Open University environmental science degree

[AlRRRR]

Hello, I’m thinking of going to the open University in study in environmental science, BSC honours degree!

Has anybody done this?

I currently have two children and I’m working two days a week and get universal credit support so I’m hoping to fit it around that!

really wanting to work in ecology

Amy

I'm almost finished with this degree @AlRRRR. I did U116, S112, SXF206, DST206, SDT306, S397 and (will do) SXE390 next year as I've screwed up picking a project and I'm so stressed about it I've decided to do that course on its own next year so I can concentrate on it!

The course materials are generally very good and even if you don't have a science background (I didn't - all my previous education was arts/languages), it leads you by the hand. I've enjoyed most of it too and the materials are a mix of hard science and social science - you'll probably have a preference for one or the other. I probably found the social science courses more interesting, but it was harder to get good marks in the TMAs, because it's all a bit wishy-washy and subjective; whereas hard science is either right or wrong, so as long as you've done the study and understand the materials it's easier to get high marks.

The tutors are variable - I had a couple of really great ones and a couple of utter duds. A major reason why I'm deferring the project course to next year is because my tutor is shit! The week-long field trip for SXF206 was great - I was dreading it and then had probably the best week of my entire OU experience. It was just SO good to be working alongside other students - at times the OU experience can feel quite lonely as it's 99% you at your computer on your own - but as a parent it really makes it easier to fit your study around your life. No way could I have managed a bricks and mortar uni with lectures at fixed times - with OU you can do the study and watch the tutorials when convenient.

As for juggling study with PT work and family, you have to be quite organised. Before you start, think about when you're going to fit your study in. I would NOT recommend that you do FT study, although some students do manage it. It depends on you, how busy your life is already, how old your DC are, how easy you'll find it study in the holidays with them around, how disciplined you are. I'm not very disciplined, so PT study was quite enough for me!

Thank you for that!! So were you working part time?

I have 2 kids and they would be in nursery with free 15 hours 2.5 days and then I work 2 days so another 2-3 days.

I would have 4 full days of study and a friday night when they’re at their Grandmothers!

what Job are you looking at getting? I’m trying to work out it’s beneficial.

my other option is Physio degree at uni which has gone through, funding all applied for and accepted etc

No, I haven't been working, just studying, but what I find is I can study well during term-time, then come the holidays when my DC at are home FT it's much harder. If your DC are at nursery year-round that should help. You'll find your rhythm and if it's something that you're motivated to do then you'll find the motivation to study. I'm the laziest person I know and I have!

Would you be able to get funding for the OU degree? What would be your preference? If you study PT it's 6 years, so is the physio course the same length?

Environmental Science is a growth area in terms of jobs because of climate change and its effects. When I graduate I'd like to work for an environmental consultancy or perhaps the Environment Agency.

Personally I would go for the Physio course. Loads of jobs, ability to work privately in the future. Good luck !

I work for the EA. Environmental Science is a very crowded market. I'd go fit the physio degree.

Oooooo really? I think I’d prefer a more research based career in Geology but anyway still physical sciences but yes Physio is more guaranteed

The Physio course is 3 years full time, full access to all student finance funding :)

Well. Maybe I'm a bit cynical. JI'm a Geologist who moved into consultancy, then the EA after my PhD.

It's and exciting and interesting field and has served me well for 30 years, but there are so many environmental science, geology and geography grads competing for roles at the moment, but new roles are opening up around carbon reduction /absorption technologies and operations all the time. That's the area to focus on.

It's worth bearing in mind that EA pay is far from amazing. Consultancy will pay far more!

What does EA mean?

I have an immense passion for the environment and natural sciences, but I think at the age of 37 maybe I’m a bit too old to break into the field?

My first agree with Social Worker . It was a big mistake, but since then I’ve been working with people with disabilities which is why I thought about physio but my underlying passion is science. I just wish I done it straight from school!

i’ve also been looking at apprenticeships and I’ve applied for a couple, but haven’t been accepted :)

what kind of feel do you work in? You said consultancy. Is that an environmental agency, oh EA? Hahahahahha

What kind of consultancy roles would that be??

are we talking Masters and then a PhD to be a consultant?