The Open University

[lexle]

I’m currently doing a law degree with the OU and doing it part time so over 6 years. I’m just at the end of my first year now and loving it! I have a great tutor and there’s a lot of support out there, whether it be on the student forums or the Facebook pages set up by fellow students. I work part time and I have a 6 year old (and 21 weeks pregnant) and I’ve been managing fine. I’d highly recommend it! Obviously there will be others who have different experiences, but from mine I’ve had no issues so far. It’s hard, but it’s so good to be doing something for myself

 

[WilmaHun]

I am 4 years into a 6 year law degree with the OU. It would have been 3 years but I’m doing it part time so I can carry on working.
generally I’d say my experience has been positive. I’ve found majority of the tutors to be really helpful, supportive and easily contactable. I had one poor experience with a tutor who was unresponsive and quite abrupt, but I contacted my student support team and they switched me to a different one no questions asked!
I’ve found module specific Facebook and WhatsApp groups to be a saviour. It’s a nice way to connect with other students but also can be really helpful if you’re struggling to understand any of the materials. Obviously you can’t help each other with assignments but for general understanding of the materials the groups are fab.

 

[Member]

I’m currently with the OU too doing my second module after changing qualification and really enjoying it this time around.

I started with Business Management but found it too intense as I realised pretty soon after starting that it wasn’t for me. I switched to IT and love it. It does require a lot of self motivation though to get through the units (especially the less enjoyable ones) to be able to hand your assignments in on time but other than that I recommend it.

 

[alwayslurkin]

Just to add student finance is a little different for part time students

If you start OU in October, your student finance won't open until June. Full time students apply first then part time. Doesn't impact what funding you'll get, just wanted to tell you so you don't get confused. Open Uni email you when it is time to apply

 

[alwayslurkin]

I'm with the OU right now.

Ease yourself into it, don't rush to complete your credits. Personally, 60 credits works but I have no kids etc. I know some who are on 30 credits, then others on 90 so do 30, and see how you get on.

It is hard but so rewarding. If you want to do it, do it!!! You won't regret any form of higher education and it's "free" in terms of student loan, which does not impact your credit score.

 

[Clojo92]

Thanks for the replies
Well done for registering Clojo and good luck with it
I’m considering taking the plunge and registering for Arts and humanities - something I’ve always fancied doing.

Thank you! If you have the time/resources to do it, I'd say go for it! Investing in yourself is always the right thing to do

 

[Clojo92]

Hi all

I've been debating about starting an OU course for a while now and just wondered whether anyone has done a degree with them and what their experience was like?

 

[WilmaHun]

Hi, thanks for this thread; it’s been something that I’ve been interested in for ages but never brave enough to do.
Do you mind if I ask those who’ve studied with OU if there’s a good mix of age groups? (What I really mean is; I’m worried I might be too old to sign up! )
(I hope you don’t mind me using your thread to ask this, Clojo82)

There's a huge range of age groups. At one of the first tutorials I went to (when covid wasn't a thing and we were allowed face to face) I was 23, there was a couple of people younger than me, some in their 30s/40s. I think the oldest person in my tutorial was 68 There is a really diverse range of people though

 

[Clojo92]

Hi, thanks for this thread; it’s been something that I’ve been interested in for ages but never brave enough to do.
Do you mind if I ask those who’ve studied with OU if there’s a good mix of age groups? (What I really mean is; I’m worried I might be too old to sign up! )
(I hope you don’t mind me using your thread to ask this, Clojo82)

Of course not!

I've officially registered for BA (Honours) Criminology & Sociology and I'm 28

 

[indigomoon]

Those of you in Scotland thinking about doing the OU might be interested to know that if you have an annual income of £25,000 or less, you may be eligible for a Part-Time Fee Grant for undergraduate study with The OU. This covers 100% of course fees and is not a loan – you won’t need to pay it back

 

[apollo1]

Thanks for the replies
Well done for registering Clojo and good luck with it
I’m considering taking the plunge and registering for Arts and humanities - something I’ve always fancied doing.

 

[Clojo92]

What courses are you guys wanting to do? I think I’m going to do criminology (but not sure which one )

 

[ChloeW94]

I’d like to know this also! Looking for a career change, not major, just would like to get a bit more skills/qualifications!

 

[alwayslurkin]

How are you funding the course, if I can ask? And if I choose part time, can you finish it sooner if circumstances change?

Student Finance in England fully

And yes will need to call them and discuss, but yes, you can

 

[alwayslurkin]

Are you doing it full time and if so how many hours per week ?

Nah part time as I work full time... It varies depending on your course, but for me between 12-16 hours a week is standard on 60 credits for me

 

[Laurawright]

I’d like to know more also as an planning on doing a course with them

 

[Laurawright]

I'm with the OU right now.

Ease yourself into it, don't rush to complete your credits. Personally, 60 credits works but I have no kids etc. I know some who are on 30 credits, then others on 90 so do 30, and see how you get on.

It is hard but so rewarding. If you want to do it, do it!!! You won't regret any form of higher education and it's "free" in terms of student loan, which does not impact your credit score.

Are you doing it full time and if so how many hours per week ?

 

[Clojo92]

How are you funding the course, if I can ask? And if I choose part time, can you finish it sooner if circumstances change?

 

[Clojo92]

Thanks everyone for their experiences! It’s been really helpful

 

[Laurawright]

I’m looking into doing psychology