Distance Learning->Cheapest way?

Hoody

Been applying for jobs for some time know with little luck, So am currently thinking about looking for a distance learning course to upgrade my skills and see if this helps? i have looked at learn direct, but their courses seem to be low level and not very focused? I have also looked at the open university. But they have seemingly to have increased the prices of their courses significantly. So what other options are there out there for courses that are industry recognised but don't cost excessive amounts of cash to do?

InsideInsurance

Which industry?

Hoody

Most of my previous jobs have been in dead/dieing industries or one that will lead nowhere. So i am open to retraining into a new one. I've had an interest in IT for ages so would be open to something that covers the hardware or software side of IT? Doesn't have to be just this though, as i said i am open to most things as long they offer at least some hope of leading to a reasonable job at the end of it?

heretolearn_2

Depending on what course you want to do, you may be just about in time to get on an OU course at the existing rates and not the new trebled rates that come in from Sept. If you do, then the existing rates will be held for you throughout your degree as a transitional agreement for 'current students'.

There are still a few courses open to start this academic year - you have to start before July although in practise I think the last few start in May. Take a look through the course lists to see which ones have a start soon.

Whatever degree you do you always get one 'free choice' so it needn't be an IT course if none of those are available within the time limit you have. At least, all the degrees I 've looked at, you obviously need to double check yours.

Also, if you have a lowish income then for 'current students' the existing funding arrangements continue - which means a grant (not loan) that may even totally cover the costs or at least go towards it, and you also get a small grant for your study expenses as well.

Don't hang about though...registrations close fairly soon.

dizzyrascal

Heretolearn is right about the OU and the closing dates so I would get your skates on if you want to sign up before the price increases. However, you will be able to take out a student loan, even for part time courses, from September onwards for study at degree level.
It is difficult to get into an IT related job though with just academic qualifications. Most companies ask for a few years work experience too because it is not until you use your skills in the workplace that you become proficient enough to be useful. I'm thinking of programming languages here or being able to analyse systems (as an example)
I think it depends on what type of work you are looking for.
It is possible to train yourself to learn certain skills just by using books or the internet (lots of help on youtube and there are free courses on Linda.com - usually only starter courses)
Adobe also provide lots of free stuff on Adobe.tv and online but you would need the software to be able to use it.
I think you need to be specific about what you want to achieve and what sort of career you are aiming for.
If you are looking to get something fairly soon then the OU will be too slow for you. I don't know what the current view is on Compuserve courses (I'm sure someone will say soon) but they used to be able to get people jobs from their relatively short courses. I think they are quite an expensive option theses days though. Their courses used to be quick, intense and work related but things may have changed.
I saw a job advertised recently that was for a receptionist at a busy (an rapidly expanding) educational IT company and I thought that would suit someone who wanted to get into the sector. It would provide a good way of finding out what skills/training they valued and were short of and if you showed that you were willing to learn and keen to be of use, it might be a way in. (just a thought)

ch8797

Look at the eligibility calculator within the finance section of the OU site. If you are on job seekers, income support etc you normally qualify for a full fee grant, if your household is on just one wage you still might have most of the course paid for you - for example if your household receives 21000 you might only have to pay £240 for a £700 course. You also normally get a course grant of £260 paid to you directly after the course starts if you have managed to obtain a grant. You can get help with buying a computer.
There are loads of IT courses and an OU degree is held in high regard throughout most industries. You can get a diploma in most fields too.

Good luck