I have the OU at my finger tips....which course shall I apply for?

[McDreamy]

I am a SAHM at the moment.

I am RGN with a diploma in Infection Control. All nursing courses need an element of practice which I cannot do at the moment so that's those out.

I am quite interested in child psychology.....but can't think of anything else.

I want to do something interesting (I know that goes without saying really). My brain is bored!!!

Forgot to say it has got to be distance learning like the OU etc as I am in Cyprus!

My mum did something on immunology with the OU and loved it. (random suggestion #1!)

Do you want to go down the nursing route there are some 'nursey' courses, as I remember, or you could go for an interest. I did the openings introduction to humanities as had a bit of lit, art, history was interesting. If I could do one now, it would definitly be the environmental/astrology ones as that's my interest now. I'm an RGN too, but I don't have a diploma in infection control!!!!

The OU does astrology?

I don't mean astrology do I? I mean astonomy don't I? You know what I mean.....

I have done DSE212 (Exploring psychology), ED209 (Child development), SD226 (Biological Psychology) and DD303 (Cognitive Psychology).If you are interested in psychology I would definitely recommend DSE212 as a first course. I really enjoyed it.

x-posts kathy

great suggestions keep them coming

Is the OU the best distance learning scheme to go with?

Don't report me to the pedant's

Probably, it's tried and tested and recognised, if you want a qualification as such, go with them, if it's just for interest, there's loads to choose from. What type of thing did you have in mind?

Oooh I've just signed up too! Can we have a thread where we shout at each other to get off mn and do some work?

McDreamy, I would love to do an OU course, anything to get my brain going again. Living abroad and being a SAHM seems to be the best recipe for bored brain syndrome!
I looked into it once and had to give up as the modules cost sometimes 3 times as much to be sent to Germany - so I went back to the drawing board - I'm still there! (I thought you were planning on returning to the UK?)

Yes so did I but I think returning to the UK will be next summer at the very earliest!!! It all changes on a phone call but that's the military for you! Are you military?

I'm doing a maths degree with the OU and I love it. I would highly recommend it, but maths isn't for everyone!

Ah, if you are military then you probably get the UK price! No I'm not military, just a normal expat.

Hi there
I am an OU tutor (currently on sabbatical as Ou don't seem to have Cyprus tutors!!) I tutored on a third level course Research with children and young people. Its considered quite a hard course as its the final one before most students graduate and they have to write a long research paper rather like a dissertation. I have had some students new to Ou study embark on my course and most did well. Even so there are always some people who find the step up from second level to third level quite difficult. Do the ed centre have any guidance events coming up. I did notice an interesting course in complementary therapies which could lead to an interesting new career!!! Am happy to help further

i have nearly finished my OU degre i health and social care , there are loadsof really good courses i have focuses on children and y. people .i am in fact about to start resaerch with y. people as my final course in feb . have loved it all courses are so well put together that they are a real pleasure . good luck. SUNNYLABSMUM please be my friend!!1 as i am bit worried abouth this course i to have heard it relly can push you .i am a youth worker and thought it only fitting that i did this to tie in with my current job etc .

Hi wildwomanwith4kids.
Yes of course I'll be your friend. Seriously do read the two course books that look the same when you get them and the course materials. Don't panic about the set book- it is difficult and to be honest you only have to dip into it to back up points as and when. The key elements of the course are ethics, consent and methods that include young kids as active participants in the research process.

Start thinking about your project as soon as possible and don't skip the stuff on safari to do with online searches, Its really important that you do this well for the end of course project. A good idea is to set up 4 plastic wallets with the title of one of the project areas on each of them and when you think of anything relevant stick it in the wallet for later. You will then find when you come to look at the project you have loads of ideas and its easier to get started. The project literature rewiew is worth 50% of the project and 25% of the entire course so get that done well and you are well on your way! As to the coursework I think that there will be some changes this year.
Don't forget to look on the OUSA site on student home for the EK310 conference- well worth a regular look but don't worry if everyone appears as if they know loads. I've had many students contact me scared witless cos of something theyve read on the conference. If in doubt ask your tutor.
I don't know if you go to tutorials or not. As a tutor I'd be biased in saying they are worth going to wouldn't I!! However the students who do go to tutorials or keep in regular contact tend to stay the course and pass.
Hope this helps

It costs a lot more to do OU courses abroad ... but if you have a UK mailing address, we they will never know. Or care, frankly.

Hi there

I am also embarking on EK310 - Research with Children. Had first tutorial today - do I feel any better about the course? No!

I am looking forward to the course but as usual with us mums I am juggling loads of other duties at teh same time.

Any more tips on the course gratefully received.....