Do you have any questions about studying a course or qualification with The Open University? Open University have answered your questions

[EllieMumsnet]

Answers are now back - you can find them on this page

Returning to education can feel like a bit of a daunting prospect, especially if it’s been years since you last studied. Whether it’s studying to improving your career prospects, or fulfilling a life-long ambition, The Open University would like to know what’s stopping you from achieving your dreams and if you have any questions about studying a course with The Open University. Amanda is a student at The Open University and Kimberlie works for the The Open University as a Student Recruitment and Support Advisor, both of whom will be answering any questions you have about returning to study.

Here is some more information on Kimberlie Johnston: “Kimberlie is a Team Leader in the Student Support Centre at The OU and a single mother of a 6-year-old boy. From finding the right course for you, to helping with registration, Kimberlie and her team of advisors have helped thousands of students realise that it’s never too late to set a new goal and study towards it with The OU.”

Kimberlie says: “Having children should not have you thinking that your time to achieve your dream has passed. At The Open University we are proud to be the UK’s leading distance learning provider, giving you the flexibility to continue to work, take care of your little ones or stick to your usual day-to-day routine all whilst being able to study in your own time.”

Here is some more information on Amanda Trotman: “Amanda had longed to gain a qualification but after becoming a widow with four children to look after, this seemed like an unachievable aim. But with the flexibility and the support offered by The OU, Amanda has been able to study for an Open Degree, focusing particularly on Forensic Psychology, resulting in a huge confidence boost."

Amanda says: “I chose to study with The OU as it was the only way that I could achieve my goal, whilst still having the flexibility to maintain my job, provide for my children and manage all the other commitments in my life. Looking back, I can see that my studies are what kept me going during the hard times and my confidence has grown so much as a result.”

Would you like to know more about your options for studying around your job, family or other commitments? Perhaps you have some questions around a specific course, the application process, or the support you’ll receive during and after your qualification?

Whatever questions you have for The OU, post them on the thread below and we will choose approximately 10 for Amanda and 10 for Kimberlie to answer. Everyone who posts their questions will be entered into a prize draw where 3 MNers will win a £100 voucher of their choice provided by Mumsnet (from a list).

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw.
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

[Pushpull]

Can you carry credits from elsewhere, sofi I wanted to do an MBA would my post grad diploma be taken into consideration and fir that to happen how recently completed does it have to be.

Also, I'm in the public sector, do you think the MBA has relevance for that?

[Summergarden]

How does it work in terms of financing the courses?

Are tuition fees for OU courses the same as for equivalent courses at other institutions and are student loans similarly available?

[Absoluteunit]

Are there tuition loans available for a MSc or is it just undergraduate degrees? Thanks

[newcat12345]

I'd like to know if there are any vocational undergraduate or postgraduate degrees you can study with the OU? I have a B.Sc in a pretty useless subject and would be tempted to return to study if I could undertake a vocational qualification, especially if most of it could be learned distantly.

[AllAboutHallowsEve]

Amanda - firstly, I'm so sorry for the loss of your partner

What advice can you give on juggling parenting with studying?

[Jaderice21]

i started a course i didnt finish would i be able to finish it without having to get a separate student loan , or if possible could i switch to a new course and move the credits over if that makes sense thank you in a
advanced

[cookiemonster66]

I have noticed many online courses involve watching videos. I am almost deaf, so can you tell me if the videos are subtitled? thanks

[PenguinsCantFly]

I'd be interested in the level and quality time of tutor support. Are you assigned one tutor, and it is easy to get in touch? How do you keep in touch? Just via email or is there the option of online chats or video calls?

[PamPooveysCow]

I got my BSc with the OU and it was an awesome experience, especially graduation

I'm now signed up for a masters starting in October, so my question is, could I get access to a reading list, or list of references for all the units? I have access to the OU library and a summer where I could do loads of reading, and it's driving me potty!

[SuperLoudPoppingAction]

Do you have support services for students with autism and if so, how are they accessed?

How does the part time fee waiver work?
I'm in Scotland if it makes a difference.
Does it mean if you study part time it's all paid for?
I would like to study a master's and earn a very low amount.
Is it my income or that plus that of my partner which counts?
Can you still get the waiver if you have qualifications already?

[Huggybear16]

I'm due to start a BSc with OU in October.

I was really looking forward to starting and was confident I had chosen the right course for me.

I have started to work through the introduction materials for my chosen modules and now feel completely overwhelmed and out of my depth!

Is this common amongst students who haven't studied in a long time? Should I wait to see how I feel when the course actually starts or should I talk to someone now?

[Starlight2004]

Can you gat financial help towards a OU course if you already have a degree?

[curtaintrail]

Is it true that module tuition fees need to be paid upfront before the tuition loan is given out to pay these? Does this not stop those with relatively little spare income from applying in the first place. A module can cost around 2k so this hardly seems in the spirit of 'open access' for all. Who has 2k lying around?

[boptanana]

How often do you get to meet up with other students and is this at weekends? I have a job where meeting in the week would be impossible!

[SuzCG]

Does it actually work - having a tutor that you don't meet face to face with? I can't imagine there being any connection or real relationship if everything is done via the computer and that concerns me a little, I have to say.

[buckley1983]

Hi Kimberlie,
Although there are many aspcts of studying through the OU which appeal to me (the flexibility for one!) I feel I would miss the social aspect of interacting with other students & sharing knowledge/experiences, etc - are there forums set up for course participants to allow them to interact this way instead?
Thank you :)

[EveryDayIsLikeMonday]

I'd like to gain further qualifications now my children have left home. It's been a long time since I was at uni and I can't remember how to reference or write a degree level essay.
How much support is there for people who haven't been in formal education for a long time?

[Punkatheart]

I have cancer and would find studying difficult. Is there any extra support for students with these issues?

[pearldeodorant]

If I wanted to take a break for eg maternity leave, is this permitted and how would this affect funding? If the course changes during this time would I be accommodated if I wanted to come back and complete it?

[Lifeandbeans]

Can you study full time?
Can you get a loan for fees if you study full time?
Can you get a part time student loan if you have already had a full time one?

How are under 18s funded?

'Is it true that module tuition fees need to be paid upfront before the tuition loan is given out to pay these? '
I also hope this isn't true as DD is hoping to study and won't be able to in this situation.

[TerpsichoreanMuse]

I'm keen on taking a STEM subject (Biology) and read that a student loan can be available for these. What are the criteria for acceptance, and would I be eligible when I have a previous STEM degree (poor result which I blame on my youth, Maths).

[SpinachnRicotta]

Could you tell us about the sort of support available to help students find appropriate placements for degrees like social work or counselling?

[summerson]

Why are Higher marks required for a first/2:1 than a traditional brick Uni?

I understand to get a distinction/pass 1, the required grades are higher with OU than with brick uni's...

[PurpleDaisies]

How long do credits from other universities last? I have some masters ones kicking around from my pgce.

[pushchairprincess]

What are the employment success rates for those who have a OU degree as opposed to a University degree ? - Do you think an employer would employ a graduate straight from the school/university system or a mature student with more life skills.