Pay for uni, but don't attend lectures

MrsManda

The Open degree is a BSc (or a BA depending on what you study) though you're right that a named degree may be better for what you want to do.

I think it is possible to register for more than 120 credits a year though it's advisable not to at least for your first distance learning courses as it's completely different to studying at a brick university.


Have you looked at your university's prospectus to see if your degree or any aspect of it is available via distance learning?

I think you need to talk to your personal/year tutor ASAP - explain the situation and ask about options. I know some universities let you study via distance learning if there's a compelling reason and they think you are academically up to the challenge however it tends to be highly dependent on the course and its content.

For my degree we were warned that distance learning was not an option due to the intensity of the course and the fact it required the development of technical skills. Whereas a friend studying for an English and Philosophy degree was able to do most of her last year effectively as a distance learner (she was still registered as a FT student) because she was unable to get to the university and could access lecture notes online.

Speak to your university tutor as the first point of call to find out what they can suggest.

Oldernotwiser

tamarasahara wrote: »

I can either get a BSc or an open degree. I'm in a technical field, so a BSc would be much better.

Yes, if I get an open degree I would be able to carry all 240 points. I suppose I could do that, but I'm very unwilling as it seems like a downgrade

I don't know of any other distance learning unis. Do you have suggestions?

Many universities offer degrees by distance learning without doing nothing else, like the OU. You could also look at the International Programme with the University of London.

http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/prospective_students/undergraduate/index.php

Helix

tamarasahara wrote: »

I know that you have to satisfy strict residency rules to qualify for student finance, but there doesn't seem to be any rule about moving abroad during your period of study - especially if you are paying yourself. I would be resident here when I register, but then if I have to move subsequently, as the fees are paid upfront, I don't think this would be wrong.

Although you pay around £3000 for fees, in most cases currently the government give the university more money on top to help cover the cost of teaching you. (Hence the reason fees are going up to £9000, as the Government are removing their share).

In order to get this additional money the University need to prove that you are in attendance, which they won't be able to do if you are not even in the country. London Met got in a lot of bother a couple of years back for claiming for students that had dropped out and since then Unis have become very strict to make sure they are obeying the rules.

Judith_W

Just talk to your tutor. The main reason they have a minimum attendance at lectures etc is to ensure ppl don't just enjoy the student life whilst not doing any work and fail exams as it brings down their pass rate, they would much rather kick off failing students then let them fail.

This is not the case for you and if you make it clear to them that you want to pass and have compelling reasons for moving away, I don't think they'd mind too much.

yesican

Im currently in my mid-second year and to be honest,ive noticed them being very strict on physical attendance.

Have you thought about taking a year out and explore USA and everything that it offers academically?who knows,you might end up having second thoughts about studying in the USA and come back??

Whatever you decide,i wish you all the best...