Opinions on open university?

angeltreats

Loz01 wrote: »

I wanted to do my postgrad with the OU but they're not taking new students in the Psychology/Social Work catergories as its being reviewed

Does anyone know when it's going to be back on track? I phoned up and the woman I spoke to was speaking as though it was gonna be years rather than months :eek:

I don't know, but my brother in law did a psychology degree with OU (and I think a postgrad as well) and he got on really well it. He actually works in the field now and is talking about applying for a PhD at a bricks & mortar uni.

I'm thinking about doing an OU degree myself in maths or something maths-related, probaly not for another year or so though as I have other exams to pass first for a professional qualification and I would need to swot up a bit first on all the stuff I've forgotten since leaving school.

bexiboo92

How did all you guys get on with the fees for it?
Loans?
Monthly payments?

duchy

I'm a huge fan of the OU .....BUT- personally speaking I found trying to balance work/study/family a lot easier at a traditional uni than the OU -simply because the standard for the courses I was doing was higher (same level -OU expected more) and also having the structure of classes to attend more often meant I had to build in the time away from home instead of letting home situations take me off course (I did 2 years with the OU to assure myself I could handle degree level work after been out of education -and then did the following 2 years a bricks and mortar unis).

It also depends if you are a self starter or not-some people need the regular classroom interaction with other students to stay motivated and on track-others are happier to work solo with just a monthly tutorial (if that).

notisis

I transferred credits from a standard university and then completed my degree via the OU. It was cheaper and I could work full time. Generally it was a very good experience. I would say that depending on course/tutor (definitely tutor) determines the level and quality of support/teaching. This was a few years ago now. At the moment my dh is taking a diploma through the OU and he has had one really bad tutor and some poor teaching material (which the excellent tutors agree is poor!). Luckily he is on the old fee schedule as otherwise I would say that with the courses available locally via normal universities it would be no different in terms of fees and support.

I looked at taking some post grad courses and the fees are astronomical via the OU - it is actually cheaper for me to do almost the same course locally part time either evenings or distance learning via a well respected university (Sussex).

I would recommend you research the courses well both via the OU and also check out what might be available locally. You can then compare and decide what is best for your circumstances. Good luck!

PS I would add some courses you can breeze through in the recommended study time or less but others wildly underestimate the amount required. One 30 point course took more hours than a 60 point and all students agreed that took the course.

bexiboo92

notisis wrote: »

I transferred credits from a standard university and then completed my degree via the OU. It was cheaper and I could work full time. Generally it was a very good experience. I would say that depending on course/tutor (definitely tutor) determines the level and quality of support/teaching. This was a few years ago now. At the moment my dh is taking a diploma through the OU and he has had one really bad tutor and some poor teaching material (which the excellent tutors agree is poor!). Luckily he is on the old fee schedule as otherwise I would say that with the courses available locally via normal universities it would be no different in terms of fees and support.

I looked at taking some post grad courses and the fees are astronomical via the OU - it is actually cheaper for me to do almost the same course locally part time either evenings or distance learning via a well respected university (Sussex).

I would recommend you research the courses well both via the OU and also check out what might be available locally. You can then compare and decide what is best for your circumstances. Good luck!

PS I would add some courses you can breeze through in the recommended study time or less but others wildly underestimate the amount required. One 30 point course took more hours than a 60 point and all students agreed that took the course.

Thanks for the advice.

Have had a look locally, found an ideal course then they decided they're not running it this year

Hence why I'm now looking at OU.

notisis

@BexiBoo - I paid some via the OU credit account which then was almost interest free and I could pay monthly. Now my dh pays by credit card and his employer contributes. He is still on the old fee structure so it's not so expensive. I think some people are eligible for funding too just like traditional universities and also there are various burseries available. If you ring the OU helpline they'll explain the funding options.

notisis

@BexiBoo That's a shame you can't do the course locally - if they run it next year it might be worth waiting. But if there are no guarantees then I guess you need to look at alternatives. Hope it all goes well for you. x

emsywoo123

bexiboo92 wrote: »

How did all you guys get on with the fees for it?
Loans?
Monthly payments?

I get the student tuition fee loan as per a standard "brick" university.

onlyroz

I persuaded my employer to pay my fees.

penguin83

I am due to graduate from my law degree (LLB) in October fingers crossed. I cannot recommend them enough as due to finances I just couldn't have done my degree any other way. I work full time and have 3 children. When I started my degree 4 years ago I had two children and was working full time and now have an 8 week old so I am currently doing my last year whilst on maternity leave with a newborn.

I had a tutorial on my due date which I couldn't attend so my tutor phoned and emailed me and made sure I was ok with where the course was up to and offered additional time to complete an assignment as I had one due in a week after giving birth.

Good luck and I hope it suits you too. x