Open University

[retired_member33]

Anyone studying at the Open University?

Thinking about making up for some of the lost years studying while I am in the UK and planning to start at the Open University.

Anyone ever studied there?

 

[newguy]

A family member did a course and only ever had positive things to say about it. I think it depends on what learning experience you've looking for. At university I tended to find that having friends on the same course helped keep us all motivated. With Open University you're effectively left to your own devices, so need to set your own work structure to an extent.

 

[disruptive]

A family member did a course and only ever had positive things to say about it. I think it depends on what learning experience you've looking for. At university I tended to find that having friends on the same course helped keep us all motivated. With Open University you're effectively left to your own devices, so need to set your own work structure to an extent.

That would be my biggest fear.

I happened to get chatting to one of the founders of Pheonix University while I was in the states (one of the largest universities in the world) and found it fascinating to discover different learning modes. One thing you find is that they do have meet-ups with fellow students and have physical campuses and location, so online to offline. I know OU does do this, but you will find it varies fromcourse to course.

 

[newguy]

One thing you find is that they do have meet-ups with fellow students and have physical campuses and location, so online to offline. I know OU does do this, but you will find it varies fromcourse to course.

Community is one of their biggest strong points. They use software called First Class so that you can chat online etc.. with others on your course and they also regularly have lectures at the local university so you're not on your own.

Yes, first class is great. I went to uni and we even used it there for group assignments and whatnot. The family member I mentioned had an option to join study groups that meet up every now and again, so I do agree with you that there is a community aspect. As Sean says it will be local to you too, so not a great hassle. I'm sure some students will meet up in their own time too, so in effect it might be possible to form a study great, even if it isn't as automatic a process as it might be when studying at uni.

 

[monaghan]

I started a course about 15 years ago, however, as the wife was studying for her work qualification at the time, 1 of us had to give up as nothing was getting done around the place and my study was not critical. My dad did his degree via the OU.

My experience was good though (I was starting with maths and then planning on adding a computing element), we had a number of evening sessions at the local college to go through some of the course work and the course tutor was in contact regularly by email. I'm guessing these days there will be better technology for on-line discussions than we had back then.

There is a lot of work to do to complete the modules, you will need to be able to devote the time and if you don't, it is very easy to get behind schedule.

If you want the qualification and can devote a regular number of evenings (or other suitable time), then go for it.

 

[Bailey]

You don't have to do the full degree programme - I took their second level Math course in 'Statistics and Probability Studies' - damn hard but, If you pick a subject your interested in and have some background then i would definately say go ahead. Some of the full degree programmes I wouldn't advise unless your working in the area. I know a few that started the OU Law degree - only to drop it at various stages

 

[accelerator]

Anyone studying at the Open University?

Thinking about making up for some of the lost years studying while I am in the UK and planning to start at the Open University.

Anyone ever studied there?

What do you want to study?

Rgds

 

[expertc]

Some years ago I've applied for teaching in OU and forgot about it. Then, after long time, received approval but by that time was no longer interested. But I know few people who do teach there - they are good! Worth trying.

 

[retired_member33]

What do you want to study?

Rgds

Looking at finishing my BSc, finished my first year but was then asked by a large multinational to join their management traineeship which enabled me to travel a lot and meet people from all over the world... 2 great years I must say and something I will never regret.

So basically I just want to finish my BSc as I now sort of regret that I have never finished my degree.

The plan is to move over to the UK, as my gf is living there and partly live from my online income and get a job for a few days a week to keep in touch with the "real world" and study as well.

It might seem like a lot, study, work and work on my online business but I know myself and know that I need to be busy and challenged.

I am looking at doing an Open BSc which basically enables you to put together your own degree by picking different modules.

 

[Bailey]

OU degree courses are built around a two year (Part-time study) foundation. plus the chosen modules - And they will give you credit for your completed first year which could amount to your 2 year foundation providing OU agree your chosen subjects form a "structured degree"

out of interest what's your first year subject ?

 

[retired_member33]

OU degree courses are built around a two year (Part-time study) foundation. plus the chosen modules - And they will give you credit for your completed first year which could amount to your 2 year foundation providing OU agree your chosen subjects form a "structured degree"

out of interest what's your first year subject ?

Maritime logistics.

Still have to dig into the way the OU courses are structured, just trying to plot out how many years it will take me.

My impression was that normally it would take 3 yrs following the standard part-time program but by using my credits I should be able to finish it in 2 years.

 

[Bailey]

OU equate 1 year part time (as 6 months full time) Usually meaning 6 years to complete a full degree. ( you can feasibly complete 4 optional modules in two years - but, forget about any other life - there won't be time)

If they have the subjects to build on your "Maritime/logistics" which I'm pretty sure they will have then you would be looking at 4 more years to complete a " General Bsc" - don't forget there only a limited descriptives that OU can use to describe your overall degree subject"

Assuming you have covered most of the "Maritime - requirements" Logistics should be a good subject to pull various modules from.

ps you do realise we are well into in the realm of hated not domain related subjects professed by some others.

 

[retired_member33]

Decided not to do the Open University thing as they wouldn't give me credit for my previous studies.

I figured that my current diplomas and work experience are enough and that I am not going to waste another X years studying just to get a piece of paper which would just cost me a lot of money.

 

[Bailey]

Sorry thats proved not to be.

The good thing about any worthwhile education - in the early years, it's what people think you know that matters, as time goes by, it's what you know - you know that matters

hope that makes some sense.

Why don't you pull one of the (relevant) OU single/half credit courses out of their portfolio - It will show and enhance both your own knowledge and any perspective employer your commitment to subject.