Open University degree courses - worth the money?

countingstars

penguin83 wrote: »

I completed the LLB with the Open University in October just gone. The course materials were thorough and the tuition excellent. I am due to start my LLM and LPC together at the University of Law in September. I completed my degree with three young children and working full time and ended up with a 2:1.

I do not know how the two universities compare with each other but I can recommend the OU.


Good luck whatever you decide. x

Truly inspirational. I'm hoping to study with the OU next April while working full time.

whodathunkit

GothicStirling wrote: »

BS. The OU was established by Cambridge University, their materials were written by Cambridge academics. I would love to know how you're comparing the OUs academic standards against UoL, as they aren't polled for the University League tables. I also believe that the grading brackets are higher at the OU (85 rather than 80 for a 1st) than other universities.

OP, first make sure that the Law departments are accredited. Secondly, check out the Student Room website which gives profiles on both universities, and forums where you can talk with current students. There is also a Distance Learning sub-forum. Don't forget your entitled to SF as a part-time student.

I'm the only graduate in my family too.:o

Considering that you can start an OU degree with no academic qualifications at all (a positive thing when considering access), common sense should tell you that the standard in the early years isn't going to be the same as a course where students are already of A level standard.

In addition, I do have plenty of experience of HE, undergraduate and post graduate at both the OU and traditional universities, to back up my opinion. It is only my opinion, but it certainly isn't BS.

The OU is excellent in it's way but it's a mistake to think it's the only, much less the best, provider of distance learning.

(NB The only reason to ensure that a law deparment is accredited is if you plan to make a career in law, which the OP has said she doesnt want to do.)

hcb42

I've done 2 degrees with the OU, and then gone on to do a Level 1 law course (but not doing any more now!)

Both while working, an MBA, and a BSc in which I achieved a first - very proud of the latter especially the high grade required for that over six years study.

Not sure on fees now, as I finished two years ago, however Law is always going to cost more, as a business school course. I was toying with the idea of completing Law myself but decided after 10 years I needed my life back! (was studying for personal development rather than direct career path)

GothicStirling

whodathunkit wrote: »

Considering that you can start an OU degree with no academic qualifications at all (a positive thing when considering access), common sense should tell you that the standard in the early years isn't going to be the same as a course where students are already of A level standard.

I've studied at the OU, and I've studied at two brick n mortar universities. On the whole, those at OU tutorials had better academic backgrounds, work experience and work ethic than most campus-based students.

I didn't say that I thought it was the best (although having seen UoL webpages if I were thinking of Law, I would opt for OU who seem proactive about students getting work experience, and have better links to the legal world). I did point out that I'm a current DL at Leicester, who I think has provided the best experience at either a DL or campus-based university.

emsywoo123

whodathunkit wrote: »

Considering that you can start an OU degree with no academic qualifications at all (a positive thing when considering access), common sense should tell you that the standard in the early years isn't going to be the same as a course where students are already of A level standard.

I read this last night but did not reply as I wanted to give it some thought.

I can understand why you might have this preconception, but I am still quite surprised you have decided that because a person does not "have" A levels, they are not of an A level standard?

I am far more committed, capable and knowledgeable about business now than I was when I was 18. To suggest I, without A level certificates, would be on a back foot compared to other more qualified students is a blinkered and naive assumption.

Simply put, I could not have done this degree without the breadth of experience I have gained. That I at 18 did not have. With or without my A levels.

whodathunkit

emsywoo123 wrote: »

I read this last night but did not reply as I wanted to give it some thought.

I can understand why you might have this preconception, but I am still quite surprised you have decided that because a person does not "have" A levels, they are not of an A level standard?

I am far more committed, capable and knowledgeable about business now than I was when I was 18. To suggest I, without A level certificates, would be on a back foot compared to other more qualified students is a blinkered and naive assumption.

Simply put, I could not have done this degree without the breadth of experience I have gained. That I at 18 did not have. With or without my A levels.

Mature students do very well in all types of HE and if they bring wide vocational experience to a degree in that field then obviously that will be as useful to them as A levels - nearly all institutions recognise that.

However, you also need to allow for the fact that it's possible to do a degree in a subject in which you have no experience whatsoever, having been unemployed for years or doing a mentally unchallenging job, having been unable to even achieve GCSEs at school.

The fact that people in that situation can and do succeed with the OU is a wonderful thing but it is indicative that, in the early stages, academic standards may be lower than in a traditional university and there has to be a great deal of hand holding and spoonfeeding before such students are equipped to be independent learners.

That's only realistic and is in no way a criticism of either the OU or its students. (And that isn't a preconception, it's a personal opinion based on experience and observation.):)

noelphobic

whodathunkit wrote: »

The fact that people in that situation can and do succeed with the OU is a wonderful thing but it is indicative that, in the early stages, academic standards may be lower than in a traditional university and there has to be a great deal of hand holding and spoonfeeding before such students are equipped to be independent learners.
):)

The academic standards of first year study with the OU are just as high as with other unis. I can't say I had much/any 'hand holding and spoonfeeding' when I studied for my OU degree (achieved a 2:1 last year).