Anyone doing an OU degree

[TheCrackFox]

Hello.

I am thinking of doing a degree with the OU but have a few questions before I hand over the dosh.

1 How many hours, a week, studying do you do?
2 How many years, roughly, does it take?
3 Do you enjoy it?
4 Is it a complete nightmare to study whilst having DCs?

Please be completely honest with your answers. I would love to return to studying as I think my brain is dieing.

I'm doing a history degree with the OU and loving it. I am in my last year and taking 120pts this year which is the equivalent of fulltime (I did the same last year). All my children are at school though but it still requires a bit of planning ahead to manage.
Most people do 30 or 60 points at a time though. If you do 60pts a year it will take 6 years to get the degree.
Have you done any previous higher level study? You can get credit for any courses you did which cuts the total amount of points you need to study with the OU (normally 360).
There are lots of OUistas on here. What subject are you thinking of?

Thanks LadyGP, I am not sure what degree to do - so much choice.

I already have a degree in history.

I have on DS at school and one DS at nursery (12.5 hrs per week). DH is a chef so works most evenings and I think I would do most of my studying then.

1 How many hours, a week, studying do you do?

I am having a short break as have a 5 month old but can't wait to start next course. I would say that you could do a 10 point course in 2-3 hrs a week and a 60pt course in 4-6 hrs a week (ie less than they recommend but depends on the individual). More time is needed when assignments are due which is about once a month at first. Tutorials are sometimes every 2 weeks for 2 hours and online, I loved mine, great to get out the house!

2 How many years, roughly, does it take?

6 years if doing 60 pts a year (this is recommended) These courses take 9 months so you get about 3 months off but sometimes the courses overlap!

3 Do you enjoy it?

YES I LOVE it given me a new lease of life. I also see it as a good example to my DC and as something which will help me get a job should I want/need one (I am a SAHM). The sense of acheivement when you pass is amazing. It has increased me confidence so much and meeting new people via tutorials websites etc is great.

4 Is it a complete nightmare to study whilst having DCs?

It can be. I have 5 DC, 4 oldest are at school. I started with doing a few GCSEs (evening class and some at home) so was already in the swing of it abit. I tended to study when they were at school, in the evenings and while DH had the kids. Assignments were the hard part but I always managed. It can be stressful but it really is worth it. You could try an Openings 10 pt course first to see how you get on? Good luck!

If you have a degree already you COULD possibly get 120pts credit, meaning you could skip the level one courses and go straight to level two. Makes it much quicker. I have a degree too, but will end up doing more than 240 points because a couple of the courses I wanted to do don't qualify for the History degree. But in theory you could get your degree with just 240 pts.

I used my first years credit and transfered it to the OU, so I started my level two courses in January. My degree is in childhood studies.

1. Not an awful lot, because I'm an extremely lazy student. I usually just hit the books a few days before a deadline, have passed everything so far......

1. I'm doing 120 points worth, so 2 60 pointers. I should have my degree in the next year and a half So in total my whole degree will have taken the 'normal' 3 years.

1. Yes I really enjoy it. It's very flexinble and I fit it around my life and child. It also means no nasty dissertation in year 3!!!

1. It can be, I only have one child. Dd is 23 months so it can be hard trying to concentrate, but she's in bed by 7pm.

The course materials are fab, they give you everything you need.

Thanks everyone. Catch, I was thinking of doing childhood studies.

It is great to hear all these positive stories.

I might just do level 1 anyway. I finished my history degree 15 yrs ago (gulp) and I think my brain has forgotten how to retain information.