Think I'm going to feel had over...

jimjams_mommy

Have a look at how many credits you have at the moment, and look at funding available open to people on benefits for the OU. You haven't started the new year yet at uni year or had your medical. just see what happens. A degree is a degree, is it that important to you? or do you want a loan to pay for OU? Take a breath and get your medical over with.

Oldernotwiser

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

Can't afford OU. Not looking like I'll be able to afford regular Uni after they raised the tuition fees.

The Uni I was attending will no doubt take full advantage & charge the full £9000 per year.

Even if the new fees were applied to someone who's taking a year out (which I doubt) they won't come into effect until the year after you return to university.

You can get grants for OU study if your household income is low and the advantage of studying with the OU is that it's a full Psychology degree rather than Applied Psychology.

I can't understand why you're so against the idea, given the problems you've had with conventional university study.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

I'm not against the idea of attending OU, I just wasn't aware there was funding for those on low incomes.

Also, the only main difference between Applied Psychology & Psychology is Applied is geared towards research. There is a lot more emphasis on statistics and research methods. Also, at the Uni I was attending, we focused on key areas such as neuro psychology and cognition. We never even touched upon councelling psychology & hardly looked at abnormal psychology.

Applied Psychology, I think prepares the student for a wider variety of vocations and further study in terms of Masters and Phd qualifications.

I will check out OU funding options regardless as I want to keep my options open.

Oldernotwiser

http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/explained/financial-support.shtml

Fewer Applied Psychology degrees are BPS accredited - the OU's Psychology degree is.

Do contact the OU and see how many credits they would allow you to transfer from your past study - most people studying part time take courses of 60 credits per year , although more or fewer are possible.

SingleSue

I started with 60 points between Feb and October last year, 60 points between Feb and October this year but have gained confidence and am starting a 30 point course (right now as it happens) until April and a further 60 point course starting at the beginning of Feb, so will be doing two courses at the same time.

Obviously, as they are high cost courses (law), not all of mine is funded as only one high cost course a school year can be covered but the top up amount I have to pay is not so bad and it can be spread over so many months making it easier to pay (I'll just have to sell a few more books and not buy new ones/ask for money for birthday and Christmas!)

I think I have got the bug for studying, I just couldn't wait until Feb to do another one....am I mad? Probably.

pipkin71

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

I recently got called for a medical which is next week & I'm concerned that they will say I'm fit for work at the worst or send me to a work group. My gripe is if the GP has stated I'm not fit to return to Uni how can I be fit for work?

After all, Uni is less stressfull than a job & Uni offers a great deal of support. Also, if I can't attend uni then I can make arrangements to carry on with distance learning. There are many more options available to me at Uni which lack in the work place.

I would say that university can actually be more stressful than working, OP.

Try not to stress too much about the medical. I know a lot more negative things have been discussed, but that's often because you don't get to read about the positives.

Also have a think about the advice offered with regards the OU. I studied for my degree with them, and it really was the better option.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

To be totally honest, I'm not well enough for Uni or employment unfortunatly.

I am in the process of trying to get some help, but it's a slow process in itself. Referrals seem to take for ever. Going to go back to the GP this week & have a chat with her.