Mature study and retraining
Open University
PyjamaFan · 03/10/2021 17:10
I was wondering how many of you are studying with the OU? My first module started yesterday and so far I'm really impressed with how well organised it all is. I'm also finding myself much more motivated and interested than I was first time around.
I'm studying module U116, Journeys through a Changing World, and am hoping to achieve a qualification in Environmental Science.
Missymoo99 · 03/10/2021 18:30
I am, studying E109 exploring perspectives on young childrens live and learning, leading to a degree in early childhood. Am impressed with it so far but bunged up with an awful cold am struggling to get motivated 🤦♀️ hopefully once I feel better I can get properly into it! Good luck
bailarbailar · 03/10/2021 21:56
Me! Ive done three modules so far, part-time. Trying to go full-time this year (and work full time!!) in order to get it done a bit quicker. I'm doing a languages degree and really enjoying it. Shame all the in-person tutorials and residential schools are online alternatives again this year tho
Williamshatnershorses · 04/10/2021 21:07
I’m on my final year of a Business degree on the marketing route. I did my first two years part time, then went full time last year. I’m really enjoying it but I suspect year 3 is going to be a bit of a step up!
DrunkenUnicorn · 04/10/2021 21:15
I finished last year. It was fab. I’m now doing an MA at a local brick uni.
One of my level 3 modules was DD319 @PyjamaFan, depending on you’re route I think it might be offered to you? It’s ok n environmental politics. It was tough but really interesting and I’m pleased I chose it.
Good luck with your studies everyone!
PyjamaFan · 05/10/2021 10:45
@Missymoo99 I also have the cold. 
I've attempted to stick to my timetable and have read a section of my textbook as planned but I think I will need to read it again tomorrow!
Hello other OU students!
MedusasBadHairDay · 05/10/2021 10:50
I'm in my second of 6 years, initially planned to do English Literature, but now might change to English Literature & Creative Writing.
EdmontinaDonsAutumnalHues · 08/10/2021 07:43
I’m loitering here in the hope that someone might describe how mature students fund OU degrees …
PyjamaFan · 08/10/2021 08:37
There are loans available I believe but I'm paying for myself.
bailarbailar · 08/10/2021 08:41
Most people on my course have student finance funding but I'm also self-funding (wasn't eligible for loans)
zafferana · 09/10/2021 09:36
I loved U116 @PyjamaFan - such a nice introductory course. I'm starting my final year of that same degree, so feel free to PM me if you want any info. I'm actually struggling to find the motivation to do this final year though. Five years of study and I just wish I was done.
mdh2020 · 09/10/2021 10:01
If you are employed, your employer might be willing to contribute to your OU fees. I did my MA with the OU and can honestly say that it changed my life. Make the most of all the support that is available, especially from your peer group.
PyjamaFan · 09/10/2021 17:26
@mdh2020
That's really good to hear! I'm hoping that my degree will change my life too, or at least my working life.
MalcolmTuckersBollockingface · 14/10/2021 22:09
I’ve been with the OU for 6/7 years and in my penultimate year of my degree.
EdmontinaDonsAutumnalHues · 14/10/2021 22:12
How have you found it, MalcolmTuckersBollockingface? Intellectually, logistically, financially? In terms of your career prospects?
Is there anyone the OU wouldn’t suit?
mdh2020 · 14/10/2021 22:31
Basically, the OU wouldn’t suit anyone who can’t organise themselves and isn’t disciplined. There is lots of support and advice available but in the end you have to be prepared to give up your free time and sit down and do the work. Hopefully, you will be enjoying your modules so much that this won’t seem like a sacrifice or a chore but you will be keen to get back to your studies.
Dontbugmemalone · 15/10/2021 00:00
I'm studying the same module but am a bit behind with the reading. I'm hoping to get a geography degree.
HipposHaveNipples · 15/10/2021 00:03
I'm in my 2nd year part-time, I did DD102 Introduction to Social Sciences last year and have just started DD105 Introduction to Criminology. I'm working towards a Criminology degree.
EdmontinaDancesWithOphelia · 01/11/2021 12:16
Do people with Criminology degrees go on to take Law Conversion courses? What might one do with the degree otherwise?
knackeredcat · 01/11/2021 12:49
I'm doing DD102 as part of my Psychology degree after passing Y032 Access module. Hoping to continue onto further study.
HipposHaveNipples · 02/11/2021 17:54
@EdmontinaDancesWithOphelia
I am purely doing it for my own interest - my career is in a completely unrelated field
slashlover · 03/11/2021 15:08
I did DD102 in my first year of Psychology, currently doing DD310 with one year to go after this.
MalcolmTuckersBollockingface · 04/11/2021 13:53
@EdmontinaDonsAutumnalHues
Is there anyone the OU wouldn’t suit?
Sorry, only just seen this. Unsure about career prospects as I haven’t got that far yet and I’m undecided on my next steps.
Intellectually stimulating? Depend on the module, tbh. I’ve swapped from Psychology to social science. There are some interesting modules but not everything is as stimulating as I’d hoped.
Financially, I’m finding it quite expensive as I’m paying for it rather taking a loan.
I don’t think the OU would suit anyone who struggles to organise their time. I’m quite outgoing and I find I miss human contact. People do set up WhatsApp groups and similar but I find that a clunky format for study. I’m finding that in my experience a lot of younger people are choosing the OU now and there are fewer mature students, overall. I think the OU appeals to people who struggle socially, have disabilities or caring commitments. That’s not to say that all students fit those categories, of course.
The OU was phasing out face to face tutorials but, due to Covid, it’s all online, on my module. Something to bear in mind.
itsjustnotok · 04/11/2021 14:17
K220 death, dying and bereavement, hopefully working toward a degree in health and social care. I am just starting my fourth year, I’m doing it part time to fit around work and children.
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