How many people do 120 ponits with the OU at once?

[babyignoramus]

Sorry, me again, having a massively indecisive time of it (so what else is new..??). I am absolutely decided that I am going to do a course with the OU next year whilst on maternity leave - yes it will be hard (understatment of the year perhaps...), but I really want to take the opportunity while I'm at home all day and not having to think about work. I'm still deciding between courses, but I'm now considering blitzing it and doing a diploma (i.e. two 60 point courses) in one year. Has anyone else been mental enough to do this? Would welcome your opinions!

Bumping for you.

It's a lot of work and you would have to check the TMA dates (tutor marked assignments). Also, if you have a wee one you may not have the time to get on with it.

I have managed 90 points by the skin of my teeth but then I do have 5 children. I think that if I were to do it all again I'd separate the courses up so that I could enjoy them more.

I collect my degree next year!

Good luck however you decide.

I did 90 and it was pretty easy (but I only have 2 children ), and my friend did 120 and got a level 2 for both. She probably could have got a level 1 for at least one of them though if she'd done them singly. I think she regrets compromising on the marks for the speed IYSWIM. But if you only have a year, then you might be best off doing that.

I find the OU rather addictive and am already planning my next degree!

Oooh this is interesting, I was wondering the same thing baby (I'm doing one 60 pointer at the moment and am wondering whether I should/could do 90 next time). Mars, what did you / are you studying?

I've done French and English Literature. I'm currently doing Creative Writing which I'm really really enjoying.

I'm working towards a Literature Degree (Hons).

I think I'd quite like to take the language as far as I can as well.

Thanks for responses - am still umming and ahhing about what to actually study!! There are so many courses that interest me and it's a case of deciding which ones interest me most...

Any suggestions? I am interested in current affairs, global stuuf (eg. climate change, natural disasters etc.), linguistics, crime, statistics, the list goes on.....

I bow to you Mars for doing all that with 5 children!

baby, I'm doing psychology which would cover some but not all of what you are interested in. I've got a friend who is doing some an environmental science (I think) course and loves it. Good luck with whatever you decide!

I think you would be mad! - I am on my 7th Ou course and have had 3 children along the way. The work load for a 60 point course is a lot if you want to get the most out of it.

Whats the rush? - enjoy your time at home

I've signed up to do 120 starting in Feb 09. My two courses are both in Business Studies.

Kind of need to do them as money is becoming really tight and I gave up full time work to do my degree, so want to finish it ASAP.

My son is 3 and attends Pre School 3 times a week, so I'm hoping that should give me time to do all the work. Just finished two 30 point course and found it quite easy except when TMA's overlapped, which is my big concern with doing two 60 point courses together, but I'm going to give it a go!

I am doing 80 points next year. I have done 60 point a year for the last 3 years and find that is ok for me with 2 prescoolers but I don't think I could manage 120 points its would either kill me or I would kill someone!
Good luck

I did this year, i did Law 1st year and youth Justice both 60 points, plus i have dyslexia and a 2 year old.

I managed, tough but managed.

Oh yeah doing French and 2nd year Law this and next year, while i go back to work....will be hard.

I did 120 points last year - 60 at level 1 (DD100) Intro to Social Sciences and 60 at level 2 (U205) Health and Disease (now discontinued).

I have 3 dc's who were 7, 2 and 1 at the time and did find it hard going doing two sets of tmas at the same time but managed to pass the level 1 with a good avg mark and got a grade 2 pass in the level 2 course, with the support of my dh who would take the kids out when I had a tma deadline looming.

I did just the one level 2 this year, U213 - International Development and there is no way I could have studied anything else alongside it as there was so much reading. But if you are well prepared you should be able to do well.

I would echo what others have said, OU is very addictive, I am so bored waiting for my next course to start in Feb....silly me for thinking I would enjoy a break between Oct and Feb!

Good luck whatever you decide to do

I have just done 120 points and am signing up for the same again this year. It is hard, but just about doable if you need to finish a degree quickly. You HAVE to think of yourself as a full time student though and let housework etc slide when necessary.

I did a 30 point (level x) course which finished in April this year. It was 12 hours a week and then TMA's (essays) and the big exam at the end. I found it quite demanding what with looking after twin preschoolers,and building a house, etc. Now my two have started school I will do another course soon, i need 5 more for the Msc. But wouldnt attempt 2 together i dont think. But my friend is studying for a BSc in maths and frequently runs 2 or more course concurrently and she has 2 kids etc so it can be done. My advice would be to start 1 course and see how you get on.

Thanks all, it's really interesting to hear how many of you are attempting this! I'm pretty sure I'm just going to do 60 and pace myself a bit more - perhaps the following year I can trya bit more if this goes well.