Anyone studied on the Open University?

russxiii

After being shafted by my company, in which they employed someone a lot less experienced/qualified for a promotion rather than me, I figure its time for a change.

I'm 22 and have landed a great job for the past 3 years, however it not taxing on my brain at all and honestly a monkey could do my job. Its 25k and within the oil and gas sector 3 weeks work (consisting of 48,72,48 hours) and then 2 solid weeks off. I'm in a predicament because the job is good and so secure that I'm afraid to up roots however it is relatively dead-end as its like a tiny little family of staff and not many chances if any for promotion.

I know that I have the brain for further education I've just never used it to its full potential however, I am ready too because if I ever want to be a lot better off and more successful then Im going to have to really try.

I have 2 courses in mind:

• BSc (Honours) Computing and IT
• BA (Honours) Leadership and Management

The latter one being the one I'm edging towards because of the industry I am in and the managers roles here are directly transferable to this course IMO.

Just wondering if anyone could shed any light on how difficult they found being alone to study etc or just share their experience with OU.

first78

I have just spent the last 5 years studying for a BA (Hons) Humanities and can honestly say it was a fantastic experience.

Initially I was concerned about studying on my own so I did a 3 month Level 1 course worth 10 points. After completing that I realised I could do a degree as long as I stayed motivated.

Some of my courses had face to face tutorials once a month, these were optional and sometimes I couldn't make them due to the distance or work commitments.

I think the OU is a fantastic institution for anyone wanting to learn. I also think it shows prospective employees that you are able to manage your time effectively

Shoey1610

I'm the same as first78, I'm just about to finish 5 years part-time with the OU, graduating with a BA(Hons) English Literature.

I also started off with a 10 point level 1 course to test the waters and I loved it. There have been highs and lows motivation wise, but I think that is normal.

I would highly recommend it. It has changed my life and I wish I had done it even sooner. Ring and speak to them and talk through your options, they are really helpful. If the courses you are looking at have any common modules at the lower levels, perhaps you might be able to hold off committing to a certain path until you've done a couple of modules. However, it is slightly less flexible than when I first started in terms of compulsory modules and study paths.

You might also benefit from speaking to the National Careers Service, who can give you some guidance on progression too. I have used their website and had a face to face meeting and I highly recommend them (especially my lovely no-nonsense adviser!).

debrag

I am currently studying with them under the old fees (thankfully), you have to be very diciplined but it is very enjoyable. I'm now doing the Open degree so I can pick what modules I want with in reason, I started off with the old Molecular Science then onto Health & Social Care and now sticking with the Open degree.

I say go for it.

falko89

I am studying BSc (Honours) Computing and IT, I will be honest it is rather difficult and I have thought of packing it in several times, I have 120 credits at the moment. Once you get passed level 1 there are several routes for you to go down, I have went down the programming route.

emsywoo123

I am only first year BA(Hons) Business Studies......and I will be completely honest........ it has brought me to the edge of tears, frustration, despair.........and unbelievable delight!

I love it, genuinely, and really could not recommend it more highly.

I have made new friends and opened more doors (figuratively speaking!) than I thought possible.

I am doing 2 modules at the same time, and 1 tutor is lovely, present and supportive, the other one is AMAZING and I have learnt so much from him - he alone is motivation to do a degree.

Honestly, best thing you could do. I run a business and am a single mum to 2 young children so it can be done!

*Kinda feel I should point out that I am in no way "connected" to OU as that does seem a bit of a gushy post lol*

Raffers

I've just completed year one of the BSc (Honours) Computing & IT studying full time in my own free time. It's not easy, partly because it takes up a fair amount of your personal life, but for me it has so far been the best way to approach it. I didn't want to study part time for many years.

I am Scottish and therefore I am benefitting from vastly reduced study fees in contrast to England. I'd definitely check that out before beginning.

Also, bear in mind that you get the option (most of the time) to select which specific course modules to study. I chose MST121 maths in year one as I remembered being not to shabby with numbers at school. However, this was a tougher module than the main My Digital Life module. It also had a sit-down exam. Looking forward to starting on Java/VBasic modules from this coming October.

penguin83

I am less than 3 months away from completing my LLB with the OU. I highly recommend it. I have met so many people from all walks of life, my tutors have been fantastic. It is hard studying alone - I also work full time and have 3 young children but with facebook and email along with tutorials you can get a support system going with others on your course. A lot of blood, sweat and tears but worth it. x

pauletruth

the wife completed her nursing degree with them. its pretty good. you just need to be motivated.

editor1

Forget all the !!!!!!!!e now doing the rounds with regards new technology and new teaching/learning opportunities.

If you are going to do a distance learning degree or Post Grad work, only one place in the world to do it, and that the Open University.

Why do I say this, we'll in my youth, OU programmes used to be on TV, as I got older, one wondered what it was all about, when at Uni., have a guess what, many a text book was from the OU and their lecturers are some of the brightest in the World.

I'd have no issues doing a PhD with the OU, actually, with all the research capabilities we now have, its the way to go if its not a science-based course requiring much lab work.

In a nutshell, go with the OU, costs are good and you won't regret it.

Andy_L

editor1 wrote: »

In a nutshell, go with the OU, costs are good and you won't regret it.

Unfortunatly, with the changes in Student Loans/University finance, the OU's tuition fees are a lot higher than they used to be (about £5k for a full-time year/120 credit points), although still less than the £8.6k average