Open University

[MacNcheese87]

Please bear with me, I don't know what the mumsnet stance is on this or if it's worth a go, but I wanted to ask before I start my journey!

I'm stuck at home for a few years (disabled children- maybe one day they'll be off on their own paths but for now it's hospital appointments/therapies etc) but recently I've been thinking about my own future. My partner works different shifts every week so it's hard to study around him but I'm very keen to start something!

Is open university worth a go? Are there any realistic job opportunities from it?

Oh, I thought the OU was brilliant. It is / can be lonely but there are tutorials and if you have people you get on with I’m sure you’ll end up ‘virtually’ supporting each other. Plus they deliver all the materials you’ll need.

Could you also look into other jobs working helping people? Nursing? Support work?

If you think you will like the studying go for it! And then consider many options re jobs.

OU also has some free curses so you could give them a try.

They are currently taking registrations for October starts

I did a MSc with the OU. I've done an undergraduate degree at a 'normal' uni and another masters distance learning from a 'normal' uni.

The OU worked out much easier to work around the rest of my life and was quite a bit cheaper.

They are super supportive. You can pause and restart so it's very adaptable.

Hi. Sorry to jump in but this thread seems like the closest advice I'm after.
I am looking at starting an OU nursing degree. I have 2 children 2 and 7 and wondered if anyone has managed to fit the work around family life. Luckily for me I have a very good manger who has found me a placement who is willing to work around my husband's shifts so fingers crossed that shouldn't be an issue. However all my theory work will be done when I have the kids and hubby at work. The course is 4 years long so I don't really want to keep putting it off as I have done already for the past 4 years. Any advice on how easy/hard it is to for the course around kids? Thanks xx

OP I was in your situation; unable to work due to caring for a child with disabilities. I did an OU degree part time which absolutely flew in. This was quite a few years ago before the new fees system came in so I was in the very fortunate position of not having to pay a penny. I would say go for it!

I have a psych degree and its worth fuck all for counselling. Go and do a Certificate in Counselling Skills at a local college. Should be cheap and evenings once a week for a year. Following this a part time diploma takes two years and EVERYONE has to look for volunteer placements. Then you're qualified. I think the £17,000 must be incorrect.

I thought that legally you don't actually have to have any qualifications to become a counsellor, although some bodies do require certain ones (that are very lengthy and expensive) to be registered with them?

I'm starting mine this year and I'm doing Psychology and Criminology. I am doing it because I am bored. It's £910 for 60
Credits. I think mines is 6 years. You can pay monthly as well. What would you like study?