Advice from OU Psychology students please! :-)

[Katy13010]

Hello all,

I am new to this, and see there are a few Open University students lurking about, just wondered if I could pick your brains on the Psychology degree that the OU offer...

In short, I am fed up with my job and am looking for a career change. I have good GCSEs all A-C grade, some A-Levels, (not great grades - but that is really a reflection of my state of mind as a youngster, rather than my ability I think!) Hindsight is a great thing hey!

Anyway, I am considering a career change. My question really is this: I have not studied anything for a long time, and am nervous about being able to produce the essays/assignments required of a Psychology student. Reading some example assignments that I have found seem so far removed from anything I have ever done! I feel that English is one of my stronger subjects (or at least always was!) and I wondered how others who have been out of education have managed to get up-to-speed with the 'sceientific' writing style, and what help is available to OU students in this area.

The goal would be to complete a post-graduate qualification after the degree, to practice as a Psychologist in some way or another. I am still at the research stage...! Does someone like me stand any hope at getting onto/managing to complete a post-graduate qualification, do you think? They always seem to be reserved for the enthusiastic academics I went to school with, not for late starters like me.

Am I being realistic? Too negative? I don't know, this is an unknown area for me really.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Katy

*scientific, would help if I could type it correctly! Ooops.

I used to be an ou psychology tutor.
You sound like a pretty typical ou psychology student IMO :)

IME the ou provide pretty good support in most aspects and the only students who really struggle are those who don't/can't take advantage of what is available. Levels of tutor support does vary though so worth getting so up-to-date insider info if you can.

Also be aware that the route into postgraduate professional courses is very very tough and requires a substantial amount of relevant experience.

Wow, quick reply, thank you!

I have heard that it is very competitive, so would get myself a plan B set just in case... After an OU Psychology degree, would it be easier to become an occupational therapist? When I say 'easier' I mean, less competitive of course.

As I understand it, to become an occupational therapist you need a MSc after a degree?

Thanks again for your advice, very grateful!