OU Level 2 and 3

[TheSweetestHalleluja]

Hi, I'm currently studying at Level 1 with the OU. I have seen people mention that there is quite a jump from Level 1 to Level 2 and 3 in terms of difficulty. I'm wondering what sort of a jump to expect if I continue on to the next level? What should I expect, more further reading expected, longer TMAs?

Many thanks in advance

I did English lit and each level needed deeper analysis and more critical thinking, slightly more complex TMA questions rather than harder - but building on those skills all the way through. Less spoon-feeding than level 1. I didn't find it a sudden shock, but then English was always my thing.

It's a few years since I did mine but I remember level 1 modules being a general overview of a subject, with quite short TMA's, less depth required in the analysis and less strict on formatting of references etc. Level 2 & 3 are more in depth, longer assignments, more analysis required, but equally you know more on the subject so you can get into the details and analysis more.

Hope that makes sense and don't be put off, it's progression rather than a jump up 😊

Thanks both, that's good to know.

I'm currently in level 3 (year 5 of 6 of an economics degree).

First year L2 my grades dropped from 80% to 40% ish.

2nd year L2 back up to 70% is because I had the hang of it.

1st year L3 is 2 30 point modules. One is wordy and I'm getting around 70% and one statistics which with a hope and a prayer I'll scrape a pass.

The depth of the courses is more apparent and you have to really know your stuff.

Also L3 is a LOT of reading. There are the course books but also an expectation of reading and referencing other materials.

I did a science degree I found that level 1 was GCSE level, first level 2 A level, 2 Nd level 2 was a jump to 1st/2nd year uni and third year was just like a normal third year.

However my hardest unit because the TMAs were worth barely anything so you weren't really banking as you go it was all the last big project TMA at the end but took an absolute tonne of time was a level 2 unit which also had the heaviest reading load.

You can expect to have to read more journal articles, referencing becomes a much bigger thing, the TMAs themselves werent really massively harder but it's more critical evaluating and more independent study.

Thanks everyone. It's interesting that you said your grades dropped at first on Level 2 @OneRingToRuleThemAll that's something I've been a bit anxious about. I'm currently getting 75-85% and feel like I'd struggle seeing those drop, you sound like you've done really well getting back up into the 70s. Did you find your tutor feedback helped you to see what they were looking for?

The tutor feedback hasn't been great. But the online tutorials are a must in the latter years. I watch the recordings rather than watching them live, but they are making all the difference.

It's also worth plugging in dummy grades into an online ou grade calculator. Even with my pass 4 grades I can finish overall with a 2:1 if the rest of the marks are up to scratch. They expect a dip in grades at some point.

Mine dropped too, I was getting Distinctions and 90%+ on everything at level 1, grade 2 and 3 passes at level 2 and 3, however there were also other changes in my life. I started working full time as an unqualified teacher instead of being a TA as I was at level 1 so had all the planning and marking from that, DD got older and what were quirky traits became obvious they were autism she struggled with the transition to Secondary school, I'm a single parent so doing all of that and running a house, then we had COVID etc.

By the last year of my degree I had had enough and it was a slog, I think that was down to outside factors above moresothan the degree itself. I only found I gelled with onetutor the rest I didn't really communicate with. However I decided not to qualify in teaching and have moved into another sector very relevant to my degree and I probably wouldn't have gotten the job without it. Everyone it becomes a talking point at interviews

Definitely something I need to prepare myself for, I do struggle with criticism and taking things to heart, but I think preparing myself mentally for the step up will help. I also like the recorded tutorials, so I'll definitely continue to make use of those.
Think I'm worrying about making the right decision about continuing, feels like a big commitment although the first two years have flown by!

I've had moments of thinking of giving up, but the sense of achievement is immense as you go through the years.

And if you have a student loan, that needs repaying regardless so you may as well continue and get your degree.

The time is going to pass regardless. In four years time you could end up with a degree, or in four years time you could end up without a degree probably wondering 'What if...' so it's not a waste of time.

Ahh thank you both, you've definitely encouraged me. Glad I posted as it's nice to hear from others further down the line.

It's a while since I graduated from the OU. I found level 1 quite easy once I got into my stride (but had done three essay subjects at A level). I didn't find the leap too big, actually, for level 2 and 3 courses, and and my grades didn't go down. I got a First - I was stunned! I did really enjoy all my courses, which made a huge difference, though.

Ahh well done @BatshitCrazyWoman what was your degree in?

I did an open degree, so the majority were social sciences, with some linguistics, music and social policy thrown in!

Love that about the OU, sounds like an interesting mix of modules there!

Not the case on my module

I got credit for level 1, and did level 2 9 years ago (ish). gone back to do level 3 and not at all enjoying doing everything online. It’s a horrible way to learn.

I’m doing an open degree so the level 3 subjects aren’t anything I’ve studied before. I’m getting between 75 and 85% on assignments where I’ve literally just studied for the assignment. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I do prefer an actual physical book to read and study and do worry about having to read online books from the OU library if that becomes more necessary. I'll have to find a way to make it work I guess if the books are only available online. I'm fine with the online study calendar activities and reading shorter articles on screen just not whole books.

I'm currently doing two level 3 modules at once. It's alot of reading and you do have to be so disciplined to get stuff done. But I'm coming out with high 70 marks which I'm pleased with, as alongside working and the kids I didn't think I'd be passing tmas to be honest.

A while since I did my degree, but the levels just wanted more depth, more reading, more research and the tutor expectations rose. However, the courses I did that I loved, regardless of level, felt less demanding, than those that were like wading through concrete!

I have a printed set of materials for my course.

I meant more for further research and reading in the OU library @OneMoreTime23