OU Psychology

[cantreachmytoes]

Just wondering if anybody is doing this course part time and if so, how it works. I've looked at the website, but can't figure it out. It says you do two modules over two years. I'm guessing this is full time. So, if you're part time, do you start with one module that you finish at the same time as the full time people, or do you start with two and finish them when you want?

And what do you think of this course?

[MrsCosmopilite]

A friend of mine is doing this course, I believe. She's doing several modules a year (I think she's full time), but I know that OU terms start differently to other uni's. I think they have a facebook group.

From what she says, it sounds very interesting. The first year is mainly getting to grips with basic theories and psychologial diagnoses. At least, that's what she tells me about.

If it helps, I am studying for a masters in a totally different topic, and not with the OU. I am part time and sit various modules alongside full time students. Usually a number of modules are required a year. Full-timers do them all, part-timers pick the ones they want to do each year (assuming that it's practical from a teaching/timetabling perspective). I'm about to return for my final year, which entails 4 modules; 2 this semester, 2 more from January.

[cantreachmytoes]

Thanks Mrs. Interesting to know how part time works for you too. Good luck with the final year!

[ubik]

I've done some psychology OU modules. I think the idea is that you do one 60-credit course a year but you should phone them to discuss your options as mine was post-grad.

Psychology is fascinating and challenging. The resources are first class and guidance is excellent. You have to do some summer schools which sre a laugh. They mark hard

[cantreachmytoes]

Oh that's good to know. How long are the summer schools?

[TheFallenMadonna]

I did it, but I finished 5 years ago. Don't know if it changed.

I did one 60point course per year for four years, apart from 1 year where I doubled up with a 30point one, but in a subject area that was pretty straightforward for me owing to my first degree (but was still compulsory for the named Psych degree), and then transferred some credit to make up the full points.

I LOVED the course. Loved it. Summer schools are 5 days IIRC, and were really good fun. Some outrageous behaviour mind you...

[cantreachmytoes]

TheFallen - nice to hear you enjoyed it too! How much time weekly did it take you to do the 60 per year?

A friend studied with the OU years ago and told me there was a fair amount of bed hopping. Not sure if that's what you mean!

Out of interest, since you finished, have you used the degree at all and if so, how had the OU qualification been received by your employer(s)?

[ubik]

yes some people try to pack 3 years of university into 1 week!

I am applying for PGDE in a year and have found the OU courses are respected. Standards are certainly high. A friend recently had an OU psychology graduate for training (she is an ed psych) and was impressed by her maturity and independence.

[ubik]

I loved the social psychology course, loved it....cognitive psychology, not so much - but that was more to do with me than the course itself.

[TheFallenMadonna]

Um... I am a total slacker. I did the TMAs in a rush before the deadline , and then nothing else until a month before the exams, when I worked like crazy! I am a bad example...

I am a Science teacher, and now I am a Psychology teacher too. I did the degree for fun rather than with any career ideas. It is accredited by the BPS though, so you can use it as a route into postgraduate psych qualifications.

[ubik]

The people who seemed to find it most useful career-wise were teachers, TA's, and NHS workers. I was interested in child development and children's acquisition language.

[OhOneOhTwoOhThree]

I am part way through the OU Psychology degree. I did an MBA via the OU, which was brilliant (sponsored by my employer), and after all the business strategy stuff I decided I wanted some human behaviour stuff as well. I was only going to do one or two modules but have got hooked .

The course materials are good, the tutors are (IME) variable. You need to be quite motivated and happy studying alone. The flexibility is great - for instance I moved countries this year, so chose a module which had a final essay rather than needing to revise for an exam mid-move. And I've skipped back and forth between levels to accommodate other things - e.g. doing my optional courses to make up my last few points at the start rather than the end.

HTH, and good luck with your studies if you decide to go for it!