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Higher education

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

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Original poster

Anyone studying for a degree at Open University?

48 replies

SallyTimms · 15/02/2021 18:46

I'm havi g a crisis of confidence, in 40s, could have gone to uni but didn't, passed my a levels, and now have 2 p%t jobs to fit around school / dc.

I'm thinking should I look at a degree? Is there much point?

How have people found the commitment to study, if I err on the side of caution it will take me 6 years! I'd anyone fi d they could work and cram for a degree in the 3 years?

Looking at humanities based, but nit sure if I'm reacting to having my confidence knocked or whether it's a pipe dram with no tangible benefits to me

OP posts:

saffire · 15/02/2021 18:49

I did a full time degree a few years ago, I quit my job and survived as a single mum and used the maintenance grant to live on.

firesidetartan · 15/02/2021 18:51

I am doing one module at a time:

30 credits followed by 30 followed by 60 so my fist year will take 3 years! It will give me a certificate of higher education though and I will decide whether to keep working towards the diploma then degree after that.

I'm also in my 40s but I figured anything I do is better then nothing. I'm going to age either way.

I find learning hard, I'm autistic though so it has an impact on how I learn. I probably take twice the time anyone else does, I know a lot of people doing 90 credits a year easily

firesidetartan · 15/02/2021 18:54

@saffire

I did a full time degree a few years ago, I quit my job and survived as a single mum and used the maintenance grant to live on.

I don't think you get a maintenance grant in England unless you cannot attend a brick uni.

of course I'm assuming OP is in England!

ScarfaceCwaw · 15/02/2021 18:54

I did a PgDip with them - it was for a purpose to get me onto a FT master's course, but it was the same content I could otherwise have put towards an undergrad.

I think the OU are brilliant. They are - in my admittedly now less current experience - very good at supporting people, including nontraditional students and those who have been out of study a long time - through the scaffolding of a degree. However, I understand its equivalent in cost to doing a physical degree now, and some people respond better to the in-person aspect.

I think you really need to lay out, and ask yourself, what you're doing it for. A better job? What job exactly and how much will the degree realistically help? Academic interest? Personal satisfaction? All of them are very valid reasons, but it's hard work and a big long term commitment and you have to be clear. My concern from what you said is that a degree in the humanities often doesn't do much to qualify you for anything, except in a few areas/companies who insist on a degree for a degree's sake for progression, which tends to be rather old-fashioned thinking.

KleineDracheKokosnuss · 15/02/2021 18:58

I started in 2008.i will finish in 2024.

It’s been a while and somewhat interrupted. But I really enjoy it. (Am now 37)

Original poster

SallyTimms · 15/02/2021 19:06

Lots of really useful replies, thank you.

The worst part is I have no burning desire to work in a particular field, it almost seems like it would be personal nourishment, but that's shit load if money on some thi g that might not reap the rewards to offset the costs. I think it might be a pipe dream for now.

OP posts:

firesidetartan · 15/02/2021 19:07

@SallyTimms

Lots of really useful replies, thank you.

I'm in Scotland and I get a part time fee grant for my modules.

flappityflippers1 · 15/02/2021 19:08

I'm part way through a degree with them, I started in 2016, but have had a DS and 32 weeks pregnant again, trying to juggle full time mum during day, working at night and weekends, no childcare etc, so have deferred for now. I have 16 years to complete it.

I did 90 credits my first year, while working full time with no DC, and it was really hard work. The following year I did 60 credits, while on maternity leave which was manageable.

I like the flexibility of the OU, however I haven't found the support that great, and in some instances the tutors have been useless (not replying to e-mails, not explaining anything when asking for clarification etc).

I'm undecided whether I want to continue with the OU, or finish my degree at a bricks and mortar uni - I think I would benefit more from the in person learning.

flappityflippers1 · 15/02/2021 19:10

If you're not sure what you want to do, and it's personal fulfilment - why not take a look at their free courses?

You can study and see how it works for you, and if you enjoy it, then go on to do a degree if you want to after that :)

KyraGoose · 15/02/2021 19:10

I think personal nourishment is a great reason to study. Why does it always have to be job related? Why not just because it'll make you more fulfilled, proud and confident? I have studied with them, really flexible, all online, do it in your own time etc. Look into it some more

ScarfaceCwaw · 15/02/2021 19:14

I agree that personal satisfaction/nourishment is a great reason to study, although sometimes it is not a financially viable option, sadly.

As PP say, why not look at some of the free courses for now and see how you enjoy them - it may even help you clarify your interests. Or if you are open to career change and can manage on initially crappy pay, a degree apprenticeship might be an option.

Itsjustaride8w737 · 15/02/2021 19:22

I don't think you get a maintenance grant in England unless you cannot attend a brick uni.

This isn't true, student finance treat Open University the same as a standard uni.

AlaskaThunderfuckHiiiiiiiii · 15/02/2021 19:22

I am currently doing my adult nursing degree through the open uni, I’m about 5 months in and due to go on my first placement soon. It’s employer sponsored so no fees and get paid my wages as normal, finding the module and managing my time fine so far but know it’s going to get more difficult with placements, assessment documents to fill in and assignments but totally
Loving it

piepuddingchips · 15/02/2021 19:35

I'm in my fourth year with the OU.
It's hard, I study part time and other than student finance for the course, you're not entitled to additional support.
I work two jobs and have young kids and just manage it part time.
Having a bit of a crisis about it now as I don't think I even want to do what I am studying my degree in!

SingToTheSky · 15/02/2021 19:38

I am starting in autumn hopefully. I haven’t decided yet between psychology and psychology with counselling, but I think the first year or two are the same anyway.

I’ve studied with them before (but have now changed subject after a long break due to illness. I really enjoyed it.

firesidetartan · 15/02/2021 19:39

@Itsjustaride8w737

I don't think you get a maintenance grant in England unless you cannot attend a brick uni.

This isn't true, student finance treat Open University the same as a standard uni.

It actually is true.

Itsjustaride8w737 · 15/02/2021 19:57

firesidetartan

I am currently studying with the open University and receiving full tuition and maintenance grant.

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

OnlyTeaForMe · 15/02/2021 20:04

As others have said, you need to be clear about why you want to get a degree first. If it's for a personal goal to achieve a higher educational qualification then that's fine, and you should just study a subject you love and are interested in. If you're doing it to pursue a particular career then you need to check that it's worthwhile.

You may be able to achieve it in less time than you think. Many places offer individual courses (including outside of term time) which are accredited at Level 4 or 5 which would allow you to build up credits which could then be transferred into an Open University degree. The OU has the BA (Open) degree which allows for the inclusion of a wide and varied range of subjects.

I have studied courses at 5 different universities (3 in Europe) via distance learning over the last 3 years and I applied to transfer these credits into the OU. They were the equivalent to the first two years of a degree, so I only have to complete the equivalent of a final year (120 credits).
Have a look at:

www.conted.ox.ac.uk/
www.york.ac.uk/lifelonglearning/
www.ice.cam.ac.uk/courses/online-courses

2lipsinamsterdam · 15/02/2021 20:06

Like pie, I'm in my fourth year (Humanities). It did take a while for me to find the confidence to study for a degree but it was like an itch that wouldn't go away, and I'm glad that I did apply to The OU. Their free courses (OpenLearn) are a good taster and it might give you some ideas.

firesidetartan · 15/02/2021 20:12

[quote Itsjustaride8w737]firesidetartan

I am currently studying with the open University and receiving full tuition and maintenance grant.

www.open.ac.uk/courses/fees-and-funding[/quote]

There is nothing on that link regarding maintenance loans.

Dressinggowned · 15/02/2021 20:14

I would say it's probably going to be a lot tougher to stay motivated if you don't have a particular career goal at the end. There are quite a lot of free courses at the moment on various sites, maybe try some and see if any you are passionate abour?

MummytoCSJH · 15/02/2021 20:18

[quote Itsjustaride8w737]firesidetartan

I am currently studying with the open University and receiving full tuition and maintenance grant.

www.open.ac.uk/courses/fees-and-funding[/quote]
You shouldn't be! Unless you are not in England. In England any OU course is considered part time. You can get a fee loan but no maintenance loan (you say grant? Is this from SFE as they don't exist anymore?) as they're considered part time even if called a full time course by OU.

Original poster

SallyTimms · 15/02/2021 20:36

You're all amazing. So much info that I never knew about! Lots of food for thought from your posts so thank you!

OP posts:

Dressinggowned · 15/02/2021 20:39

You shouldn't be! Unless you are not in England. In England any OU course is considered part time. You can get a fee loan but no maintenance loan (you say grant? Is this from SFE as they don't exist anymore?) as they're considered part time even if called a full time course by OU.*

You can now, it changed either this academic year or last (recently anyway).

EcoCustard · 15/02/2021 20:51

I am currently studying for an environmental /international studies ( environment Route). I have deferred my 3rd module as was struggling with commitment, life stuff etc at the moment. Will get back on it in October and go full time with the two modules. I am 40 with 4 kids under 6 now and started 3 years ago, now a sahp at the moment. It has so far been mostly enjoyable, hard work but very rewarding and great for my confidence and self. I have no specific career path but several interests and regretted never going to uni years ago. I chose an area that interests me and I have some passion in and I would say it’s crucial to enjoy studying especially when at times it can be hard to motivate yourself and isolated. ( although that is my experience). I fund mine with a student loan which I initially worry about cost wise but thought what have I got to lose. I have come across a few negative opinions so far but also many positive opinions. Even if you don’t have specific career or job goals in mind don’t underestimate the value of personal nourishment.

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