Do employers still respect OU degrees?

[moOmOoMooo]

Having a conversation with someone I know who works in education. Shes said there has been lots of cuts to OU from government and it's just not worth it in the same way as a degree at a "real" university as it's just not as rigorous.

I'm thinking of transferring credits to the OU to complete my honours degree but I'm not sure if I'll regret it. I need the flexibility as I have a family and it would make things so much easier as school is close by but I'll have to commute 2.5 hours to university. Dont have the choice to move as this would disrupt DC school life and I have a forever tenancy so would never want to lose that.

Not sure what would be best in my case.

[LoveFameTragedy]

Government cuts to the OU have resulted in (increased) fees to the students and a slight change in how they deliver most courses. I have not seen any evidence that the standards have fallen. The attraction to employers remains the same. You need outstanding self discipline and dedication to the course to complete it.

[LittleDragonGirl]

A friends son goes to a bricks and mortar uni and has ONE contact hour a week

Find this VERY hard to believe as they would have at least a hour contact per module per week if not two hours per module per week, unless they are on active placement or have been disrupted by strikes.

Regarding OU its definately not considered any less then a standard degree, specially if you also have work experience and are balancing other commitments! Independent study takes a great deal of self control and perseverance.
Only level of study I would be wary gaining a OU qual from is more PhD, professional doctorates as they require much more hands on study and contact is hugely beneficial at least initially.

I have met many academics who got their degree and masters through OU before progressing into phd at a university (as contact hours are a lot more flexible and less after the initial years).

[BubblesBuddy]

Depends on the role of course!

[LonginesPrime]

it's just not worth it in the same way as a degree at a "real" university as it's just not as rigorous

Nonsense. The OU is a real university and its qualifications are well-respected in industry.

IME, OU degrees are perfectly acceptable to magic circle law firms and FTSE 100 companies - mine has never been a barrier to finding work. In fact, people are quite impressed because it takes a lot of self-discipline to complete an OU degree. It's always a talking point at interview.

[BubblesBuddy]

Is that really true about 1 hour contact? What degree is he taking? What else does he get for his £9250?

Yes. Transfer the credits. OU is recognised for mature grads. You have to accept there is competition for grad level jobs and younger people with good degrees from elsewhere will compete. However you presumably have plenty of working experience. This will be a big bonus and May count for for more than a degree. The degree on its own isn’t just what employers are looking for.

[Pipandmum]

A friends son goes to a bricks and mortar uni and has ONE contact hour a week.
OU you are totally self directed. In discussion with others (my son is considering it in the future as he can do it part time and he doesn't have enough ucas points for regular uni) and everyone has said it is well respected as it is a degree and it shows real dedication and motivation.

[LittleCandle]

The employers I know respect the OU, as the person doing their degrees that way are usually juggling work and family at the same time. It sounds to me as though your friend is looking down her nose at the OU, as a lot of ignorant people do. If I was you, I would go ahead and transfer. Good luck with it!