OU degree that leads to an actual job ?

[Blessingsdragon1]

Is there anything that you can do through the OU that leads directly to an actual job ? Friend is in difficult position with childcare but I know was very accademic. Im trying to get together a few suggestions to move her forward at a difficult time. Her councillor has suggested an ou course.

In my experience no qualification leads to a job without related work experience of some sort or another.

How different is the degree from her work history?

Yes, OU degrees are HIGHLY respected these days, due to the added discipline students need to complete them, the only ones that are not as useful or employable are the general/mixed module old fashioned pick and mix type OU degrees.

Tbh i dont think ou courses are worth the time or money. I know people say employers respect them but in my field theyre certainly not seen as 'proper' degrees at all.
Could she do a pgce?

Do you mean a specific professional qualification to enter a job field that is restricted only to those holding it?

Like accountancy, auditing, nursing, medicine, teaching?

Or do you mean is well regarded and so lots of employers would be interested? In which case, no degree does that alone - experience, motivation, enthusiasm is all taken into account by graduate employers. Generally, a traditional subject from as high ranking a university (ie Russell group) as possible is best for keeping options open for a wide range of jobs.

I'm just going into my third year of a psychology degree and intend to become a counsellor when/if I qualify. Its been workable around my kids. Its stressful and tough at times but I'm enjoying it

@onetimeposter Can I ask what field you are in?

The reason I ask is I am doing an OU degree and debating whether to try and switch to brick uni (definitely won't be easy at present due to family circs and would actually prefer to to stay at OU for the time being but not if it means wasting my time).

Hi,

The OU provide a range of vocational qualifications www.open.ac.uk/choose/vocational-qualifications/ and there are also undergraduate courses in social work, nursing and other subjects.

OU degrees can take some time to acquire, depending on the number of modules that your friend could take each year, but they would give your friend a goal to aim for.

I would suggest that your friend makes enquiries with the OU for more advice.

alot of universities offer study via distance/online. really good ones aswell, so i’d maybe have a look online at those before choosing OU. you can spread them out over 4+ years