To start a part time degree at 25?

[Ladybird202]

I finished the first year of my degree in 2017, had DC at the end of the academic year, and planned to take a year off and go back part time. But in the year I took off, my university stopped offering part time study.

Full time study isn’t an option due to work commitments, childcare, and finances. I’m completely gutted the university doesn’t offer part time anymore.

I applied for a credit transfer to the open university as they do the same degree, and they will only transfer 60 credits out of the 300 which I completed! I thought this would be a great alternative so I’m feeling really low that the transfer amount would be so low & I’d basically be starting from scratch.

I’m considering applying to a new university, to study a similar subject, on a part time basis. (Assuming they wouldn’t accept credit transfer) I’d have to start from scratch. PT takes six years, so I’d be studying until I’m 31 - which feels too late to finish an undergrad degree..

WWYD?

I started my degree with the OU when I was 36 and pregnant. Birth planned to fall within the summer months. Ive just completed my 2nd year with a newborn and pregnant again (we wanted 2 little ones close in age). I've just enrolled to start my 3rd year, now 38 with a 1 year old and a newborn.

So no, I dont think you're too old. I certainly dont think I am

I launched into my teaching career at 21, finally got my Music degree at 40. It was hard work, but very gratifying! (Although some of my essays were a bit, "Do you want my essay good, or do you want it Wednesday?"
My friend's DM missed out on going to university at 18 ("needed at home"!!!!!!!) but finally got her BA and MA through the Open University after she retired.
You'll have to be a bit ruthless, but it can be done.

I don't think your numbers are correct. If you have completed a year that's 120 credits. The OU will take up to 180 credit transfer for the BSc in Psychology. I would suggest you formally apply for credit transfer so they can assess you. Good luck!

I know lots of people who have done part time degrees much older than you!

And when interviewing for roles (in finance) the dept head had an obvious preference for those who did their degree as adults part time, as they obviously worked hard to get the balance right to get their degree along with other responsibilities

I'm retraining and going back to Uni at 36. Can't wait!!!

120 credits is the first year OP but I do know it depends on the subject how many credits you can transfer. I'm 1 unit into an OU degree in maths, I couldn't transfer anything from previous study. Had I taken a different subject I could.

I think the open degree is as valued as any other degree and you can start with an open degree and if you find yourself drawn to a particular subject you can change the title.

On the OU website there are some 'openlearn' courses, these are free so you could have a look at how you study with the OU and then if you like it apply to start in September/October.

I started an OU degree at 25 part time and love it. It’s been tough having to schedule in time to do the work and I find I do better attending the face to face tutorials rather than online ones meaning I get a fairly long drive to them but I’m so glad I’m doing it. I still have 2 years to go and I am nervous about my career prospects after as I want to go into a very competitive field but I don’t regret it at all so far