OU Course & Fee Confusion

Mara69

Wonder if someone can help.

I am currently studying at the OU. It is my first module, working towards a degree in Criminology & Psychology. In respect of the fee increase it means I catch a break and continue to pay the lower fees, assuming I study at least one module a year. So far, no problem. However, I am unsure as to whether I want to do the Criminology or an English degree. To this end, I had planned my next module (starting October, registration March) to be an English module. This should help me decide what path to take.

My dilemma is this: in order to continue receiving the lower fees, I have to study one module a year towards the same degree. So, my question is, can I effectively have two degrees running at the same time and qualify for the lower fees?

Oldernotwiser

Mara69 wrote: »

Wonder if someone can help.

I am currently studying at the OU. It is my first module, working towards a degree in Criminology & Psychology. In respect of the fee increase it means I catch a break and continue to pay the lower fees, assuming I study at least one module a year. So far, no problem. However, I am unsure as to whether I want to do the Criminology or an English degree. To this end, I had planned my next module (starting October, registration March) to be an English module. This should help me decide what path to take.

My dilemma is this: in order to continue receiving the lower fees, I have to study one module a year towards the same degree. So, my question is, can I effectively have two degrees running at the same time and qualify for the lower fees?

Won't you be heading towards an open degree if you do this?

Mara69

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Won't you be heading towards an open degree if you do this?

That is an option but is not the plan Each degree offers one free choice module so my plan is...if I do the English module and decide to stick to the Criminology degree then the English module will be my free choice and vice versa.

However....you may have just shown me the way forward. An open degree...why didn't I think of that??? I'd still prefer to do a 'real' degree but an open degree would solve the fees problem. Which is a problem as I am already fully stretched paying the fees - there is no way I can afford the increase.

MrsManda

The Open degree isn't a bad way to go but it doesn't necessarily matter what degree you link your modules to providing you are working towards a qualification.

For example I fall under the transitional arrangements and the modules I've done so far/I am currently studying I have counted towards a Natural Sciences BSc.

However this isn't set in stone until I complete the qualification so if I decide I don't want a Natural Sciences degree but want to count my modules towards a different qualification I can change it on my studenthome page.

Though named degrees have compulsory modules so in order to maintain your ability to achieve one you need to ensure that you study those modules.

HTH - sorry if I've made it sound complicated, it's not I'm just not very good at clear/concise writing at the moment.

Oldernotwiser

Mara69 wrote: »

That is an option but is not the plan Each degree offers one free choice module so my plan is...if I do the English module and decide to stick to the Criminology degree then the English module will be my free choice and vice versa.

However....you may have just shown me the way forward. An open degree...why didn't I think of that??? I'd still prefer to do a 'real' degree but an open degree would solve the fees problem. Which is a problem as I am already fully stretched paying the fees - there is no way I can afford the increase.

Don't forget that, if you do end up with a choice that means you have to pay fees, there are student loans available. Although the fees will be higher, for many students who have to pay themselves, taking out loans may well make life easier.

Not being nosy (well, maybe a bit!) do you have a particular career in mind after your degree?

Mara69

That is helpful, MrsManda, thank you. I think I am overthinking the problem. Am I correct in thinking that as long as I do a module every year, to count towards a degree, I'll stay on the transitional fee scale? I have to do the compulsory modules but can do 10 other modules if I choose and link them to my degree aims?

littlestar1981

Mara69 wrote: »

Wonder if someone can help.

My dilemma is this: in order to continue receiving the lower fees, I have to study one module a year towards the same degree. So, my question is, can I effectively have two degrees running at the same time and qualify for the lower fees?

Afraid not - that's what I was trying to do because I wanted to do 2 modules to finish my childhood and youth studies degree (had credit transfer), AND I wanted to complete a full psychology degree as that's the direction my work/career is going.

But I got a call to say you have to declare which degree you want to complete under the old fees/transitional arrangements, and if you want to work towards a second degree that one will have to be paid for under the new fees, regardless of whether you have already started it or not.

HTH x

Mara69

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Don't forget that, if you do end up with a choice that means you have to pay fees, there are student loans available. Although the fees will be higher, for many students who have to pay themselves, taking out loans may well make life easier.

Not being nosy (well, maybe a bit!) do you have a particular career in mind after your degree?

I haven't even looked at student loans; as I work full time I assumed I wouldn't be eligible. I pay the course fees via the Open University Student Budget Account so pay monthly.

Re a career, well that is a problem as well I currently have a reasonably well paid job with my local authority. It is OK but not a career choice per se. I sort of fell into this line of work and have stayed ever since. However, I'm not sure what I want to do with my life (at 41 :eek:). I am studying with the OU mainly for pleasure and to keep my brain active - however, I don't want to completely waste my time and money so if I could forge a new career on the back of my degree then that would be an excellent added bonus.

Problem I have is two-fold: not sure what I want to do career wise and have a well paid, fairly respected job that I have built my life aaround so it is not possible to leave for something lower paid.

I chose Criminology & Psychology as I studied Criminology at University many years ago and really enjoyed it (had to leave after a year). So.....I think I am having a mid life crisis!!!! :rotfl::rotfl:

Oldernotwiser

http://www8.open.ac.uk/study/explained/fees-2012/fees-and-funding-england

Mara69

Thanks, ONW. Had a look and I am not eligible for help at the moment.