Anyone familiar with how funding for the OU works?

lauranurse

Hello :hello:

Does anyone work for the Open Univesity or have a good understanding of how the funding system works? I have emailed the OU with my question but still waiting for them to get back to me, so Im hoping that my fellow friendly MSE-rs may be able to help.

Basically, I transferred 240 credits to the OU a couple of years ago, which covered levels 1 and 2 of a degree. I then enrolled on a level 3 module, but because of illness I fell behind with the course, couldnt go to the exam and so failed the module.

I have had a good think about why this happenned, and I have decided that the best thing to do is to study at level 1 with the OU before trying to complete level 3, to get me into the pattern of OU study and to build up my confidence. I have found 2 level 1 courses which I am really interested in, totalling 25 points.

So my question is - will I get funding to cover the fees of studying these 2 courses even though I have already got enough credits at level 1? I meet all he other eligibility criteria for funding courses below 30 credits.

Please help! I really want to do these courses in September but couldnt afford them if I cant get funding!

Thanks

Voyager2002

The vast majority of OU students pay their own tuition fees, and most sources of student funding do not apply to OU courses. I am aware of only two exceptions:
1. people receiving certain state benefits (means-tested) can get their tuition fees paid, but only if they are taking vocational courses. The decision as to whether or not you are eligible for this would be complicated, so it will take them some time to give you an answer;
2. there is also some charitable funding (I think given by past and present OU students) that is used to support people in particular need. Funds are limited, so again decisions about who is supported are likely to take some time.

I suggest that you plan to pay your own course fees, but of course apply for everything possible. If you do end up receiving funding it will be a bonus for you.

Oldernotwiser

Voyager,
Have to disagree with the above as a large number of students on low incomes are able to get courses funded with the OU. This funding is available to ALL part time students on ANY part time degree course and on a low income. I have to say that virtually everything you've posted here is incorrect; please be more careful or you're letting down people on here who look for reliable information.

To the OP, I'm no expert on this but it sounds to me as if you may have difficulty in either getting the funding for these courses, or if you do manage to do so, to get the funding for the remaining level 3 courses which you'll need to complete to get your degree. I really think that it'll only be the OU, or one of its employees who's likely to be able to give you accurate information on this.

I'm really not sure why you feel the need to go back to level 1 courses when you've already successfully studied for the 1st 2 years with a traditional university. Personally, I'd think you'd be bored stiff by returning to this level of study, which won't help you to finish your degree. Surely, if the level 3 course you didn't finish before is still available, wouldn't redoing that give you a comparatively easy way back into study? Despite what many people say, successful study is to do with skills and knowledge rather than confidence.

Be brave and have faith in the work you've done so far; it was only illness that stopped you before and, as long as you're now well, there's no reason why you can't achieve this year. Good luck.

oldMcDonald

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Have to disagree with the above as a large number of students on low incomes are able to get courses funded with the OU. This funding is available to ALL part time students on ANY part time degree course and on a low income. I have to say that virtually everything you've posted here is incorrect; please be more careful or you're letting down people on here who look for reliable information.

Sorry I can't offer any advice to the OP, as I am very much a newbie with regards to OU.

Just wanted to back up the above from Oldernotwiser. I will be starting my first year with the OU in October, and got full funding based on our income, not because we are on certain benefits . It would be sad if someone who was thinking about OU decided against it as they had read the wrong information regarding any financial help.

Edit to add -

1. people receiving certain state benefits (means-tested) can get their tuition fees paid, but only if they are taking vocational courses.

The course that I am doing is an Arts based course, so not all that vocational!

CIS

You can qualify on the basis of income - check their funding calculator

http://www3.open.ac.uk/studyatou/apply/financial-support.shtml

lauranurse

Thanks for your help

The reason I have decided to study at level 1 again is because it is 5 years since I did the 2 years at uni that I transferred the credits from to the OU, so I am a bit rusty at studying . I was finding it very difficult jumping in at the deep end studying a level 3 course even before I got ill, and I think the OU do recommend that if you are new to OU study it is a good idea to start with a level 1 course. Also these 2 level 1 courses look really interesting as they are both in subjects which fascinate me.

As for the funding, got my reply from the OU today - directing me to look at their website and find my own answer! I was a bit miffed, especially as I had already scoured their website and not found the information I wanted! I have emailed them again, hopefully they will help me this time!

I will post the answer on here in case someone else finds it helpful in the future!

Thanks again for your help folks

CIS

Unless you are a foreign national prohibited from receiving financial help or you already have a degree then their are almost no boundaries except income on receiving financial help - the form you complete for financial help has only a few restrictions on applying for funding.

I've had funding for the last 3 or 4 years based on income without any issues.

lauranurse

Thanks CIS, I think that if the OU dont get back to me with a satisfactory answer then I will just apply for the funding and keep my fingers crossed! It might be the only way of finding out as the OU seem a bit vague!

Thanks for your help

Oldernotwiser

There is a FAQ on the OU website which says that if you're seeking funding for longer than usual you should ring the Financial Support Office on 01908 653411. If you've already done this then apologies but, hopefully, it might be some use to you. Good luck.

Pound

If you really want a chance to get used to the Open University you could apply for one of their openings courses, which cost £110. These should be less demanding than the other courses and help you get used to the way it works.

It might not apply to you but something I found about the OU is that unlike other Unis you don't need to include the income of all people in your household (e.g. parents) when applying for financial support so can be much cheaper than a brick and mortar university. My friend lives with her parents, she had her course fees paid and they even helped pay for a laptop.

Pound

Voyager2002 wrote: »

2. there is also some charitable funding (I think given by past and present OU students)

Where did you get this information from?

If OU can provide some financial support for people earning up to £30K I'd be surprised if any sort of charity is needed.