I really considering a business studies degree through OU, advice on how it all works please....

[newstart2010]

I have not studied for around 9 years and that was re takes of gcses. I want to get a move on and do a degree. I am thinking OU would be a good option for me as have seen that so many mums on here think its great.

The only thing I worry about is if I will take in all the information I need without being in a class to complete my degree.

I have heard you have a tutor who you can speak to online or by telephone, I just dont really get how you will complete the degree without classes. But am very interested to hear how others found learning with OU. As it would be an ideal way for me to do it as have dd.

Also wanted to make sure that a business studies degree with OU is the same level as a normal degree from another uni.

Any advice or tips welcome.

also wondering how long it took everyone to complete the OU degree, I know it can really vary but just wanted to get an idea of how much time you spend on it and how quickly it is possible to complete it.

Hi, I started an Open degree with the OU in 2006, I am now on my level 3 courses and still have at least 2 years to go , but that's because I have slowed up due to ds2 being born last September. I was worried when I first started that the 'novelty' would wear off and I would stop, but it hasn't and I absolutly love it. It is hard work, but the TMA's keep you going and motivated (when the marks are good). The degrees are well recognised, as far as I know.
It depends on how much free time you have as to how much you can study, a 30 point course takes about 8 hours of study a week, a 60 point course about 16 hours a week. There are some people that study the maximum of a 120 points a year, and that would be about 32 hours of study a week, if you can manage that then you could complete your degree in 3 years.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do

Thank you for the replies. I contacted OU today and asked what level I should be starting at and they said an openings course, which takes 5months as I did not sit A levels.

I really want to do it and I am going to register today, but I just feel that it is going to take so long, but I know it will be worth it in the end.

I've done a couple of OU course (pre children) and really loved them. I did a couple of level 2 courses, had monthly tutorials, and found the course materials really good.

I'm thinking of going back to do more as I only need 120 points to make up to a degree.

Rhinestone - sounds good you should defintly do it as you are so close.

You seem like you have done very well with OU, had you done alot of studing before? Can you give me any good tips?

newstart I was quite daunted at the beginning. I thought the end was so far away and I had some comments off people saying that 6 years or so is such a long time, but as prolesworth says, the time does go very fast. When I started I was a mum of a 3 year old, he is now 7 and has a baby brother . The time does go fast because you have everything else to deal with too, and I say that as positive thing . Go for it

really, my dd is 3 as well, and would like to have another dc at some point within the next 6 years. So did you start with an openings course? What stage are you at now?

I started with a 60 point level one course and found it fine. I had done my A levels 11 years previously,so a long time since any study and I found the course fine. I'm onto my level 3 courses and am finding it fine, even with a baby

wow maybe you are just really smart.

The ou recommended i start with openings, I wanted to start at a higher level but realise i have no study skills and do not want to loose marks because of it.

I agree with prolesworth, if you're feeling confident and know what you want to study then go for it