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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is this just a Mickey Mouse degree? (OU course)

110 replies

DESGUSTANG · 16/02/2021 21:17

Name changed. God only knows why, though.

Considering doing an Arts & Humanities degree - Philosophy and English Lit specifically with the OU.

Can't get out of my head that it's a Mickey Mouse degree (thanks, middle class education system!) but I'm really interested in the subject matter. Anyone have any experience in the OU, Philosophy degrees or general life advice?

(FWIW, I'm in Scotland so I think tuition would be free with SAAS, if I'm not mistaken).

OP posts:
MonroeNotManson · 16/02/2021 21:21

Can't comment on that degree specifically but the OU is a great uni, fantastic tutors, brilliant materials, and their degrees tend to be highly regarded by employers as you need to be very dedicated and self-sufficient to do a long distance degree, often whilst having other commitments (job, parenting, caring etc.) alongside it.

What do you want to do the degree for, to build a career, or as a hobby?

idontlikealdi · 16/02/2021 21:23

What do you want out of it?

Original poster
DESGUSTANG · 16/02/2021 21:23

What do you want to do the degree for, to build a career, or as a hobby?
Hobby / personal interest mostly! I'm disabled so if I'm ever employed it will be some form of self-employment I think (so I guess I don't "need" a concrete degree necessarily).

OP posts:
ToadsThePeanutButterSnob · 16/02/2021 21:24

I wouldn't say so, no.

CoronaIsWatching · 16/02/2021 21:24

If you're interested in it why do you need to pay to do a degree in it? why not just indulge in it as a hobby?

brushandmop · 16/02/2021 21:25

What will you do with that degree?

If you want it to lead to a job - more research is needed.

Something to do to expand your mind - go for it!

ghostyslovesheets · 16/02/2021 21:25

No it's not - you will get lots of people banging on about RG Uni's etc - honestly I have a 2:1 from a RG Uni and no one has EVER asked about it or mentioned it in my 30 year career!

Education is never a waste - do it - enjoy it - good luck

Original poster
DESGUSTANG · 16/02/2021 21:25

If you're interested in it why do you need to pay to do a degree in it? why not just indulge in it as a hobby?

I guess I like having the qualification at the end, much easier to keep motivated when there's a goal in sight. Also (nerdy as it is) I really quite like writing essays!

OP posts:
HoldontoOneMoreDay · 16/02/2021 21:26

It certainly isn't a Micky Mouse degree - isn't that (horrible) term used for things like Media Studies anyway?

OU is a fantastic university and any OU course is looked on favourably by employers because it shows you are dedicated, motivated and organised.

You'll start by doing their intro to humanities course which gets you used to studying and will touch on lots of different topics so be prepared that you'll change your mind. (I went in thinking I'd do Eng Lit and fell in love with history...)

It's not free in Scotland but it's much, much cheaper than in England. Just over 1k a year and actually you may get that funded, I'm a bit hazy on the dets. But if you don't they do an instalment plan. It's a fantastic institution and we're lucky to have it.

monkeysox · 16/02/2021 21:26

I'm a teacher and did an OU degree and know others who have too.
It's not Mickey mouse. It's hard work especially when working at the same time and studying
Depends how many units per year you do.
60 units per year it will take.you 6 years to get honours degree.

ThanksItHasPockets · 16/02/2021 21:26

Philosophy and English Lit are most definitely Proper Subjects Grin I wouldn’t recommend them for megabucks employability but if you have the opportunity to study them for the love of the subjects then what a privilege!

TaraR2020 · 16/02/2021 21:27

No it isn't a mickey mouse degree - they are both traditional academic degrees which typically teach rigorous critical thinking. Whats more, in the next few years you'll see a change in attitude towards traditional Humanities degrees because with AI the skills they develop are going to become much more valuable.

HoldontoOneMoreDay · 16/02/2021 21:28

Should add I've studied for a total of four years at various times, have never quite got it together to do a full degree. I just do it cos I like it!

Original poster
DESGUSTANG · 16/02/2021 21:28

You'll start by doing their intro to humanities course which gets you used to studying and will touch on lots of different topics so be prepared that you'll change your mind.

I have a recent(ish) HNC qualification in Philosophy, so hoping I can jump in to my second year! Do you have any more info on the funding? Cost is definitely a factor, need to do more research into that aspect. If it's significant I may just have to apply for a brick uni, as inconvenient as that may be.

OP posts:
AlexandraEiffel · 16/02/2021 21:29

Is it the uni or course you're querying? Philosophy really really isn't a Mickey Mouse degree (not that I subscribe to any being so). PPE is one lots of people heading into politics do, politics, philosophy and economics.

CaptainVanesHair · 16/02/2021 21:29

If you really want to do it, do it. I truly believe academia should be about what you’re passionate about. And English lit is definitely not Mickey Mouse!

Original poster
DESGUSTANG · 16/02/2021 21:30

Philosophy and English Lit are most definitely Proper Subjects grin

I think I assume everyone will think anything other than Law or Medical degrees are Mickey Mouse ones Grin definitely remember teachers telling me if I did a Philosophy degree I'd never get a job! Confused

OP posts:
Barrantsvidal · 16/02/2021 21:32

You can also get student finance for an OU degree if you haven't studied higher education before.

OU degrees are highly regarded, especially as the grade boundaries are very high 70%-85% for a 2:1, over 85% for a first.

Go for it. It is a great institution to study with and the staff are very friendly and helpful.

lottiegarbanzo · 16/02/2021 21:32

Philosophy is the opposite of a Mickey Mouse' subject; it's rigorous, traditional and not easy, so I'm rather mystified by your position.

The OU is fantastic.

So, what is your point, exactly?

Smarshian · 16/02/2021 21:34

I did an English Lit degree with the OU and it was a fantastic course which I loved. I would definitely recommend. It also led me to go for a graduate scheme with the civil service and land a job that I love (which is not at all related to my degree), but I wouldn’t have been able to get without it.
Go for it!

lottiegarbanzo · 16/02/2021 21:35

Oh yeah, Philosphy and Eng lit degrees do not lead to jobs. That is true. (Well, to jobs in marketing and postgrads then jobs in law).

That has bog all to do with being 'Mickey Mouse' subjects though. I think you've misunderstood that phrase.

Original poster
DESGUSTANG · 16/02/2021 21:35

Philosophy is the opposite of a Mickey Mouse' subject; it's rigorous, traditional and not easy, so I'm rather mystified by your position.

Not my position, personally! Just mentioning what has been said to me, and trying to ascertain if it is something I would enjoy (and as a bonus, potentially find useful).

So, what is your point, exactly?

Just asking a question!

OP posts:
DifficultBloodyWoman · 16/02/2021 21:44

Philosophy (and English Lit to a slightly lesser degree) are academically rigorous and require critical thinking and analytic skills.

It is not media studies and is not a Mickey Mouse degree.

Enjoy!

ChipsCheeseAndBeans · 16/02/2021 21:45

I’m in Scotland and doing a graduate apprenticeship degree. Not sure if you can do it in those subjects but it funded by skills development Scotland. Full time honour degree. One day in university and other four days in work. I just had to convince my employer to let me go out to uni one day a week.

Gogglebox20 · 16/02/2021 21:48

OU courses are not easy by any means. They offer the same context as any degree at any university and require the same level of commitment and dedication. Go for it, you’ll enjoy it if it’s what you want. Good luck 🤞🏻

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