Open University, study part time at home....ble ble ble
you get all the material you need as part of the subscription fee, honours and summer schools are all available, just wanted to know if there was any stigma attached to it?
2006-09-25 08:14:57 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
At an interview 25 years ago, I said I was doing an OU degree. "So, you watch telly. I do that" was the retard's reply. Nowadays, the OU is classed as a top decile university with the added kudos that the student has earned a degree whilst keeping down a job. Times have changed for the better.
2006-09-25 09:42:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been studying different courses with the OU since 2003. It is a great way of getting further in life while still being able to work full time. Also, if you are not working, and even if you are on benefits, you can get your fees paid for you, which considering the 60 point courses can be about £450, is an essential means of being able to do the course. You can get grants and loans etc too, but you must be motivated as for the courses to count towards a certificate, diploma or degree you need minimum of 6-9 months study time.
2006-09-26 05:13:16 · answer #2 · answered by paradisefound1980 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been studying with the OU for a BSc.
I will have the benefit of when I graduate, that I will not be thousands of pounds in debt before my life has even begun. I will have the life and work experience that many employers look for - in addition to the educational qualifications.
There are a wide range of courses, and you can study as few as you like. If you only have time (and patience) you can study one module at a time. If you earn under £23,000 a year or are on benefits you can grants that cover all, or sdome of your course fees. You can also get a £250 grant a year to cover general course costs - such as getting to tutorials paying for additional text books and the such.
You could even study for a couple of years with the OU and get a certificate or diploma in a subject, and many main stream universities will accept this as entry into their undergrad courses (and you can even count the CATS points your OU course, towards the degree).
Many medical schools now also accept a pass in the OU course S103 Discovering Science as an alternative to the traditional A-Level entry requirement.
2006-09-26 14:29:18 · answer #3 · answered by Andrew W 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no stigma attached to doing a degree through the OU, you will be as highly respected as anyone who has done a degree at a decent uni.
It is not an "on-line" degree in the sense that you have tutors and support in the same way as a normal degree, and you go to summer school. My Grandfather did his degree through the OU, my uncle did his degree and MA through the OU and both did extremely well.
I don't think I'd choose the OU for myself as I do need constant pressure to keep myself motavated, although this is improving as I get older. (I'm now 23, phew that's olllllllld!) Im also not sure how you get hold of library books. A local library may have some of the more general text books, but I'm not sure how you would get hold of journals etc. I need to have thm pretty much on a plate otherwise I would put off ordering them and using them.
Good luck whatever you choose.
2006-09-25 17:02:57 · answer #4 · answered by Cazza 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fantastic.
I'm doing an Astrophysics degree full time with Open and I love it. It's not for everybody though because you have to be disciplined.
I can only speak for the sciences but the course books are excellent and the summer schools are a great laugh.
Not for everybody, but why don't you try one of the short 10 point course. You could do it over the Christmas break.
2006-09-25 18:20:14 · answer #5 · answered by Mark G 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, no stigma, if anything you get more respect as an OU graduate as it takes far more determination and commitment to get through an OU degree as opposed to a three year full time course.
My mum and I both graduated via the OU and we have both found the above to be the case
2006-09-25 15:24:14 · answer #6 · answered by Emma T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I thought abaout studying with the OU but after attempting one or two other home study courses i decided against it. I never found the motivation and being at home i always found smething better to do with my time. It also seems quite expensive compared to actually going to university. However some employers find it impressive that you have studied yourself and it shows you have drive and determination.
2006-09-25 15:21:41 · answer #7 · answered by bazilsmom 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am completing my PhD (educational doctorate) through the OU and have nothing but positive things to say. They break the research into easy chunks and I get supervision from a tutor --- plus seminars in Milton Keynes. It does take self motivation - but no more than any course with deadlines.
2006-09-25 15:25:21 · answer #8 · answered by Smithy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ignore Liberal, as it's not an online degree. You get loads of materials - books, videos, tapes, CD ROMs etc, plus tutorials and support from a tutor. There's no stigma attached to it!
2006-09-27 16:22:01 · answer #9 · answered by Phil 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On line Universities are fine if you already have a undergraduate degree. I know my company will not hire someone with just a on line degree, the competition is to great.
2006-09-25 15:26:16 · answer #10 · answered by Zen 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋