Full time OU study while on Mat leave? Manageable?

[PourquoiTuGachesTaVie]

Dc 2 is due in November and I have 180 credits left to do before I can complete my OU degree.

I have enrolled on my final level 2 module to start in October, however I'm wondering if I should also enrol on the next module (a level 3) too?

If I can complete 120 credits this year then I only have one more module to complete next year, when I will be back at work with 2 dc. I'm thinking it may be worth trying to get as much done as possible before I go back to work.

Has anyone else got experience of full time study with a new baby & older child?

I did part time ou with baby which was ok. I think full time could only really be done if you had childcare most days. I was exhausted with lack of sleep first few months too which made studying take a bit longer.

I did it with the one baby and it was tough. I started 2 modules when dd was 8 weeks old. I did it but I had A LOT of family support and many extensions.

What subject are you doing?

Thanks for the replies, level 2 is creative writing (my "treat" to myself after finishing a philosophy module which was quite intense!) and the level 3 I'm thinking of doing is children's literature.

I've already read and am familiar with almost all the books on the set reading list and the reviews say that although it'a challenging module it seems well laid out with a good study guide/planners to work from.

I don't want to underestimate how much hard work a new baby is (ds is 4 now and it seems a long long time ago ) but at the same time, the thought of facing two years study, instead of one, while in work and with two children makes me want to just get on with it while I don't have to stress about work too. I suppose I can always postpone it later if it gets too much.

Hello OP

Its hard work but if you plan you'll find it more manageable.
I did all my level 3 modules for my Hons Degree and a 15k word dissertation with a baby and 2 older kids (primary school)
Then did a PgCE full time.
Just learn what to do ans when to do it and let the house rot for a bit

I think you can totally do it. If you were a student brand new to the OU so had to learn the system I'd say no but actually you'll be fine.

My top tips:

Make friends with your tutor from day 1 or from the day you get their phone number. I suppose it is unlikely you'll get to tutorials with a newborn so phone support will be vital for you.

Make use of the module facebook groups if that is your thing, I am very pro them but I know some aren't.

When you get access to both websites write down all your deadlines and rejig them in a different order if they are not chronological already (mine last year were not). Also any that are due in on the same day shift at least a week apart.

Aim to be ahead on the basis if you're ever working on time to the calendar you're doing well.

Set aside at least one night a week where you do no OU stuff not even read a facebook post.

Remember that it is 9 months of hard stress but you will get a break come june.

Do not underestimate the birth you may have or the baby you may have. I was a clueless first timer so thought I would work during her naps or her strapped to me in a sling. Ha.Ha.Ha.

Reaslistically I ended up with a traumatic birth and a baby with reflux who didnt sleep for a year so it did not work that way. I relied on family helping me out when they could.

If baby due Nov, I'd seriously try and think about getting the first two tmas for each course in before baby gets here. You'd do this by doing the reading first (do you have your course mats already? if so start now) then on the day your course sites open and you see your assignments you can start them. The first are usually shorter anyway. You won't be allowed them marked and returned before the deadline of course but to know they are in will be a weight off. There is usually two weeks off written into the course calendar for Christmas too. Presumably you won't be partying that much this year so use that time too.

It is hard but the pros are getting finished that year quicker and I just imagined myself in my graduation gear and how proud my daughter will be of me one day and it got me through.

I did children's lit with a new baby (and 3 other dc) and i don't think i could have combined it with anything and kept my grades up. It was a fantastic course but i did some serious skimming in places to keep up, one of my post degree plans is to go back and read coram boy and a couple of others i just didn't get to. How concerned are you about your grades and needing a certain level? Are you looking at doing children's lit starting Feb as I would also say its worth thinking about that phew ive finished feeling, im working on the ema for e303 right now and should be looking forward to some downtime but i start shakespeare 2 days after the ema deadline and im starting to flag, im hoping i will find some renewed enthusiasm with a new course but i could definitely do with that post course break right now!

Whatever you decide good luck, children's lit really is great

It's nice to hear that others have studied full time and survived thank you for sharing your stories.

Deafworm there's no option for me to start children's lit in Feb, only in Oct but tbh I am looking forward to the break in June. Since I started studying in 2012 I haven't yet had a break because I've done modules starting in Oct and then another in Feb each year. Just need to get my EMA done for this module and I'll be free until my course books arrive for the next one!

justjuan wow thanks for all the tips, greatly appreciated. Totally understand how you feel/felt about getting to graduation pushing you through. I will be the first in my family to get a degree so that's always been my main motivation.

morethan That's an amazing achievement well done! So glad to hear it can be done (and more!). Plus 4 is old enough to learn how to hoover isn't it?

I think I'm going to go for it. If I don't try I won't know will I?