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Original poster

Has anyone started an OU degree at 48 and been happy ?

31 replies

Howlongtillbedtime · 05/10/2019 19:30

My schooling was shite.
I am bright ( apparently) and my children are in their teens and dont need me so much . I mean obviously they do but not for hours at a time. It is more the fire fighting of parenting at this stage Grin

Is it worth doing ?
Am I kidding myself that at this age I can start a career that might actually mean something and earn me money?

I am browsing the OU site and getting a bit excited but also thinking I am kidding myself .

Help !!

OP posts:
Savingforarainyday · 05/10/2019 19:36

Of course you can and should do it. You have twenty years of your working life- why shouldn't you achieve goals and do something you like?

Original poster
Howlongtillbedtime · 05/10/2019 19:43

Thank you, it is hard to really believe I could do it but I would love to.

I know I am worth more than the qualifications I have but it would be tricky to prove that.

OP posts:
Savingforarainyday · 05/10/2019 19:47

What do you want to do?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Higher education
Okki · 05/10/2019 19:49

I'm 45 soon and just started an MA with the OU. Go for it. What do you want to do.

NatureGal · 05/10/2019 19:49

Not kidding yourself OP, you can do it and yes it is worth it. I started my OU journey two years ago at 36 after becoming a sahp. I have deferred this year to concentrate on fulfilling my ambition to become a midwife. I can honestly say had I not started and finished my first two courses I wouldn't be going for it. It gave me some self confidence and belief. Go for it, who knows where it might take you.

MapMyMum · 05/10/2019 19:51

Absolutely you can do it. My dm was a single mum and put herself through uni to become a teacher when she was 40. Enjoy it!

Original poster
Howlongtillbedtime · 05/10/2019 19:56

I am looking at Pyschology and counselling or Childhood and youth studies.

This is a vague idea just now but those are the things I think I would be good at.

OP posts:
MilleniumHallsWalledGarden · 05/10/2019 19:59

Definitely go for it! It's a great experience and opens all sorts of doors.

Original poster
Howlongtillbedtime · 05/10/2019 20:24

Thank you all.

I have now spoken to dh about it and he is also supportive.

I currently work in a school so I will have support there and could use the space to study away from home which will help.

OP posts:
Original poster
Howlongtillbedtime · 05/10/2019 21:15

I am however shitting myself Grin

OP posts:
bakingdemon · 05/10/2019 21:22

My dad graduated from the OU at 55. He then did a Masters. Go for it!

Original poster
Howlongtillbedtime · 06/10/2019 10:24

Thank you for the encouragement , now I just need to make sure I can afford it and make a decision on what course and modules I want to do.

It is all a little overwhelming and I am sitting on my hands so I dont make any rash decisions.

OP posts:
Eloisedublin123 · 06/10/2019 10:25

Do it!!

ExpletiveDelighted · 06/10/2019 10:32

I did some OU modules in my late 40s (did one to help with work then carried on for a few years). Thoroughly enjoyed them but the timing was wrong for me as my DCs were late primary school so past the in bed by 7 stage and well into the needing me to ferry them about to sports clubs etc in the evenings and weekends stage which shows no signs of abating in early teens now. I'd definitely like to pick up my studies again later when they are older.

Original poster
Howlongtillbedtime · 06/10/2019 10:37

expletive do you think the 16-18 hours a week study is realistic to cover 60 credits a year ?

I am getting a bit excited about it but I really need to check out the funding.

OP posts:
motorcyclenumptiness · 06/10/2019 10:46

I did one of their short courses (Eng lit) a few years ago and loved it. I've a degree/master's in another subject but wanted to try studying something I was actually interested in! I'd love to do more but alas the OU's not the affordable study option it used to be.

Original poster
Howlongtillbedtime · 06/10/2019 14:11

I have applied for the course and the funding!!

I now feel sick , excited but sick Grin

OP posts:
daisydalrymple · 06/10/2019 14:17

Oh wow, good luck!

Original poster
Howlongtillbedtime · 06/10/2019 14:25

Thank you Ithink I will need all the luck I can get.

Part time it will take me 6 years which sounds ages. But that 6 years will pass wether I do this or not.

Aarggghhhh ! Too early for a gin ?

OP posts:
MacavityTheDentistsCat · 06/10/2019 14:26

My aunt did an OU degree after she retired. She then went on to write two (published) novels!

MrsMaiselsMuff · 06/10/2019 14:35

OU is great for us more mature students. I'm on my first degree with OU but have two degrees from other universities, and OU suits my way of working far more than the others did.

Study time varies between courses. I took two 30 point modules last year, one which I could easily do in eight hours a week, but the other was far more intensive and at times, sixteen hours on its own.

Have a look on FB for groups for your modules, current students will advise on time commitment.

ShootTheRunner · 06/10/2019 14:39

Oh do it! I did one (English) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is the thing I am most proud of. Don't be too worried, they are designed to break you in gently with the level one courses and then you build up as your skills develop - which they will!

Also, the content is fantastic. My final module was taught by a Dr. from the local university and he said the OU content was superior to the 'proper' uni course. They really are put together so well.

Good luck and bloody well go for it!! Star

BishopFrownofStThigh · 06/10/2019 14:39

Oh I don't understand why people ask this (no offense to OP!), course it is.

My great aunt did one in her 70s and had a letter from PM who helped set it up (was it Macmillan?) to congratulate.

BetterEatCheese · 06/10/2019 14:41

I've just finished mine and I'm now 38. Best thing I ever did and I have got so much more out of it that just education. It's life changing and I think you should do it! The OU is brilliant. It took me 6 years and my graduation is next month. It's an amazing journey

BetterEatCheese · 06/10/2019 14:43

You can get student finance to cover the costs if this is your first degree, and pay it back when you hit 25k earnings