Open university

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Anyone happy to share their experiences ?

Considering some OU study in the future

Thanks

2nd hand experience. My youngest did a single level 1 module (economics) in last year at school and is now doing a professional certificate in stats (did a degree at an RG in between). She has had a great experience with the OU. Teaching materials excellent. Tutors very supportive. Liked the flexibility. Would have happily done her degree with OU (she works part time and we live on the edge of a large city so she'd have been fine socially plus staying at home for uni common in our area - many unis within commutable distance).

This is a bit left field but I hope has some relevance to your question - I worked with a group of very diverse OU students on a fundraising campaign for the OU a few years ago. They were each taking different subjects / approaching different levels of study (BA -Phd etc) and their ages ranged from about 27 to 77, with most in the over 50 bracket. They were such an absolutely delightful, inspiring group of people, highly individualistic, extremely eloquent, really memorable. I would say all of them, prone not to follow rules.

You know it’s super hard but it’s worth it, just got a 2.1 BSC in Psychology.

Hi Op I’m a mature student (55) half way through an Art History degree. As PP commented, I find the OU an outstanding organisation, they are really excellent at distance learning. First rate modules, teaching materials and tutors. I did an English lit degree straight after A levels st a regular bricks & mortar uni and I cannot compare the two experiences (although I fully admit I’m a much more diligent student in my fifties than in my teens and twenties!) I’m just studying for the pleasure of learning. I spend more time then they suggest (14-18 hours) but that’s just because I enjoy it so much, and want to get the very best mark i can. I have something I want to prove to myself.

OU study is not cheap, and I have noticed that the modules become more expensive the further through the degree you get (so my fourth module is about £400 more expensive than my first - I don’t think that’s just inflation, I think they lure you in with a lower initial cost!)

Hope that helps. OP what are your motivations, and what are you thinking of studying?

I completed a BA over 5 years, graduated at 42 with a first! I found it all very well organised administratively - far better than the Universities I have worked at over the last few years.

I did a Beginners Spanish module during my mat leave and really enjoyed it. The materials and tutorials were excellent. As PP mentioned the cost varies but I think it depends on whether it's a 30 or 60 credit module, and MA modules are obs more expensive, but you'd need to look into that. All fees are online...

I've just completed a BA in Criminology and got a 2:1. Overall I found it much better than my brick uni experience 20 years ago. There were a couple of tutors I had that I wasn't keen on because I found their feedback more confusing than anything else, but there are all sorts of resources to help you along, like forums, tutorials etc. Depending on your earnings you may qualify for grants etc. I didn't earn enough to pay for my degree until my final year, so it was good value for money in that sense! I'm now keeping an eye out for any jobs in my area where I can put my degree to good use!

Did a history and politics BA with them. Loved it. I got a first and went on to do a master’s with a ‘brick’ uni.

I’d say you need to be self disciplined- keep up with the planner, ie in week 1 cover all the material they suggest, etc etc. I think people struggle if they get behind and find it difficult to catch up.

I was a member of a WhatsApp group and it was fine… but the Facebook group can be a bit 😳😳😳, with people making unreasonable demands and complaints.

I’m about to start my second year of studying for a BA (part time). It’s great. Can be demanding but it’s so interesting and I am much more motivated as a mature student.

I did BA (hons) in PPE over 6 years while working very full time, 2 primary then secondary age kids and a lot of business travel.

Not going to lie, there were tears but I would do it again.

You have to be super organised, possibly delegate some regular household tasks (I paid my DCs the going rate to do the cleaning, DH did all the cooking.)

Did Undergrad and Masters as a 'mature' student. All of the above advice is true. It will have moments of madness and occasionally tears. I love the OU. I would study with them continuously were it not for the cost 😟

Did mine with the OU. Got a first. Modules increase in price yearly as they do in brick uni. Still loads cheaper! Mine allowed me to then go in to do a masters which I am doing through a different uni as that’s linked to my job as a primary school teacher. I wouldn’t have got on to my teacher training programme without the degree from OU so it has been a life changing thing for me.

Going into my third year with the OU (part time study, so 3rd year of 6 year study). I am eligible for the Part time Fee Grant via SAAS so I don't pay for each of the modules (carer to disabled DC) each year. I really enjoy studying with the OU. Textbooks are easy to follow, as is the online materials and following the weekly planner helps keep you on the right track. I have passed two modules so far and looking forward to starting the third one soon.

All topics are engaging and I have never felt bored. Try your best to attend a few tutorials as you will gain extra insight into the topic you are studying.

Studying towards a BSc Hons Psychology and counselling degree.

I am just starting an OU Latin module. I don’t need a degree as I have one obtained years ago and none of their year 1 modules in classical studies appealed to me but I am impressed with the quality of their workbooks for the Latin and Ancient Rome module. My dad got his degree through the OU in the days where you had to watch the TV at weird times to access some content on BBC2