Tell me about OU

[Bungathebrave]

Can anyone offer any advice? I have arrived at the decision I want to do this, but with two kids, a super supportive DH and a job I wonder can I do this?

I've been thinking about it for awhile now, unsure what's holding me back tbh. Any success stories out there to reassure me OU is the way to go?

[Haggisfish]

I tutor for ou and have had lots of successful students! Ime the students that get most from it, put most in, so contribute on forums a lot, ask their tutor questions and attend online tutorials. Materials are really good and marking and feedback is good. Loads of help and support for people returning to study.

[Kerberos]

What do you want to know? I'm doing a masters with them. Straight in after 20 years out of education. I'm learning a lot but it's all on you. Up to you to organise life around it.

I have a full time job, three children and a very very supportive partner.

[SpongeBobJudgeyPants]

I would say go for it! Well-organised, and interesting stuff. I did a Credit years ago, but took the chance to go to regular university, and did this instead. Have to say that OU were a lot more organised!

[Tatiana11235]

I've done it and it was great. Only do it if you've got plenty of motivation and it's not in your habit to procrastinate.
Support is amazing, textbooks are easy to follow and you do learn a lot.
Would definitely recommend!

[Bungathebrave]

Very positive responses!

I guess what I'm concerned about is not having a classroom environment.
Will there be someone to answer my questions or is it very automated?

[shotwithmyownbagsofshit]

If work a fifty plus hour week (self employed) and I have just finished my last ever EMA ( it's the final essay you do at the end of each module - but sometimes it can be an exam)

Hopefully I will graduate this year with a 2:1 Ba Hons Childhood and Youth.

I am nearly fifty and I hadn't done anything academic for 24 years.

It has taken me six years to do all the modules needed.

Good things - the material is really well presented, it's a combination of online and written material.

Bad things - you do have to be prepared to give up many weekends to study ( if that is your free time). It is hard work and the flexibility is not very flexible. You have cut off dates to get your essays in - some modules are six and some can be a few as four essays. Essays are usually around 2000 words long.

You work through the activities in the work books/online.

I would get to every tutorial you can - I did and I have managed to get some fab results.

Hope that helps

[shotwithmyownbagsofshit]

To answer your ' answer questions ' question - you have a tutor who you can ring, text or email. There is also an online tutor forum .

Some tutors give you certain times to call , some it's an open house!

[Bungathebrave]

Wow shotwith what an amazing achievement you're very inspirational!
I'll have time to study as my youngest starts a full time nursery place in sept I just have to be disciplined (not my strongest feature)

[Kerberos]

Agree with PP. You need to plan times when you'll study and make time for it. Even if it means leaving the washing undone and the house in a state. I have done most of my studying at night because that's when my brain is st it's most active.

The OU also has an agreement with local universities. You can get a library card with visiting privileges to take books out.

I lost most of last weekend to an essay that needed to be in yesterday so you give a lot up for it but it's worth it.

[JingleJangleJudy]

Shot, well done on completing your final module. That is awesome!
Did you do EK313? If so, how was it?