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

[evilharpy]

How much travel to tutorials etc is required, and where do exams take place? I’m wondering if it would be difficult for those of us not living in a major city.

[AgeingDurannie]

Having been out of the workplace for what seems like aeons, I'm looking to get back into studying with a view of starting a new career when kids are a bit older... having not done any formal study since about 2001, I'm wondering if there's a "warm up" or introductory course to help get back in the swing of studying again?

[AlliKaneErikson]

I saw recently that the MA Music had been withdrawn. Is this likely to recontinue? I’m really interested in starting a course ASAP.

[itscallednickingbentcoppers]

It's the affordability that's stopping me too, the bar for support is set very high - OU have you taken into account the working poor in your funding assessments?!

The course I wanted to do includes a residential as well. How am I supposed to leave my 2 year old for days to go pissing about on team building exercises.

[moofolk]

I am interested to hear about funding for an MA.
I work and have three kids I'm a singer parent. I work but my job is insecure and hourly paid so I'm keen to get something salaried.

What are the funding possibilities and what kind of hours are possible? Because of the way I work and learn I prefer to see people face to face is this still possible with OU?

[Dizzywizz]

Hi, if I do a childcare qualification do I have to do some work experience? I would worry I would not fit that around childcare and working part time already

[polosarethefoodofgods]

I'm interested in an ou course but being deaf how do the lectures work online are they transcribed or subtitled?

[foxessocks]

I'd also like to know about funding.

[LateMumma]

What support is there for students who haven't studied at this level before? Is there career guidance available before signing up? Are there options to transfer credits from other learning or to defer if necessary?

[Hopezibah]

I have a conventional degree but am interested in certain topics covered by OU. Will they be valued as highly as my regular degree?

[Pigeonpea]

Can doing a further qualification via the OU lead to internship, or return to work access? Do they have alumni links they can support you with?

[Tonkatol]

I have had to retire at the age of 50 due to ill health. If I was to study with OU, would there be funding available or would I have to self-fund? We don't receive Universal Credits but do receive ESA and PIP? I would love to study and earn a degree (have one A-Level obtained through evening classes) just to prove to myself. Due to ill-health, I would probably only be able to manage one course a year.

[Soundslikeduck]

I would love to study for an English degree and have actually applied for the Open University in the past. The course looks fantastic and I know I would find time to study having previously completed A level and GCSE courses in my spare time as I really enjoy learning.

However, the fees have always put me off. I work full time, but am not a high earner, and I do still have dependent children at home. And I am in England. I would be in my 50's by the time I graduated so have no idea whether it would actually help me career wise, and studying for my own fulfilment seems over indulgent when viewing the costs which run into thousands.

So, ultimately my question is how would the student loan be paid back if I don't work for long enough or earn enough money to repay it? Would I still be paying for it from my pension or would the government expect me to sell my house or pass the debt onto my family if I died?

[tntruth]

Hi I have a question for Kimberley
I have an undergraduate degree in urban and regional planning and I have experience working in the financial sector. I looked at your course list and I want to pursue a masters degree. But I've never worked as a town planner and there's no masters in town planning at the OU. Because all my work experience is in the banking sector I'm not sure which masters course to go for🤷🏽‍♀️
Thank you

[libra101]

I am interested in studying with the OU due to the quality of its teaching and flexibility of learning.

Several years ago (as a mature student), I completed 4 A-Level courses, gaining a place at uni to study Psychology. However, as I was offered a job at that time, as money was more important I decided to do that.

My question is - would my A-Levels still be relevant if I decided to study through the OU? If not, would I need to do further courses before being accepted?

Thank you

[elizaco]

Does the OU offer or plan to offer any kind of degree apprenticeship?

[FreshAprilStart]

Do employers recognise qualifications gained through OU the same as physical locations universities? Just come across some snooty attitudes in the past.

[1ofeach2]

A supply chain management degree

[lemonjam]

How would something like social work or teaching work, where you have to do placements?
Are there any free/cheap/funded courses?!

[WhatILoved]

I am starting my Masters in Childhood and Youth Studies in the Autumn with the OU and would love to speak to other students on the course. Do you connect students in any way? Also would love to speak to students who have already completed this Masters

[pushchairprincess]

Is your course work marked by assessors of the same calibre and qualifications of those of the 'brick and mortar universities', that way I can be sure we are being measured the same and the degree has been equally marked. Thank you.

[Gatoadigrado]

What is the demographic of people studying through the OU? Has it changed much since the OU was established? How has greater access to physical universities impacted on the OU?

[AbbiCMumsnet]

Thanks for all your questions and congratulations to @pearldeodorant, @Absoluteunit & @user1496959500 for each winning a £100 voucher!

[thiscountryfan]

When can we expect to hear back in response to the chosen questions?

[AbbiCMumsnet]

Please find the answers to all your questions here