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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask about the Open University

19 replies

GardenRoseAutumn · 16/07/2018 17:45

Just that really. Anyone here studied at Open University? I'm thinking about doing a biomedical degree, then graduate entry medicine in another university.

Help me decide, I have my doubts about the Open University, don't ask me why 🙈 just looking for some reassurance.

OP posts:
Redhound · 16/07/2018 17:50

Hi I completed my degree with the OU in 2014. They have a good reputation and enjoyed my study with the University. Obviously distance learning doesnt suit everyone though.

YouCantBeSadHoldingACupcake · 16/07/2018 17:52

I'm doing an open degree now. I find my tutors very helpful and student support were brilliant when I wanted to change a module. Completely recommend

whatsmynametoday · 16/07/2018 18:03

Finished my degree last year with OU. Had offers for study at MSc with brick unis and friends have gone straight into PhD. It's tough studying on your own and you'll get comments from people about how it's not as good as a brick uni, but IME it's been every bit as valued.

Happysunshine1992 · 16/07/2018 18:04

Ou is the best thing I’ve ever done. Go for it!

emz1990 · 16/07/2018 18:06

I'm currently studying now and it's the best thing I've done. It's so good and the tutors I've had so far have been so helpful :)

Zippea · 16/07/2018 18:11

I’ve done it many years ago and it’s great. I used to love the residential schools. It’s well thought of not only in terms of teaching but further academics/future employers look really favourably on self study.

Distance learning isn’t for everyone and I fortunately did it pre children but my partner (now DH) was so supportive (he washed clothes, cooked for me etc). I’m looking at doing an MSc now but realise it is so much more of a family effort!

GardenRoseAutumn · 16/07/2018 21:29

Thank you for your replies, I might do biology instead of biomedical. Can't wait to start Smile

OP posts:
John4703 · 16/07/2018 21:35

My wife did an Open University degree. She then dis an MPhil and then was a university lecturer for 25 years

If OU suits the go for it

MissCharleyP · 16/07/2018 21:42

I did it 2010-14, opted for diploma as couldn’t complete degree due to personal circumstances. Residentials are rare now, none of my modules had them, nor did most others. I was on the old fees system (about £700-£800 per year), it’s very expensive now....and (IMO) you don’t get a lot for your money. Textbooks halved in size, number of tutorials not increased. That said, if you are disciplined it’s doable alongside a job and tutorials can be fun. Good luck!

Redhound · 16/07/2018 23:18

Yes its a lot more money nowadays but not compared to the traditional universities- and the whole point is you can work at the same time so do not need to accrue any/so much debt. You could also get student loans, I assume its the same now.

Andromeida59 · 17/07/2018 01:01

I personally think that achieving an OU degree is far harder than attending a brick university. I have so much respect for those who can complete an OU degree as I didn't have the discipline and ended up at a brick university.

BoomBoomsCousin · 17/07/2018 01:41

I finished mine 2 years ago. I’m really glad I did it and very grateful that the OU existed so I could.

However, it’s not for everyone. The drop out rate is very, very high. That’s partly to do with there being no entry criteria and partly because it’s distance learning. But it would be very wise to think about whether the OU is right for you. If you live near a university you may find they do a flexible course that is a better option. Fees aren’t really any different from million+ brick unis now.

Degree reputation seems to be quite variable. I did social science and I thought some of it was really lacking in rigour but other areas were very good. Science appeared to be well respected by other institutions with quite a few people I met going on to higher degrees, but it would be wise to check with the place you intend to apply to to make sure that it will be likely to get you a place.

You do need to motivate yourself. Getting going on reading and assignments, contacting your tutor when you don’t understand. Following up etc. You don’t have the same sort of peer experience that you get at a brick uni and it can make it easy to let things stall until it feels like it’s difficult to make it up.

GardenRoseAutumn · 17/07/2018 06:18

Those of you who finished the degree, what did you end up doing after? I'm not gonna lie, seeing there's no entry criteria did make me go a bit Hmm.

OP posts:
RiojaHaze · 17/07/2018 06:33

I've got one year left to get my BA Hons and there may be no criteria to start but don't underestimate it. I've found it really tough, especially this last year and like someone else said, there's quite a lot who drop out because they can't handle the work.

For part time study you're supposed to dedicate 16 hours a week and trying to fit that around a full time job and children isn't always easy.

Swissgemma · 17/07/2018 06:39

The ou has its good and had points... it is hard and lonely... but I found joining Facebook groups meant I found virtual study buddies... and the good points some of those study buddies are now real friends and colleagues on a Russel group masters programme.

You need to be motivated and organized with the ou as you are only really accountable to yourself!

I would check that your chosen medicine programme accepts the ou degree as a qualifying degree (this is not ou specific i have a friend who found she had to do a foundation year as her degree qualification didn’t cover the right ground)

Swissgemma · 17/07/2018 06:43

@gardenroseautumn i am on a Russell group masters programme and will be starting a funded PhD. Despite the jack if entry requirements you do need to do the work and meet the requirements for the top grades. I won’t lie, there are people on the course who are just looking to pass and scraping that... but st the other end there are people like me... getting distinctions. For me the flexibility was key!

cinnabarmoth · 17/07/2018 06:45

Regarding no entry criteria, the OU was founded to provide anyone with the opportunity to study, including those who might for whatever reason have missed out on gaining any formal qualifications. So it's not an indication of low standards, it's a founding principle. Individual modules, once you get past level 1, very often do have prerequisites, usually a level 1 module or something equivalent.

I started an open degree in the arts in the 90s, and started an MA in social science in 2004. I didn't complete either of them but in both the quality of the materials and support was very good. I started a BSc in statistics and computing in 2011 which I completed last year, again the materials were excellent. As a comparison, I completed a maths degree at a redbrick uni in the early 2000s and the OU degree compares favourably.

I won't lie, it's hard work. I was quite happy working on my own but that's how I work best anyway and I think maths/computing are not subjects where you often need the input of others, though the course forums are there if you do. I really enjoyed it, but there were times it was hard to stay focused and I did end up taking 6 years instead of the intended 4, due to the degree getting significantly harder at level 3, coupled with parenting and work commitments. But OU degrees are highly regarded, not just for the standard of their content, but for what it says about you, that you can motivate yourself to do something difficult, for several years, while juggling other commitments. I would say it's absolutely worth it. I haven't yet looked for jobs really as I made a commitment to my partner's business for a period, but I feel it was worth doing the OU degree for what I learned about myself, and for my confidence.

cinnabarmoth · 17/07/2018 06:46

Sorry, no idea where my paragraphs went!

lifechangesforever · 17/07/2018 06:54

I've just finished my first year with the OU - which is kindly being paid for by my employer, the fees are higher than I think they should be for not actually attending lectures etc.

That being said, I'm thoroughly enjoying it and I do believe that having an OU degree brings its own merits, it shows that you have the determination to keep up with the work despite other home life pressures.

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