OU - Has anyone studied for an Open Degree and gone on to teach?

[MrsOnTheMove]

Can any one give any advice?

I want to teach, secondary D & T. I have 3 years of previous study which I can credit transfer (15 years ago) Unfortunately very few places offer a similar degree to the one that I originally studied for. After looking at all my options - the best seems to be gaining an OU Open Degree (need another 120 points) and then doing a PGCE either with the OU or at a local Uni. Has anyone done similar?

1. I'm concerned an Open Degree will not be 'specific' enough.
2. That I will have difficulty getting onto a PGCE or ultimately a job, because other applicants may have a subject specific degree.

The OU seems the best option for me as I have young DC's and relocating not an option. Any comments?

maybe they are all in school

I am not sure what an Open degree is but the OU do named degrees as well. Would you be able to do one of those? Is there an issue with your transfer credits that mean you can't do that?

Not a teacher but thinking about (also an OU student who should currently be trying to finish my assignment not here)

If I do a named degree I can only transfer 90 points (they don't offer a similar named degree), so would then have to study for the rest. An open degree is either a BA(Hons) or BSC but not in a named subject. I would obviously pick subjects as near to my area and I do have subject specific from my previous study, iykwim.

Have to go on the school run but back shortly - thank you

Are you up against it, time wise? Do you need to be looking at qualification sooner rather than later? The extra 30 points would only take 6 mths or so to earn. Not even that if you do a 30 point course at the same time as another course. That does require a bit of organisation and dedication for those 6 mths but it might be worth it (I readily admit I couldn't do it though!)

I am just thinking that if you have a named degree it would make the teacher training so much easier.

Oh hang on I have done the maths wrong haven't I? You need 360 points for most of named degrees don't you. So you would need 270 points which would take over 4 years. A bit different from the 2 years to do an open degree.

Sorry. Forget the last post.

I don't know if you have seen this? There is a link to advisor - perhaps you could talk to one of them? They are usually very good.

Good idea to call and speak to an advisor - what subject did you study before MrsOTM? (just being nosey )

Sorry, only just got chance to get back on computer

In answer to previous questions, I haven't got a time constraint but by same token don't want to spend 3 years studying and then do a PGCE on top of the previous 3 years I have credit for(admittedly a long time ago)

I studied for a BA(Hons) Design & Technology with a Secondary QTS it was a 4 year course. I completed 3 years at the end of which I fell ill and to cut a long story short ended up with a job, a mortgage, husband and 2 DC's.

In the last couple of years I've gotten over a serious illness which has made me reassess things - I desperately want to teach, I always have and over the last 15 years have used many reasons not to do it (stable job, mortgage, kids etc.) but I am now in a position to be able to complete it and am just struggling with the 'How to' bit. I am not in a position to relocate myself or family for a course, so would like to do it in the shortest way possible?

Sorry to hear about your illness MrsOTM - and glad to hear you've made a good recovery. I've always found the OU very helpful, so do give them a call/email to talk through your options. Good luck

I can understand the urge to just get on with it especially if you had been ill and not able to put your plans into action.

I hope you can speak to somebody who can help - you are in an unusual position so having somebody from the OU to talk it through would be useful.

Thank you all for your advice. I did try to phone an advisor from the OU earlier today but they were busy, I was told some one will call me back next week (I'll try again Monday)

Just hope I can sort it out, I could kick myself for not having had the courage to do what 'I' wanted to do many years ago... hope I haven't lost my chance.

By same token don't want to stuff my chances by going for the wrong option

I know what you mean, but ... it's never too late and all that. Let us know how you get on and good luck