I fancy doing an Open University course and hopefully (if I'm any good) an environmental science degree. Has anybody on here done courses with the OU?
Being someone who finished education at 16. I wondered whether it's best to do one of there introductory courses first. Thanks.
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Open University. Anyone here had any experience?
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Posted 2 years ago #
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I did an introductory course a couple of years ago, something to do with maths and science, was pretty good, and will give you a taste of the amount of effort involved (a suprising amount).
I'm now thinking about doing something a bit more substantial, just got to make sure I am committed as it's a) not cheap, b) a bit of a shame to flunk out really. Have thought about Environmenal Science or International Development.
Posted 2 years ago # -
My wife did one, reckons they' re pretty good. As an alternative, you could investigate Access courses at your local college, which will help you get up to speed before tackling a uni course.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I started a PGDip course a few years ago. Course content was good and they make a good effort to provide tutor support, testing & course bootcamps. Its not a soft option though, you still need to put the work in to pass the exams so take note of the amount of work they expect of you in advance.
Posted 2 years ago # -
My partner's doing one at the moment, and it's good. She tends to procrastinate a bit at the start of modules, so by the time assignments come up the workload is pretty high!
Definately not the easy option, but workthwhile and not too bad so long as you can keep yourself on task.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I did a few. I thought they were pretty good. I did all my modules online with a guy reviewing and advising remotely. I'd do my work, send it to him, he'd mark it and send it back. he'd reply quickly to any questions I had and the course work was very good. They advise how often to do work and when to do it and provide plenty of support. Good way of getting the qualifications you want I'd say. I agree with above, there's a lot of work but seeing as you can get a degree while holdig down a job that's what you'd expect I guess.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I'm currently doing a BA. I started with a level 1 course that actually adds 60 points to my degree. Like yourself, I'd had no formal education since secondary school. Just find something that really interests you and you should get through a level 1 course pretty smoothly.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I finished an MA with the OU 3-4 years ago,
Do not under estimate the amount of time it will take, be realistic with your course choice, 60 points isn't too bad as a single course time wise, but two 30 point course are more time demanding than 1 60 point course.
The support is good, the books, reading lists etc.
And to be brutally honest, i am more proud of my MA than my BSc that i got the "traditional" way. Because it wasn't expected, i did it to prove a point to myself.
And one final point, a BA/BSc might take, realistically, 6 years. 6 years is a long time to keep motivation, to stay focussed and to give over your time. Make sure your partner understands this and is willing to give the time and space you will need.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I did my BSc with the O.U...took me about 7 years I think as I had a bit of a rough year towards the end and had to re-do it as I wanted hons, but if you're not in a rush it's not bad.
I like you left conventional education at 16 and wasn't really sure if I had the academic 'ability' to complete a degree but had a go. As previously said there's lots to do, but equally lots of support.
I did my undergraduate stuff with the O.U and my post grad stuff with a 'conventional' uni and without doubt the O.U was harder but more rewarding.
One good thing about the O.U is that points make prizes and you can collect a diploma along the way so if after 3 years you've had enough if you're sensible in your course selection you can gain a qualification, be careful though because you can't count it once claimed to loads more qualifications.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I started a course soon after completing a University based part time degree and making the move from supported teaching to DIY learning was not to difficult and in the end probably more rewarding. Quality of OU material was first class and support was not far away when you needed it. I acheived a respectable pass for the first year but had to throw in the towel, down side for me was the amount of free time that had to be spent on course work and general study this combined with work and new babies was just to much. I remember thinking at the time it's no wonder people leave prison with OU qualifications cause they're probably the only ones that have enough free time to do them :-).
I wouldn't recomend anyone to do OU unless you have vast amounts of free time with very few other distractions.
Posted 2 years ago # -
They're some of the most valuable qualifications you can get, according to my partner, who is a careers adviser. Some study into business attitudes to education rated OU quals as having added 'self-motivation' indicator value, or something. I can't give you the link because she's in the bath, but I definitely want to do a few OU modules when I've finished my crappy, compulsory Cert Ed.
Posted 2 years ago #
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