open university degrees - are they held in as high regard as brick uni degrees?

tomtontom

Voyager2002 wrote: »

Since you are in your late 20s you have already "missed the boat" so far as graduate schemes are concerned. If you are able to spend the next few (say five) years studying with the OU while holding down a worthwhile job then the combination of a degree and some solid work experience should really set you up well for the remainder of your working life. Alternatively, the OU modules offer the flexibility to study on a full-time or near full-time basis so that you can graduate in about the same amount of time as if you attended a traditional university.

Don't forget that if you want to study part-time while working, but also want face-to-face contact, Birkbeck (University of London) offers this option. Like the OU, it welcomes mature applicants with enthusiasm rather than traditional qualifications.

Simply not true about graduate schemes - many will value the experience and maturity a slightly older graduate can offer, not only in doing your own job but in supporting younger colleagues with little life experience.

Topcat1982

It would look good if you are working full time while doing OU degree.

NikkiBrown

Also it may be possible to do say 2 years equivalency of study with OU, and then credit transfer that and do 1 year at a conventional university to get a 3-year degree.

youngbuck2

As someone about to start an OU degree in October, this interests me.

Particularly graduate schemes. I'm nearly 29, I'll be 32 when I finish my BA(Hons) Business Management degree, hoping for at least a 2:1 (as everyone does..).

Do large well known companies like Marks and Spencer, Audi/Volkswagen, BP, John Lewis, Ford, BT, Sky etc take on graduates on their graduate schemes in their 30's? I know the typical 'grad scheme' candidate will be early 20's, fresh out uni, president of the rowing club etc but would I still be considered based solely on my age?

If it is going to be a much tougher proposition, there's little point me pursuing it as probably 80% of my reason for doing a Business Management bachelors degree is to try and get myself on a graduate scheme (with a view to a management or marketing role). The other 20% is for personal knowledge and to bolster my CV in general.

Do I have a hope?