I am looking at studying with the OU (hopefully towards an open degree). I have done one openings course and due to currently TTC thought I'd look at more short courses for now. I got finacial support for my openings course as we get some benefits. Having looked at the online eligability checker it seems that I can get support for courses of 30 points or more but not for the courses with less points (unless I am "studying a course, residential school or project which is compulsory for your qualification and you are receiving financial support for a 30 or 60 point course").
If I put in that it is my first course then I would be eligable.
Sooooo have they changed the rules recently and only help with the first short course?
Also does anyone know what is considered compulsory? If I want to do an open degree then I am assuming no course is actually compulsory?