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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is there a path to a degree I haven't considered ?

56 replies

Newbrummie · 09/04/2015 09:01

Posting here due to traffic, hope that's ok.
So I have 20 years experience in my field HE but no degree and I need one.
Doesn't even gave to be relevant it could be in knitting for all they care although I would like it to be a proper degree.
Is there another path aside of the OU, diplomas that count towards degrees that kind of thing ?
TIA

OP posts:
PeppermintCrayon · 09/04/2015 09:03

Foundation degree?

"A foundation degree is the equivalent of two thirds of a full honours degree and is a fully flexible qualification allowing students to study part-time or full-time to fit their lifestyle."

sparechange · 09/04/2015 09:09

Buying one on the internet Wink
There are two-year compressed courses (which cover 3 years of work) but I think they are only in a few places that mostly focus on business.
You could also look at whether a Masters course would accept you by counting your extensive professional experience in lieu of a bachelors. It isn't common, but it does happen

Original poster
Newbrummie · 09/04/2015 09:12

I'm not sure I'm smart enough for a masters if I'm honest, my ex really struggled with an MBA and he's better at waffling than anyone I know

OP posts:
Original poster
Newbrummie · 09/04/2015 09:14

Can you get straight on a foundation degree do you know ? As in start September? I don't have time for access courses and all that hence ou was quite appealing unless there's an easier way

OP posts:
sparechange · 09/04/2015 09:19

The MBA would be very different to a more vocational masters though. Can you give us an idea of what your job/experience is?

Original poster
Newbrummie · 09/04/2015 09:25

I'm a HR manager, worked my way up from an administrator, initially specialised in telecommunications, then oil and gas, now finance.
I want to lecture and I can't seem to find a role without a degree and they don't even care if the degree is relevant they just want one

OP posts:
MollyMaDurga · 09/04/2015 09:27

What do you mean by easier? Quicker or work-load? The OU is not the only distant learning way, there are more universities that offer online degree courses.
This might help you look for other programs? www.bachelorsportal.eu/

Maliceaforethought · 09/04/2015 09:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Silvercatowner · 09/04/2015 09:27

Most HE institutions require their lecturers to have masters. Could you not go straight on to an OU masters programme?

dannythechampionoftheworld · 09/04/2015 09:30

Have replied on your other thread about APELing to do a Masters.

Do you want to lecture in HE or FE? I think you'd struggle to get a lecturing job in HE with only an undergrduate degree.

If you're wanting to teach in FE have you considered a Cert Ed?

Original poster
Newbrummie · 09/04/2015 09:33

FE to begin with I'm really good at training and development and then maybe move onto HE when my kids are a bit older.

Ivd got nothing at all in terms of qualifications, GCSEs. I know I'm capable I e just always been working or pregnant with a wee bit of partying too when I should have been studying. Biting me now though

OP posts:
PatMustardsBigTool · 09/04/2015 09:34

Some universities run their own access/fastrack courses that are 6-7 weeks long in the summer which allow you to then start your degree with them in the September. www.edgehill.ac.uk/courses/fastrack-access-to-higher-education/

catslife · 09/04/2015 09:41

Have a look at the Cert Ed in post 16 training and development. If you have relevant work experience this should be OK. It used to be that the first year gave you an NVQ level 3 which is equivalent to A levels. It's exactly the same course as if you are a graduate except that it then counts as a PGCE.
If you have management experience you could also find about about NVQ level 4 which is equivalent to degree level.

MollyMaDurga · 09/04/2015 09:43

The OU is open access, so no GCSEs would be no bother. You'll be eased in at the first level, get used to their way of doing things and then on to levels 2 and 3. It will take you years though. 6 if part time and next to kids and job I'd not try to do it full time.
I'm doing an OU degree and mostly enjoying it, have been doing it since 2012, 2 more years to go to an honors degree.

Faithless · 09/04/2015 09:58

My partner had a similar background to yours and did a BEd whilst working part time with a view to going into teaching/ lecturing in business studies, however then went into adult training in his original industry. A degree might open up a number of career paths for you that you hadn't considered

I think the Cert Ed post 16 is a good idea. I work in higher education and it is very unlikely you would get a lecturing job without also being research - active with published work. But further education lecturing is much easier to get into. I got a job lecturing in a further education college straight after leaving uni 20 odd years ago with no teaching experience, or experience in my field - you sound so much better qualified already than I was then.

sparechange · 09/04/2015 10:16

I don't know where you are based, but a quick google found this in London.
3+ years of work within an HR role will be enough for entry, it starts in September and can be done part time over 2 years...
www.lsbu.ac.uk/courses/course-finder/human-resource-development-msc

Cherriesandapples · 09/04/2015 10:21

Try you local ish universities. I did a masters online which was great! I got a lot more out if it than my first degree at university (in terms of actual learning)

Buddy80 · 09/04/2015 10:40

How about a degree with the University of London?

Distance learning and a fraction of the cost: Undergrad Degrees

Original poster
Newbrummie · 09/04/2015 10:46

I'm based ooop north at the moment but there must be a similar course I'm guessing. I'm on my own with 4 kids and I'll have to do some sort of work too so it all needs juggling

OP posts:
MadamG · 09/04/2015 13:17

You should be ok getting into a post grad-PG dip - HRM degree course. I did one, loads of my class mates didn't have bachelors degrees or any entry qualifications. I don't have GCSEs or a levels (but am deemed to be qualified through experience). Find a course you like the look of and arrange to visit them. I suspect you'll be surprised at how welcoming they are to you your money.

Mine was an afternoon and evening a week course and not to taxing. To be honest my bachelors degree was harder. Nothing like an mba!

Look at teaching certificates too, you can do them online.

Good luck.

momb · 09/04/2015 13:29

www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/courses/list/06727/human-resource-management-and-development-international-development-by-distance-learning-msc/

Distance learning? You'd need to register for the PGD initially and if you meet the appropriate level they will let you go ahead to work for the MSc.

TheChandler · 09/04/2015 14:15

Many universities do online distance learning type options for degrees now. If you google the various universities you are interested in, along with the words "online distance learning degree" or similar, I'm sure you'll find something that might suit you.

MsAspreyDiamonds · 09/04/2015 15:20

info.university-liverpool-online.com/programmes/management

Have a look at the online degree programme at the University of Liverpool, it's also part of the prestigious Russell group of universities.

Are you north or northwest? Have a look at Leeds/York / Lancaster for northern universities.

Original poster
Newbrummie · 09/04/2015 16:18

I'm northwest, thank you all so much, I've had a chat with admissions and I think one of them will take my money ??

OP posts:
Cherriesandapples · 09/04/2015 16:59

Smile Good luck!