luck with it