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The hive mind delivered on the 2nd dog question. Although negotiations are still ongoing on that one 😉
I'm considering a OU degree not to further what's laughably called my career but just because I find the subject fascinating, and I've read a lot of books and articles over the last few years. That subject is Psychology with a bent to Behavioural Economics. The OU have a whole bunch of interesting modules (after you've slogged through the first year foundation course) but it's a heck of a time (15 hrs/week) and cost (2.6km a year for six years) commitment.
I'm less worried about the qualification than actually just learning the stuff. I expect 15 hours a week would be easier in Winter than Summer but since I p!ss away about that on here, it might have some useful other consequences 😉
So anyone started/finished a part time distance learning degree while working? Is the OU the only fruit or should I be getting excited about all this MOOC stuff. Any experience most welcome.
I've done 2/3 of a Maths degree with them and 1/6 of their Maths MSc. I then bought a house and DIY took up all my spare time. I did 2 hours a night Mon-Fri which was enough for two 30 points courses in parallel. Think I did one course one week, then the other the next week. Was 10+ years ago though, so only cost about £200 / year!
I've been doing quite a few MOOC courses (on Coursera.org) over the past couple of years, and the amount of time necessary varies greatly on the course - the harder ones can take up to 15 hours weekly. As you point out, that's a lot easier in the winter than it is in the summer! I'd certainly recommend doing one to see how the time thing works for you. (I'd also recommend doing them cos they're excellent, but that's a separate point!)
If I had the money, though, I'd probably do an OU course (or similar) - while I'm enjoying the MOOCs they obviously don't provide any real qualification at the end.
Edit: rereading your post you're not that interested in the qualification itself, in which case I'd certainly recommend Coursera - lots of courses here: https://www.coursera.org/courses?orderby=upcoming&cats=socsci
If you're not after a degree, just pick the modules you're interested in? The OU is good for that sort of thing and you may even be able to get a diploma or similar without committing to the whole degree (that certainly used to be the case). The courses are designed for working people, so don't worry about that.
Be aware though that psychology and behavioural economics are (surprisingly) different disciplines. They shouldn't be, but they are, and to a far greater degree than trade science books would let on, if that is what you've been reading (have a look [url= http://tinyurl.com/kl4zxe5 ]here[/url] for example, and see if you really want to wade into it).
Email me if you like, I'm an academic psychologist who has done a little bit of BE stuff (I've got a PhD student who just does behavioural economics studies).
Given your interests, the two Dan Ariely courses that mogrim linked to on coursera would be worth a look (he probably just delivers his trade books content, though, and it sounds like you've probably read them)
Given your interests, the two Dan Ariely courses that mogrim linked to on coursera would be worth a look (he probably just delivers his trade books content, though, and it sounds like you've probably read them)
Quite possibly, although there's probably a bit of extra value in listening to the man himself present them, and of course the discussion forums, quizzes and assignments all add to the experience.
Not sure the course (two?) you mention is currently on offer, though.
The wife has just completed her foundation degree through the OU. She is doing Youth Justice. For her it works well as she works full time and does a few hours in the evening. Her modules run from Oct-Jun and have cost between £750-£950.
However a couple of things she has noticed. When she started she could attend a tutor session (fairly local) once per month. These have now stopped and she has to rely on a forum for tutor questions. Not great considering w much she has to pay. Also the marking is very inconsistent, when she queried this she was told tough but there is no way to appeal.
Would she recommend the OU? No. But for her it has to do as no other uni will offer the courses she wants in distance learning.
How about an alternative....
My wife did a "full time" degree in Psychology, which consisted of 2 evenings a week at the local college. Which allowed her to carry on working. Liverpool Hope Uni were delivering the course, the lecturers used to drive over and teach out of the college facilities. The scheme was something like "Hope in the community". You could also do the course part time, one evening a week. The benefit was she got a student loan to pay for that years holiday 🙂
The downside was because one module was not completed on Hope's campus, the BPS wouldn't accredit the course. As it turned out my wife did that module on Hope's campus but she still couldn't get it approved that way. If you want to do anything in the real world with a psychology degree, make sure it's BPS accredited.
Thanks all. Some useful stuff there. Will have a read when I've got thru this unexpected work I wasn't expecting to have to do!
Ian - will drop you a note later.
Most of the time per week is just reading, I used to do a lot in dead time at work. Is there any chance your employer might pay for the course? The foundation courses are meant to give you study skills to enable you to do well later by the way, it isn't just filler.
I am my employer. And Yes I intend for my employer to pay for my course. Assuming the accountant doesn't give me the 'you're going to jail' face 😉
Ian - web link didn't work but I've dropped you a mail.
I'll have a look round the other MOOCs now.