To assume I can jump straight into an OU degree at the age of 36....

[Mollie85]

.... with no previous higher education or history of studying since my GCSE's 20 years ago?

I assume I am, but I suppose I am after anyone's experience really of part time study for a degree...

• BA Criminology and Psychology
• six years part time

-£17,184

It's just me. No family. Live alone. Full time employment but my hours are such that I would have time to study.

This isn't a recent flight of fantasy, it's been something I've been considering for years but money has prevented it (I live in the Channel Islands and therefore will not be funded. Also my current employer will not fund this as it is in a completely different field)

I have a lot of free time and spend it watching documentaries on the above or reading books on it, so can transfer that time to study.

What do you think? Am I bonkers?

You're absolutely not bonkers. They ease you in with introductory courses so you can get up to speed with the type of work they expect.

I am wildly envious. Go for it!

Yes you can! There's a fair amount of support if you need it and online community of students, especially for the psychology courses. Go for it :)

I left school after O Levels then went to work. After I had my children I applied to do a Masters degree, got accepted onto the course, and loved every minute of it. It was hard work but the hardest bit was juggling work, childcare, and university work!

The employment I'd had over the years had given me lots of relevant experience, which the university said was probably better than a degree in the subject. It worked, I got a distinction. (Showing off? Why, yes.)

Go for it.

I have a BA Open that I started in my 30s and finished in my 40s.

There was a waiting period for the foundation and I was impatient to start so my first course was at level 2 . I didn't even have an O level in my chosen subject so that's not a problem.

Thank you all so much for the amazing replies!

My GCSEs weren't outstanding -
A* Eng Lit
A Eng Lang
B Child Development
B Humanities
C French
C x 2 Double Science
D Maths (retook to get an E )

I love English / writing and it would be said to be one of my strengths (not a stealth boast as you can clearly see that Maths is not my strong suit and my GCSE's are rather average) therefore essays are something I think would enjoy.

I like the thought of combining both the Criminology and the Psychology as it is the Criminology that interests me the most.

Thank you to the poster who suggested the free online courses, am going to look now whilst on my lunch break.

Mostly thank you to everyone for your support and experiences, it's been fascinating to read. 😊

If you do have any more experiences, please do tell!

Go for it! Shame about the fee rises though. The OU used to be so cheap.