Law with Psychology @ BPP University College or PPE @ Open University

[tungthai]

Trying to decide between the above degrees. Law with Psychology is probably more relevant to my career and will help when I go onto MA level (want to study for MA in careers guidance) but I'm drawn to the PPE degree as it sounds very interesting.

Has anyone studied for either of these?

[creamteas]

I can't say much about the content.

Have you have checked the entry criteria for the MA you want to do?

Assuming both are appropriate subjects then I would say you are better of with the Open University because BPP University College doesn't have the best of reputations.

[tungthai]

Either would be suitable for the MA.

I didn't know that about BPP I thought that they were well regarded. What have you heard?

[titchy]

BPP are a private provider so I wouldn't touch 'em with a barge pole on principle!

[creamteas]

BPP are a new private university, They are owned by a big US educational company Apollo that is has been exposed for underhand practices. see here

[yellowhousewithareddoor]

I did a psych degree with ou. It was fab and very well regarded.

[tungthai]

That's interesting I didn't know any of that! I would fund the degree through a tuition fee loan, BPP are very competitive, much cheaper compared to non private universities.

I know solicitors who have qualified through them and they were very impressed but I don't know anyone who has studied for a degree via BPP.

[SwedishEdith]

I've done 3 of the OU's PPE modules - enjoyed them. I think you should do what you find interesting - keeps you more motivated.

[tungthai]

Hmm I think I would find them both equally interesting. Shame I can't do both.

I'm thinking if I end up having to change careers the Law degree might prove more useful, I also have some relevant experience in this area too.

I think I'm leaning more towards the Law degree now.

[creamteas]

I would still opt for the OU though, their Law degree is excellent

[scottishmummy]

Is there a well paid career path in ma career guidance?
Can career guidance be completed as undergrad?does it need to be pg
If you Know career guidance is desired outcome does it need a degree then pg?

[tungthai]

The MA is in Career Coaching/guidance and I would do it in addition to my current role (self employed). You need a masters degree you can't do an undergrad degree in that area. I'm in no particular hurry and fancy doing a degree for my own enjoyment, it wouldn't just be as a means to get to do the Masters.

[tungthai]

Do you reckon creamteas? When I looked at the OU prospectus for the Law degree it was very dry and didn't sound as interesting as the BPP degree.

[scottishmummy]

What's the career path in career guidance/coaching?sounds bit n london yea maaan
Would you be self employed with adults?or school kids and adults?
Employed by Local authority or build own client base?

[tungthai]

Ideally I would like to work with teenagers and young adults but the work just isn't there anymore and the content of the MA has been changed to reflect that. Therefore I would mainly offer career management services to individuals and companies, this complements what I do already.

In this current climate I think it is good to have a diverse portfolio of skills and if the career guidance doesn't work out or I decide to jack in the self employed work a Law degree could prove to be extremely useful in changing direction.

I think I have talked myself into the Law degree!

[scottishmummy]

Local authority career guidance is not really a goer,if youre want stability and range do law

[creamteas]

A good proportion of the UG curriculum is the same where ever you study, as they have to cover all the elements that will gain them accreditation with the The Law Society.

So to me, what you need to be looking for is the additional stuff. The OU law degree has a 91% satisfaction rate, and this data is provided independently via the National Student Survey. They have an excellent reputation and are unlikely to go out of business suddenly.

As far as I am aware BPP all you can get from them in a sales pitch. There is no verifiable evidence that they are any good at all. One of the major issues in the US is that they have extremely high drop out rates, and are basically making profits from students that never finish their degrees.

The parent company is in trouble, and as a private business, they can do what they like at any time.

So I would not touch them with a bargepole.