PGCE: OU & Wales - what help can I get?

Techno

Want to do a PGCE in science (as a mature student - if I go via the OU route it means I can save 1.5 hours travelling to college each day and fit some work in around the study. Questions are:
Would I still get OU fees paid?
Would I get the £7k bursary
Anything else I might be entitled to?
Has anyone else gone down this route and can they recommend it over a bricks & mortar uni
It's really difficult trying to get answers from the OU as they only take questions from 10 - 12md!!
Many thanks in advance
Techno:beer: (promise not to do too much of this!!)

Voyager2002

Techno wrote: »

It's really difficult trying to get answers from the OU as they only take questions from 10 - 12md!!
Many thanks in advance

Try asking them by email. They are good at responding to emails, and your questions must have been asked before.

Techno

Managed to get through today and promised a call back on monday - still wondering if 'bricks and mortar' uni may be better - any comments anyone?

kipperman

Hi
Just started PGCE biology as mature student in London. Can't comment on OU I'm afraid but
Bursary is £9k - 'tis for me, could have changed by now
Non OU PGCE for me as have already met loads of enthusiastic classmates from very varying backgrounds, which I imagine you would not get at OU.
Fees paid by Government, although roughly half is means tested, so depends on any other income you might have. Apparently anything above £38K and you can forget it.
Can get student loan, and basically "stooze" it should you so wish
You are not eligible for council tax - so if you live with wife/partner you will get a 25% discount.

I didn't consider the OU route, and on the basis of what I know now, glad I didn't!

Being a student (so far!) is great fun...........................

chmmy

Would recommend the uni not OU because of the support from colleagues. Did my PGCE at 'bricks and mortar' uni, not OU, in 1998 so it's prob changed loads but for 24 out of 36 weeks we were in school, and they try to find schools as close as possible to your home/ or on an easy as possible commute