Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Mature study and retraining

Talk to other Mumsnetters who are considering a career change or are mature students.

Original poster

OU degree in their 50's

10 replies

Runaround50 · 20/07/2023 16:54

Is anyone doing an OU degree later on in life? If so, what are you doing?

I really want to do some study, but haven't studied in ages.

Currently working as a TA in an SEN school, but feel like I'm drifting now.

Thanks

OP posts:
WhatWillIWear · 20/07/2023 17:06

Here’s a fairly general thread on studying with the OU. Lots of granular detail about modules on various courses!

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/mature_students/4365554-Open-University?reply=111330011

I have never taken an OU course, but I did study for an MA, at a specialist institution, in my fifties. Entirely different subject to my first degree. It was spectacularly hard, but also the most rewarding and exciting thing I’ve ever done.

Open University | Mumsnet

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...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/mature_students/4365554-Open-University?reply=111330011

Dippybird · 20/07/2023 17:14

I did a BA with OU in my fifties - and loved it. One module a year and working full time. Very tempted to do another or MA now as have more time. I couldn’t fault them. Met interesting people students and tutors. Go for it!

geogteach · 20/07/2023 17:30

I have just finished my first year of my masters in inclusive Education. Enjoying it so far.

Original poster
Runaround50 · 20/07/2023 18:03

Thanks all.
I will certainly use the holidays to find a suitable course.

What kind of funding did you use?

OP posts:
oviraptor21 · 20/07/2023 18:07

I studied part time at the OU in my 50s and now have a BSc in Computing which is almost the complete opposite to my first degree. I worked three days a week and had secondary age children.
Very valuable experience both in terms of getting back into employment and from a personal development point of view.
Sadly there was no funding. I funded myself.

Original poster
Runaround50 · 20/07/2023 18:16

@oviraptor21 thanks for sharing.
Was there no funding because you already had a degree?

Well done on completing your Bsc!

OP posts:
WhatWillIWear · 20/07/2023 18:34

I don’t know about OU degrees - but for face to face postgraduate degrees the easiest route is a Government Postgraduate Loan. That would cover your fees.

Funding for postgraduate study

Postgraduate funding - find grants, loans, studentships and scholarships.

https://www.gov.uk/funding-for-postgraduate-study

2lipsinamsterdam · 20/07/2023 20:10

This week I graduated with a BA Arts & Humanities from the OU. I enrolled at the age of 57 and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Do your research and go for it.

WhatWillIWear · 20/07/2023 20:28

Do your research being the operative words …

Congratulations, @2lipsinamsterdam! Are you planning to use your degree for any specific purpose - or will your certificate simply lean nonchalantly against the wall behind you in every Zoom call for the rest of your life?

2lipsinamsterdam · 20/07/2023 21:43

I am going to work in FE (being vague - new role etc) and the offer was based on my degree. My certificate will be on a facing wall for me to gaze upon when I'm feeling weary. Not planning any Zoom calls just yet.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page