Open University ....

[Twiggy71]

I am a mature single parent thinking of applying to the open university. I earn about £13 thousand a year and live in N Ireland does anyone know if I would be entitled to help with the fees? Oh and I have one dependant and get tax credits and child working tax credits too..

[webwiz]

There looks like quite a bit available to you Twiggy71 here:

www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualification/ways-to-pay/northern-ireland.htm

[Twiggy71]

Thanks webwiz I can see where you got your name from.....

[thisisthestory]

I am doing OU now, I'd recommend it highly - the teaching materials and tutors have all been excellent IME. Good luck

[Twiggy71]

Oh thats great to hear thisisthestory I was nervous about trying it.

At age 41 I'm thinking can I do this but hey ho I will give it a go.

[mummymellymoo]

Course you can. I'm a bit younger than you, but I'm in my second year of OU and loving it, and there are people on our course in their seventies. The whole ethos of OU is inclusion, so it's open to anyone, and they make it very accessible whatever your background. Do it x

[alreadytaken]

two parents of my children's friends have graduated in the past few years, both older than you. No reason you shouldn't try although being a single parent makes it harder.

[Twiggy71]

oh thanks everyone for your positive replys its cheered me on no end.

I previously done a childcare course so it means i could do a part time course over 4 years instead of 6 years as i have some credits.

My dcs are 18 and nearly 15 so not needing me so much now so I am hoping this is my time.

I never thought I would be smart enough for university but its been a lifetime dream of mine to go......

Thanks again everyone...

[webwiz]

Definitely go for it - I can highly recommend the OU and there will be all sorts of different people on your courses with lots of different backgrounds. Good luck