Please come and talk to me about your Open University experience.

[MakeYourOwnFuckingTea]

I've 90% decided to go for it. I read a post on fb and the woman sounds like she's in a similar position to me (left school early, no qualifications, always worked but in dead end jobs for nmw etc). I'm 41 and married with 4 kids. I feel its time to do something for me that will benefit us all in the long run. No idea what I'd like to do but am leaning towards health and social care or something in that area.
Does anyone have any experience of Open University? I'm leaving it too late aren't I?

Applying for funding should be pretty straight forward and shouldn’t take overly long at this time of year I wouldn’t have thought

I did a bps accredited psychology degree with them, now doing an MA in childhood/youth studies. I'd say if you're able to attend a decent brick uni, do, if you're going down the distance learning, go OU as they know how to deliver courses and their research is world class. Justine MN was at my graduation ceremony receiving her honorary OU degree!

Is it k101 your doing?

There's no way I'd be able to go to a brick uni day in day out. Just not feasible. (At this point in time at least). I think so drinkswine.
Sorry if I sound thick but can people with honorary degrees use them career wise? I noticed when I was watching a documentary about paedophiles being released early Sarah Paynes mother was on there. When her name came up it said Dr Sara Payne. Would she ( or anyone in a similar position) have to get permission to use their honorific titles?

We'll done on taking that first step. You won't regret it.

I've done k101 and k118. Can't for the life of my think of what I'm doing now but it's year 3. If you need a hand PM me and I will point you in the right direction with essays. The k101 is basically teaching you how to learn to learn again and how to write academically. Sounds daunting but it's not.
Not sure about the titles bit (Dr)

I am starting now in October.. doing business management!

With regard to honarary degrees I think these are only given to someone who has already done amazing work in their field, which they got into through some other route than a traditional degree, so they wouldn't necessarily need to use it.

Good luck Open. I think I may have picked the wrong course. Been looking up my prospects and getting ideas for career progression etc etc. Lots of posts calling my degree (health and social care) a wasted chance and commenting that you're not actually qualified in anything and get into debt for nothing. Bit worried now.

Op it might not "qualify you" in something specific but most degrees don't! You will still have gained a degree with brilliant job/career prospects or you can continue your studies in something more specific! I was working in insurance before I had my last baby and I want to continue in the same general type of industry just in a higher level role! I won't technically qualify as anything.. unless you do teaching or nursing or something specific that doesn't happen!

Open I know I sound dense but I literally have no idea what I'm doing. I feel like I'm blindfolded and shooting dozens of arrows and hoping one hits the target.

My books and stuff arrived today. I have a contract to fill in and send back that warns against plagiarism.

Yes remember to reference all the way! My course has opened on line, not officially until Oct 6th but I've started on the work already as I always fall behind. Our Module work is all on line this year no books , so less sticky notes and more written notes. My first assignment is sort of a reflection, who I am and my goals. Should be interesting.

Good on you for applying. I'm in my second year of a psychology degree. I love it!
The great thing about education is that nobody can take it away from you. It gives you so many different opportunities that you may not have had.

True words there highlife