Open University Open Degree?

Taadaa

Just to point out that there is a poster on another thread who has a psych degree and has been unable to find work for months. They have concluded it wasn't worth doing in the first place.

joesephjoe

Hi,
I am also studying with the OU. I am currently halfway through level 2 and have studied mainly science modules. I am still undecided whether to stick to named degree in Natural Science or go for BSc (honours) (open). I am late 40's and spent most of my life digging holes in the road so cant really see myself working in lab or teaching role :-/ and not many of the level 3 courses appeal to me.
Saying that tho, I left school with a few CSE's and nothing since so I am very proud of my Cert of HE and looking forward to getting my Dip HE to on way to degree.
I am wondering if I mix a bit of engineering/maths modules in it would be ok or you all think named degree is better?

joesephjoe

ok, just realised I was post no13 so I guess that just jinxed it haha

CKhalvashi

cali_ wrote: »

I am thinking about studying on the Open University Open Degree.

Has anyone completed a OU Open Degree? Another option is to study on a named degree but it will be restricting.

Is the OU Open Degree considered as a 'good degree' as far as potential employers are concerned?

All advice is really appreciated.

I’ve got an OU BA in Languages and Business, and although I’ve never tested it as far as interviews are concerned (I work for myself), it’s been useful as far as business has been concerned.

Any degree is going to be a ‘good’ degree if it can help you in work, and therefore an employer with their business.

CK

heretolearn_2

Hi Joseph

I think a combination of science and maths/engineering makes a lot of sense in a degree as it's the sort of combo that does come up in 'named degrees' elsewhere. So I think an employer would take it seriously. It's when people do open degrees with a hodge-podge of 'fun' subjects that it's less good for employment reasons (although people have their own reasons for doing degrees, not everyone has to think about that).

My only concern would be how well you would cope with courses in these areas without the lower level courses having prepared you. You still need to do two Level 3 courses for an honours degree. Unless you are a maths whizz I think going straight in at level 3, without having learned what was covered at level 1 and 2, will be extremely difficult as you are starting behind. Likewise engineering. You would be normally be building on prior knowledge.

Have a good talk with the advisors at the OU first about whether you are at the right level already or can realistically catch up as you don't want to take a course and fail, or get a very low grade that drags your degree class right down. Your level 3 courses have the greatest influence on your degree class. If it comes down to risking getting a third in topics you enjoy, or a 1st/2.1 in topics you'd rather not continue in, career wise you are much better off sucking it up for another couple of years and continuing with science.

jobbingmusician

cali_ wrote: »

Thank you for your replies.

Ok. Slightly confused. I was thinking about doing Business and Psychology - helpful in a wide range of profession.

But saying that, I really want to work towards becoming a Primary School Councillor. And having read this https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3477529 , it seems it's going to be years and years of training, further education and development before you even get anywhere near actually becoming a Primary School Councillor (example).

I can't seem to find anything anywhere about what route I need to take as far as the relevant Degree, training and experience is concerned.

Does anyone know how long the whole process would take?

3-4 years Degree,
???? years Post Grad?
???? ????

*Counsellor*

If you want to become a counsellor, a psychology degree will be far more useful than one in business. But always bear in mind that psychology is horribly popular, and doesn't lead to a clear employment route. Back when I did my OU psychology degree, they did lots of psych courses, but there was a specific core of courses which entitled you to become a member of the BPS. As far as I remember, unless you have lots of credit transfer from having already studied at undergraduate level, there will be enough courses 'left over' for you to be able to study business as well as psych as part of your overall degree, thus hitting all buttons.

I really enjoyed my OU degree, so if learning and self-development is also part of your plan, go for it!

heretolearn's advice sounds great, as does the idea of talking to OU career advisors