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Higher education

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Original poster

Please could someone advise me of my options after a rubbish degree

43 replies

MoldyWarp · 04/02/2011 22:41

I have been a sahm and very happy for a million years but am thinking of retraining late in life

I went to a red brick university but attained an absolutely RUBBISH degree grade Blush although as an adult I now fully accept that i did bloody well considering Hmm (crap life at time)

Anyway my degree does not reflect my ability and I would like to better it.....

Do i have to go back and do another BA/BSc??? I think I do which would be such a waste. Is there any option for me to do some sort of distance degree to better the one I have or attain a masters or does my existing degree mean nothing?

I contacted the OU last year and they did not seem to know and passed me from pillar to post with no real answers.

I graduated in 1990 btw

Thank you!

OP posts:
Dropdeadfred · 04/02/2011 22:47

what was your grade?

cybbo · 04/02/2011 22:52

Well I think in some respects a degree is a degree. It shows you wanted to further yourself and were prepared to study for 3 years

What was the course?

Original poster
MoldyWarp · 04/02/2011 23:06

eeek! I dreaded someone would ask this

OP posts:
Dropdeadfred · 04/02/2011 23:07

well..was it a 3rd?

Original poster
MoldyWarp · 04/02/2011 23:07

My excuse extenuating circumstances was that I attained the grade in 2nd year 'Part 1's' and as such was unable to attain any higher in the third year

The degree was Psychology ( in the days when it was less popular)

OP posts:
Original poster
MoldyWarp · 04/02/2011 23:08

oh sorry a pass

OP posts:
Original poster
MoldyWarp · 04/02/2011 23:13
OP posts:
Dropdeadfred · 04/02/2011 23:17

I think you could ask about a Masers, but they often require a 2.1 a least these days. BUT now you are a mature student with life/work experience you may find them more lenient...

Coleysworth · 04/02/2011 23:20

Do you want to continue studying psychology, or are you thinking of going into a different area? Have you got relevant work experience that might help to counterbalance the poor degree result?

Original poster
MoldyWarp · 04/02/2011 23:22

my experience is only in business which is not an area i am interested in..

I was thinking along the lines of counselling or social work

OP posts:
Coleysworth · 04/02/2011 23:30

I'm guessing that postgrad admissions tutors might want to see some recent evidence of successful study (maybe an OU course would serve?), but at the same time I think 21 years of life experience since you graduated will count for a lot if you want to go into counselling/therapy as a career. It might even outweigh the poor degree result, I don't know.

If you've identified a course/some courses you want to apply for, why not get in touch with the relevant admissions person and ask their advice on the best way forward?

webwiz · 05/02/2011 14:59

You can do Postgraduate level courses with the OU (although the future of the Masters courses are in turmoil following the funding review) I don't think they specify a certain level of degree pass. They are quite challenging courses so if you haven't studied for a while an undergraduate course may be a better place to start - there are certainly counselling courses available with the OU

www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualification/g14.htm

and courses relevant to social work.

Coleysworth · 05/02/2011 15:55

The OU is withdrawing all of its social science postgraduate (distance) courses as of 2014 :(

webwiz · 05/02/2011 17:16

I know Coleysworth but I think replacements are planned but just not as many courses. Fortunately I started my masters last year so I'll get through before they are withdrawn.

Coleysworth · 05/02/2011 17:19

I haven't heard anything about replacements: has there been a recent announcement about that webwiz? As far as I knew all soc sci PG courses were being withdrawn with no replacements planned. I think it was the expense involved in producing the replacements that was part of the problem (???)

webwiz · 05/02/2011 17:39

There's several long discussions in the Masters forum on first class and I think it was in there.

New courses were being planned at the time of the spending review but they are now delayed rather than completely cancelled. All the existing courses will stop in 2014. I think some streamlining will probably take place with fewer courses running which will be more cost effective for the OU. Who knows when the new stuff will be offered though.

Coleysworth · 05/02/2011 17:41

Ah, I see - thanks for that info webwiz. I hope they don't just stop doing soc sci master's altogether :(

Original poster
MoldyWarp · 05/02/2011 19:23

Thanks so much for for all the information
If the OU are withdrawing courses - looks like i need to move fast
Not sure about any old social science thing - might be a hiding to nothing
I am quite bright just a late developer!

OP posts:
Prolesworth · 06/02/2011 00:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

thekidsmom · 06/02/2011 12:36

Just a thought on an alternative degree, if you hadnt made your mind up.

Be aware that there is no longer funding for doing another Bachelors degree when you already have one. There used to be funding for 'Equivalent Level Qualifications' but this was removed about 2 years ago - just in case you need to facotr that into your planning.

Good luck!

Guildenstern · 06/02/2011 12:39

thekidsmom is right. Nowadays you have to get your first degree exactly right, because you only get one shot.

Unless you want to pay £10,000 odd per year in fees.

I got stung by this too. Wish I'd been wise enough at the age of 17 to pick the right subject, but I wasn't and I didn't and now I'm screwed. :(

Original poster
MoldyWarp · 06/02/2011 20:07

thekidsmum - does that basically mean i am screwed. Can't do masters but won't get funding for repeating or new bachelors?

OP posts:
OADCB · 06/02/2011 20:10

Yep unfortunately that's what I was about to say.

Do you really has a passion for social work? If so masters?

Original poster
MoldyWarp · 06/02/2011 20:17

yes social work is the only thing i repeatedly come back to... or maybe some sort of counsellor but maybe better to get SW qualification first anyway

But can i do SW with the rubbish degree (i have half decent A levels by 1986 standards)

OP posts:
OADCB · 06/02/2011 20:26

Maybe you could. Social work is about life experience. Have a look at your local uni website. I'm doing BA. It's hard work and you need to really want to do it.