Is it worth studying with the Open University? How is their reputation?

kingslayer

Hi guys, I've posted on here recently about my lack of idea for a career/direction in life. I have been looking around trying to decide if anything really catches my fancy, but nothing 100% has. However, i was looking on the Open University website and came across a couple course that intrigue me.

The thing is, the more i ask around, the more people say that it's best to get a degree that will lead you straight into the workplace, not just a generic degree that every other graduate has studied and are two a penny. Also, is the Open University's reputation a good one or not? What i mean by this is, are they thought to be on a lower level than a traditional brick and mortar university?

I still want to pursue the directing/acting side, but I don't know if it's a good idea to go the drama/film school route or just to purchase or rent the equipment and go out there independently and go for it. I just feel i need some kind of plan B and C in case things don't go to plan, that's where the degree would come in.

Anyway, I have also been looking at free 6 week courses via distance learning and I've taken an interest in a few of those courses too.

Here is the distance learning site:

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/upcoming

What are your thoughts?

bll78

I studied in a different area, but I can't recommend the OU highly enough. I studied for BSc (hons) Health and Social Care, from the time I started to when I finished my wages increased by £10,000 a year. Later I did my MBA through them too which saw my wages go up by another £20,000 a year when I finished, so they must be respected. I do know that their MBA is one of the highest rated in the UK. For me they also had the benefit that they accept anyone, so I didn't have to waste time doing an access or A-level course first, like I would have at another Uni which saved me a few years.
I found prospective employers were impressed that I self funded my study and did it in my own time whilst working full-time. Which has also helped me show in interviews that I have the drive to do the job I applied for.

mummyroysof3

I have just this week finished my degree with them so I'm hoping it will be viewed with a good reputation. I have studied while my children are young and I haven't been working and I'm now ready to start job hunting.

Undervalued

kingslayer wrote: »

Also, is the Open University's reputation a good one or not?

In a word - Excellent.

However, don't in any way think of it as a soft or easy option.

kingslayer

bll78 wrote: »

I studied in a different area, but I can't recommend the OU highly enough. I studied for BSc (hons) Health and Social Care, from the time I started to when I finished my wages increased by £10,000 a year. Later I did my MBA through them too which saw my wages go up by another £20,000 a year when I finished, so they must be respected. I do know that their MBA is one of the highest rated in the UK. For me they also had the benefit that they accept anyone, so I didn't have to waste time doing an access or A-level course first, like I would have at another Uni which saved me a few years.
I found prospective employers were impressed that I self funded my study and did it in my own time whilst working full-time. Which has also helped me show in interviews that I have the drive to do the job I applied for.

Wow, that's fantastic. I was looking through there courses and noticed that they are limited, but they still have a lot of choice. Something else i noticed is for many of the degrees, you can study full time for 3 years instead of part time. As I have no dependants/responsibilities, would you say it's more ideal for someone like me to study full time with the OU? Obviously, i would like to work as well, but i think i would prefer to gain my degree in a shorter space of time as opposed to the 5-6 years it would take by studying part time.

emsywoo123

Undervalued wrote: »

In a word - Excellent.

However, don't in any way think of it as a soft or easy option.

If I could thank this 100 times I would.

The drop out rate would be fascinating to know, as from my time studying with he OU (just 14 months, but full time) more than half have abandoned studies as it's not the "20 mins a week" they thought it might be.

It is hard work. But so worth it.

mummyroysof3

emsywoo123 wrote: »

If I could thank this 100 times I would.

The drop out rate would be fascinating to know, as from my time studying with he OU (just 14 months, but full time) more than half have abandoned studies as it's not the "20 mins a week" they thought it might be.

It is hard work. But so worth it.

Been hard work but I'm glad I've done it. Dse141 was my fav and I got a distinction.

dimestorediamond

I have just completed my first module with OU - easy it was not!

I thoroughly recommend it. I had some excellent finance options, being in Wales and a brilliant tutor and support network of fellow student (mostly via FB groups!)

I was advised that I would need about 18 hours of study time a week to complete a 60 credit module. That module is the equivalent to half a year of full time uni. If I am being brutally honest, I did my studying in about 12 hours. It may be because I am a fast reader, or perhaps I just was lucky to be in a course that I really "get". But it wasn't easy and is not to be misjudged.

I'm doubling up next year - let's see how I cope!

It might be worth mentioning that there MAY be some elements that require you to attend "proper" uni. I had some optional evening classes (maybe 7 throughout the academic year) but next year I will have an exam, which is compulsory. Worth considering if you will struggle to get to the uni (mine was the second nearest to me, about 20 miles)

BillJones

Well, to take a divergent view to the others...

In terms of academic rigour, I don't think that it stands alongside the traditional universities in most subjects. What it does do, though, is show that a person values education, and is able to self-motivate very well.

dimestorediamond

BillJones wrote: »

Well, to take a divergent view to the others...

In terms of academic rigour, I don't think that it stands alongside the traditional universities in most subjects. What it does do, though, is show that a person values education, and is able to self-motivate very well.

TO be honest, this is something I still worry about, Bill.

But I do think times are changing. I don't think people hold the name of the institution in such high esteem as often as they used to. At least not in all professions.

A degree with a decent grade in general suggests the ability to dedicate oneself. Experience plays so much more of a factor these days, too.

Maybe perhaps with employers in an older generation, but not with everyone.

Or at least it better not be the case, or I am done for

tomtontom

BillJones wrote: »

Well, to take a divergent view to the others...

In terms of academic rigour, I don't think that it stands alongside the traditional universities in most subjects. What it does do, though, is show that a person values education, and is able to self-motivate very well.

I find this to be a true and balanced view. On some courses students are actively discouraged from reading outside their set texts, which is concerning when they should be developing independent research skills.

bll78, your success is fantastic but it is not the norm for someone with a degree in health and social care. I would suggest your progression is due to your own abilities and not your degree.