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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

OU - science degree. Would I be stupid to try?

19 replies

ToodlePipsqueak · 17/06/2017 15:20

I'm a sahm and we were lucky enough to come into some money recently. We have discussed me returning to education in the past, and now have the money to do so.

I have a BA (graduated 10 years ago) but love the idea of studying something in the science field. I'm not sure exactly what area but have been looking into the options offered at the OU. I'm just worried I won't be able to cope with it. I did not do any science subjects at A Level. I wanted to do Physics but the head of my college convinced me I'd be better off doing Biology, so I picked Biology and soon dropped out because I just wasn't interested in it. I don't know why he did that as I had A's in Maths and Physics at GCSE (I had an A in Biology but my marks in Physics were higher). I regret listening to him but never mind.

I know it would be really hard. And I haven't studied for such a long time anyway. I'm scared of spending our money on something and then failing at it. Although it was a good amount, it's not enough to justify wasting it if I do fail. Dd will be starting nursery part-time next year so I'd have some free time to spend studying. As I'm not too sure what I'd like to specialise in I was thinking of starting with their foundation course and then seeing how it went from there. Just wanted to get some opinions really. Anyone done anything similar?

OP posts:
thesandwich · 17/06/2017 16:14

Why not try something free such as futurelearn or any of the mooc courses just to give you a taste?

SpuriouserAndSpuriouser · 17/06/2017 17:19

I don't have any experience personally, but my mum has done courses (i.e. not a full degree) with OU and really enjoyed them. It sounds like starting with a foundation course and then choosing a direction from there is a good idea. Don't put yourself down or start worrying about failing before you have even started! You are motivated and have the time to dedicate to it, I'm sure you'll do fine.

WhenIGrowUpIWantToBeAPenguin · 17/06/2017 17:29

I did the first module of an OU science degree, with no A levels in science (I do have A level Maths). You could sign up for that, then take it a module at a time?

I found it hard work but only really because I'm a working single mother - the course was really interesting and I enjoyed doing it, I just struggled to find time. The tutorial sessions were really interesting, and I met some lovely people from all sorts of backgrounds. I only did the one module as I needed to prove scientific 'ability' for a completely different post-grad qualification, and none of the later modules were relevant (I needed something more Chemistry related and it wasn't one of the options). You sound like you have the ability with you GCSE results - I say go for it!

LexisGynae · 17/06/2017 17:31

Do it! The OU is specifically designed for people who haven't studied before. I did a degree and have nothing but good things to say about it. Go online and find out where your regional office is. Chances are, they will be having open days that you can go along to.

Also, they have really good schemes for spreading the payments, so you might find you could start without actually investing much money up front.

Slightlyperturbedowlagain · 17/06/2017 17:35

You pay one module at a time and can spread the payments out so there's no harm in signing up for the first module and try it out- you don't have to do any more if you don't like it, but IME the courses are very well designed and well supported compared with other establishments; go for it Smile

offblackeggshell · 17/06/2017 17:35

I did that. Started with an introductory module (psychology though, not physics) and ended up with a degree six years later. Get started, lots of modules either never expire, or have really long expiry dates, so you can take as long as you want over a degree!

Original poster
ToodlePipsqueak · 17/06/2017 18:17

I feel a bit overwhelmed with the positive replies. Really was expecting to be told I'd be better of sticking to humanities or nothing at all. Very good to know about spreading the costs etc. Thank you all. I will start looking at this properly and planning when I can start.

WhenIGrowUpIWantToBeAPenguin I take my hat off to you, (if that's the right expression.) I'm not surprised you struggled to find the time!

OP posts:
Catminion · 18/06/2017 09:19

I did it a few years ago. My A levels were humanities/arts and I did a law degree. You need reasonable maths to do the physics but not at foundation.

PrincessHairyMclary · 18/06/2017 09:34

I'm in my first year (module) of a Natural Sciences degree with the OU.
It covers biology, chemistry, physics, environmental and Earth sciences in the first level and then you can specialise as you move forward.
The first year is a mix of GCSE and A level content moving on to first year degree so you get the basics.

I work as a secondary science TA so have found some of it easy and not needed the recommended 18 hours of study a week so far but I have no science A levels and the topic I'm doing at the moment is challenging (physics and maths aren't my strong suit) but if you have a history in science you'll be fine in the first year.

My module is delivered completely online so we don't have any books. You only need 40% to pass the first year so I wouldn't worry about failing. The OU have lots of free courses in the open learn section with many science options if you wanted to have a look.

Cheekychops73 · 21/06/2017 11:44

Oh I have just signed up to take the Natural Science degree Grin I am glad to see all the positive replies to this thread. I think it looks really interesting and am hoping to branch off into the biology route but I know that in the first two years something else might grab my enthusiasm a bit more. Like you I am a SAHM and feel as if my brain is going stagnant at the moment and the fact that it's part time means that when the wee fella goes to school I can work part time and keep up with the studies without too much stress (hopefully) I say go for it :)

user1471516728 · 21/06/2017 13:40

I am just finishing a maths & stats degree and have really enjoyed it. With your educational background you certainly have the ability to succeed so long as you have the time. The access courses are designed for people with no study experience beyond GCSE level so you might find them a bit simple, but alternatively should make for a good gentle introduction if you want to boost your confidence a bit.

Original poster
ToodlePipsqueak · 21/06/2017 23:01

Thank you this all sounds really positive. I think simple would be a good start for me, it's been a long time since I did anything like this so a refresh on the basics is probably just what I need.

Good luck everyone who is currently studying or plans to start soon!

OP posts:
PersianCatLady · 26/07/2017 23:45

I have a BA (graduated 10 years ago)
As you already have a degree, you probably won't get any funding for your OU degree so you will have to pay the full fees without a SFE loan.

Changebagsandgladrags · 27/07/2017 00:03

I've just finished at the OU. My degree is an open degree made up of Maths and Physics units (today I'd do the Maths & Physics degree but it didn't exist when I started).

On funding. You can now get funding for a second degree if it's a STEM subject.

On the actual course I can only comment on the physics side. I found it really enjoyable. The level 2 physics course S217 or S207 when I took it is still my favourite OU module. I found the level 3 modules on electromagnetism and quantum mechanics to be very hard conceptually.

My advice would be to go for it!

kohl · 27/07/2017 01:01

You should TOTALLY do it. Don't underestimate how far being passionate about a subject will take you.

LooseAtTheSeams · 27/07/2017 09:23

Do it! I did a couple of introductory courses in science and maths and then signed up for the science foundation course. Loved it - and I just had rusty science O levels. All my other qualifications are in humanities subjects.
I found an AS level revision book for chemistry was very helpful but the course texts supplied are excellent. I did it some years ago so the materials are probably even better now.
The maths content wasn't too bad - similar to GCSE I would think but presented a bit differently.

PersianCatLady · 27/07/2017 10:22

On funding. You can now get funding for a second degree if it's a STEM subject
Have you got a link for that??

Changebagsandgladrags · 27/07/2017 14:14

www.open.ac.uk/courses/fees-and-funding/equivalent-qualifications

If you already hold an honours degree or higher level qualification, you may be eligible for a loan to study a further honours degree. If you're looking to re-skill or up-skill in subjects such as psychology, science, computing, maths, nursing or health care you could still be eligible for a loan.

The loan is a Tuition Fee Loan and you apply directly to Student Finance England.

PersianCatLady · 27/07/2017 15:10

If you already hold an honours degree or higher level qualification, you may be eligible for a loan to study a further honours degree. If you're looking to re-skill or up-skill in subjects such as psychology, science, computing, maths, nursing or health care you could still be eligible for a loan
Thank you, that is really helpful information.

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