open university

[frazzled74]

after sifting through loads of course bumpf with ds, i would love to study for a degree. I do have a career already but i would love to study something completely unrelated to the job i do , maybe history.Has anybody else studied with the OU just for the interest factor? are there any loans etc available if you work? or can you pay in installments? is it a mad thing to do?

Another way to pay is using Tesco clubcard vouchers.

watching with interest.

How with tesco clubcards?

if you're not eligible for funding there's some OUSBA thing where you get a payment scheme IIRC. you can phone the finance office, they're really helpful IME.

I'm doing OU for a career (maths degree, want to be a teacher) but whatever your motivation I highly recommend it!

Oh, I just loved studying for my masters with the OU. I completed it when I was working full time, but it was unrelated to my career, so it was just for fun. I found it really flexible and surprisingly ease to fit into any spare time I had. I paid for mine at the start of the course, but I was rich then. I'm looking to do something else, so I may look into using Tesco vouchers.

Go for it - I can't recommend it highly enough. What are you thinking of studying?

I did an openings course last year (10 points) and I'm due to start a level 1 course in October (30 points). I'm not studying for a degree (have one already), mostly studying for interest and gaining new skills. I loved the course I did, and found a great online community in the short time the course lasted. You can pay in installments with an OU account - ring the helpline, they've been great when I've contacted them. I've paid for half my level 1 course with Tesco Clubcard vouchers.

thanks, am off to look at the website, and to check the clubcard website. Im really interested in all things historic so i will look at what they have to offer along those lines.I dont have a degree already, im a nurse , eventually i will do my degree in that, but not for a few years. Thanks, am excited now, ds will be pleased to have me stop poking my nose in with his course choices as well. will let you know how i get on.

Warning: studying with the OU is like doing crack - very very addictive.

ooh loads to choose from, very costly though. am torn between doing psychology/sociology which i can relate to work and may be of use career wise in the future or history/politics/religion which i am really interested in but will prob never use. the cost is the same whichever i choose, except i can transfer 75 level 1 credits for psychology/sociology, .help please? what about the open degree? any good?
i am totally spoilt for choice now!

Nether direction will be wrong, you just have to decide whether, at this time, you want to study for career or personal development. Although, I'm sure both option will be enjoyable and help towards a future degree. How's that for fence sitting .
For what it's worth, I'd start with something that I know I'd enjoy.

I'm so excited for you.

i think i will go for enjoyment, there are options at work if i wanted to further my career and these would be free (i just dont want to commit longterm at the moment to a specific speciality or to my present ward as i may move on in the next year or so)
i am vereing toward an open degree, i think.