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Original poster

open university degree

96 replies

MrsAragon · 12/01/2014 17:06

has anybody done one? i am thinking about it, either health science or social science, nervous wreck just thinking about it never mind doing it :(

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsAragon · 13/01/2014 13:48

similar situation here lucille no previous degree, student finance, is that SAAS? student awards agency? i am in scotland.

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ElbowPrincess · 13/01/2014 14:13

Im starting out on my degree journey as well, just not OU. Im at college doing a higher level in social sciences, then start the HNC in Sep :)

crazykat · 13/01/2014 14:16

I'm about to start my third module towards a psychology degree. It's hard going sometimes especially as there's a lot of reading for my courses and finding time and quiet with four young kids is hard.

It would be worth planning your study for further modules as I'm going to have to cram modules in so I can graduate within the time limit, part of this is due to finding out I was pregnant with my fourth (and last) dc just after I started my first module so I had to delay this module by a year.

It's easier to stay motivated when it gets tough if you need the qualification for work/future work than if its purely for something to do IYSWIM.

TheRealCarrieBradshaw · 13/01/2014 14:48

crazykat - Did you have to start with DD101 Social Sciences as part of your Psychology? I'm doing Q07 x

OneHolyCow · 13/01/2014 14:57

I'm in Scotland too, I haven't got a degree and low income and get my fees paid. Very generous margins, I think it's about 20k per annum? Something like that. Worth looking in to!

PoirotsMoustache · 13/01/2014 15:03

JodiA, You're doing exactly the same degree as I am! I've not even looked at the material yet though...

MrsAragon I wish you the best of luck. I've not done anything previously either, so I'm as nervous as you are Smile

Enb76 · 13/01/2014 15:06

I did my AA100 last term and am now doing A150 - broad based History degree.

I've not had to study much and am finding this first year a bit annoying but am looking forward to doing the 'proper' history.

I'm a single parent which helps as my evenings are free to study if required.

CaptainHindsight · 13/01/2014 15:21

My DS has been helping me with AA100 - the little history buff has been most useful.

Hope no one minds me asking but results wise how did you do?

Is AA100 considered a difficult module or an easy you in type?

CaptainHindsight · 13/01/2014 15:21

easy you in?

Sorry - ease you in Wink

Enb76 · 13/01/2014 15:43

I got a pass in AA100. No results from TMA's lower than 77 most were in the 80's.

I found it quite easy but second guessed myself a lot to begin with. If you look at your assignment booklet it actually tells you how to answer the questions. Base your essay plan on that. As far as I could see, they wanted you to re-write the chapter your assignment was based on. I followed that plan.

CaptainHindsight · 13/01/2014 15:44

Thanks Enb76 Tonights job was to read through the assignment book and start making essay notes so I will begin there.

Enb76 · 13/01/2014 15:46

What's the subject? I think my first TMA was Cleopatra and something else. I found the hardest thing was to keep within the word count.

CaptainHindsight · 13/01/2014 15:56

English Language and Literature (hopes fellow MNers don't laugh at my usual MN grammar and punctuation)

Yes its the Cleopatra module. I love history so its an excellent way to start.

Enb76 · 13/01/2014 16:03

I enjoyed AA100 far more than the A150 I'm doing now which is Voices and Texts. It's a bit wishy-washy for me. I want to research and write about interesting things not 'discourse communities' or collaboration.

Anyhow, only one more TMA and an exam and I'll be through it and on to the next.

elfycat · 13/01/2014 16:20

I'm on my final OU course for the literature degree. Cleopatra - AA306, Shakespeare and I just sent of the essay on Anthony and Cleopatra last night. 3 more TMAs and an exam and I'm done in.

DH took a BEng with them, we started the same time but his was for a career change so he raced ahead (while I had 2 DDs and did the majority of the childcare, he is now reciprocating).

We've absolutely loved it but by the end you do get a bit tired. I started Sept '08 and I'd like a few months off from essay writing now, have time to work on some short stories I took the creative writing path and then look for more study.

Result wise I could be aiming for a 2:1 but I need to get over 70% on the TMAs and exams on this course. I'm close but I tend to slip a couple of percent through a course as it gets harder and I'm not great at exams, I took as many EMA courses as I could, so I'll be happy with my 2:2.

Original poster
MrsAragon · 13/01/2014 16:48

poirots, keep in touch let me know how it goes, i would hopefully start in april if i get funding x

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MarianneEnjolras · 13/01/2014 16:49

I did AA100 last year.

I'm halfway through my first level 2 module at the moment and will be starting my final 30 credit level 1 module in February.

My fees are paid via a student loan and I couldn't go to a brick Uni without doing an access course first which is more expense so just not possible.

CaptainHindsight · 13/01/2014 16:51

Hopefully we can keep this thread going for support!

shamelessly wanting help and advice

Grin
Original poster
MrsAragon · 13/01/2014 17:16

thats a good idea captain, how do we move it though, its in chat??

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Danann · 13/01/2014 17:22

Captain - for AA100 I got a distinction, TMAs were between 86 and 95, 85 for my EMA. I haven't done anywhere near as well for my other modules though (getting 60-70).

Original poster
MrsAragon · 13/01/2014 17:25

have asked to move the thread :)

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Cascumpec · 13/01/2014 17:35

English Language and Literature. There was no thrill to compare with the delivery and grand opening of the box of texts and materials at the star of a new module! Hard work though; you have to be organised. I am not. So there was a lot of leaving TMAs until the last minute then having to spend the whole entire weekend doing nothing else.

LucilleBluth · 13/01/2014 17:44

Can I ask my fellow AA100-ers what they think of their tutor. I suppose I can disclose on here that I'm not overly keen on mine, I daren't voice this to any of my tutor group though.

My issues are that she isn't very clear and she likes the sound of her own voice.........I'm awful aren't I Blush

CosmicDespot · 13/01/2014 20:13

My tutor seems ok, Lucille. She has been fine, but I haven't needed to contact her yet, so I only know what her tutorials and notes are like. Her comments on my TMAs have been ok, too. There have been loads of people complaining about tutors on the FB group, though! You're not alone!

I am a shocking procrastinator, I've discovered. I do like a bit of deadline pressure to be able to write.

HeeHiles · 13/01/2014 20:29

I'm about two thirds of my way through a degree in English Lit and Lang. I started doing a Psychology degree but didn't enjoy it so stopped, had a rethink and decided on English - I love it - I get to read books that I would never have done before. I too am working full time and have children and no DH to support me! But the children are older now so its getting easier to study as they know to leave me alone when I get the books out!

I find myself all enthusiastic at the start but it is hard going fitting in all my commitments around it and get a bit fed up towards the end of the module - but after a break I'm happy to get going again!

I am enjoying it though and find the tutors have all been very good and the books and materials are of a very good quality - Definitely recommend!