Considering OU...any words of wisdom?

aurora_borealis_2

Smashing wrote:

Can I ask what uni you did your masters at and what subject it was? Did you find that they looked favourably upon an OU degree?

A fulltime OU degree is no mean feat for someone who doesn't considered themselves particularily organised! :T

It was at Cardiff.

The OU degree was very well respected. I did a research masters as the first year of my PhD

I had a bursary and a scholarship as well, and they don't come easily. OU degrees are looked upon more favourably than mainstream, I think.

cazziebo

I'd second that Aurora. Employers are usually amazed that you've combined work and studying, and got a successful outcome. It's been great for my career.

OU does pride itself on standards. The tutors tend to be real experts in their fields - and often have the real world experience that can be lacking in academia. The MBA course is very highly accredited, and ranks highly on a global basis.

I also got a few study buddies and we all jollied each other along- because the other posters are right - it's tough going back to studying no matter how motivated you are.. Because it's modular you tend not to stay with the same group of people from course to course (although often stay in touch!) so socially it's brilliant too.

Oh go for it!

Cazzie
x

caroline1973lefty

anyone who is a trade union member can get 10% off OU fees, btw. quote 'union' (i think you have to send a photocopy of your card).

i'm doing a course with them - struggling to keep up a bit but am really impressed by the quality of their materials etc.

freelancemermaid

it's hard work but really worth it.

changed my life in so many ways

liney

I am looking at an Open University Degree. Could anyone here tell me how many hours a week they put into studying part time? My subject will be History.

liney

I am looking at an Open University Degree. Could anyone here tell me how many hours a week they put into studying part time? My subject will be History.

freebie_junkie

hi, im attending uni so dont really knwo about teh OU, but i do knwo you can pay for it with clubcard vouchers, £10 is worth £40 towards your course.

i am studying full-time and pretty much working full-time on my business, so i reckon that i have to have teh same level of discipline as an OU student, you will need to be really organised, draw up a rota and set aside certain nights for 'reading', 'reserching', 'writing up notes', 'writing essays' etc. and stick to it. best of luck!

black-saturn

I'm really disciplined about studying but I'm finding it difficult to get motivated to do a correspondence course I'm on. I'm about 3/4 of the way through now so I must do something about it this week :rolleyes:

scorpio_princess

I can only agree with what all the other posters have said - I love the OU too!

I'm studying for an honours degree in English language and literature, and i'm loving it. I completed the level 1 course last year with a good pass, and i'm now starting the level 2 literature component - very scary, but also exciting! I am by no means the most organised person in the world, but I think my passion for the subject drives me on. Also, although I work full time, I'm single and live alone, so it's easy for me to arrange study time without being disturbed - people with families would need to be particularly motivated and organised IMHO. But it it do-able! I have made many friends - both online and at my tutorials, and quite a few are parents with young children - it's just a case of organisation along with a desire to learn and succeed.

I too have been really impressed with the standard of teaching and course material - my tutor for this course has a PhD in the subject, and so knows what she is talking about! You're never on your own with the OU, but neither are you 'mollycoddled' - in my case, it has taught me how to learn effectively. It's not just about academic learning either - there's so much i've learned that had never occured to me before (for example, how to construct a valid argument, critical thinking, analysing -these are all transferable skills that will always benefit you). To say that it has opened my eyes is an understatement! I cannot praise it highly enough to be honest - go on, take the plunge - I bet you won't regret it!

ps It is well known amoungst OU students that studying with them is actually addictive! I know someone who has done countless courses, all in different disciplines, and sometimes at the same time, simply because she loves it so much.

pipkin71

I started my degree with the OU six years ago when DDs were little. You do need to be disciplined but you have cut off dates etc for when assignments are due. I achieved a Bsc in health and social welfare in December and will embark on my masters in February - also with the OU.

If you don't try it, you will never know whether or not it suited you.

Regards
Pipkin xxx