I've just looked into an OU degree to further my career

[DaanSaaf]

Holy fucking shitballs. 17 and a half grand! Aibu to be really bloody shocked at the price?

Also have you looked at the part time programmes at LBS, CASS and Cranfield - these MBA's will have more "value" in the workplace. I did my MBA on the Executive part time programme at LBS - you can get loans to cover the fees and the uplift in salary does make it worth it in the medium/short term.

This is not a dig at the value of the OU - I have an undergrad degree from the OU that I used to get on a masters programme and will be using to move onto PhD. Its just that for the MBA a lot of MBA opportunities are less about the degree but the international institution reputation.

You don't need to save. You only start paying back when you earn a certain amount.

OP wants to do an MBA, which is a postgraduate degree not funded by student loans.

OP, as PPs have said that is really very cheap for an MBA. They have the highest fees of any degree. But I second the suggestion to consider whether it's worth it to get an OU one, as much as I adore the OU a lot of the value of an MBA is in the prestige and the network.

Great advice here, thanks so much. I'm going to look into the alternatives suggested later.

Just a q on the loan repayments, does it go on personal income or household?

for you, milter

Yes, agree that the OU is expensive! From the reviews I’ve read about the course I’m starting in October, the support and resources are excellent though. I’m willing to pay for that level of flexibility, and certainly in my area of work the OU seems to give a good impression of self-discipline and determination.

That is expensive, but I’ve just had a statement from student finance (graduated last year on a BSc) and I currently owe them £48500!!!

There were changes made by the governement to funding for them.

I was studying with them at the time - one course off getting a second degree, none honors this time - they had a period of grace for the next years course fee keeping them in line for when I started but family circustances meant I couldn't study within the time frame so couldn't take advantage and couldn't afford new fees when I could study again so had to stop.

They do great courses - or used to but do look at how well regarded that course is in within the field - I have friends who found a brick and motor Univeristy was better choice for them.

consider whether it's worth it to get an OU one, as much as I adore the OU a lot of the value of an MBA is in the prestige and the network

Certainly was for me! A couple of friends did theirs at highly rated brick unis - they think I received far more valuable support than they did. It helps that the tutors are actually working in industry right now - things change so fast in business. There was something really satisfying about doing the assignments as live projects; that really helped me at work. Also worth pointing out OU MBA is triple accredited. It's a short sighted employer that thinks an OU degree is worth less than one from a brick uni.

OU was brilliant for networking for that reason - I had a college principal, HR director of an NHS Trust, EMEA CEO from multinational security business, main board director of international insurance business, Ops Director of a national engineering firm, chief buyer from a German supermarket chain. Awesome classmates who I'm still in touch with 10 years later.

The OU has withdrawn a lot of the residentials which is a great shame because they were a fantastic learning experience. The ones in Europe were particularly good as there are a fair number of Europeans students studying the OU MBA.

Just to add that there are still residentials! I always pick one in Europe, so yah go get to meet classmates from all over the world.

As mentioned elsewhere, OU ranks well for the MBA, and again my research showed that employers liked the ability to independently study.

I’ve been impressed with the OU.

You can get student finance loans for OU degrees, same as any other.

You can also get a loan for postgrad degrees now too, though only to just under £11,000, which covers most but not all post grads. MBAs have always been more expensive, for an MBA at a top uni you’re looking at upwards of £45,000.

OU have their own loan system. So, for a module costing £1450, you can pay £247.50/month for 6 months.

always cringe when i open threads and there's such vile language

Cringing is usually a silent activity that doesn’t require narration - no clue I’m doing it right now is there? no reason to this post other than an opportunity to be superior.

OP, it’s extortionate but worth looking into the option of pay as you learn if there is one. No chance of employer sponsorship is there?