What do you think about Open University Degrees?

Question

I am finishing mine now and it was really hard work to get it done whilst working full time. I am curious as to what the general perception of Open University Degrees is.

Answer 1

Open University degrees are very highly respected nowadays - a far cry from when it was the 'beardy brigade'. A lot of employers will look very kindly on an OU degree. Congratulations.

Answer 2

Open University Degrees

Answer 3

It's much more difficult than any other university. A first class degree is an overall grade of 70% at regular universities, but with the Open University a first class degree is over 85% and an upper-second class degree is over 70%. So in order to get a 2:1 with the Open University, you need the same percentage required to get a 1:1 at other universities.
Some say this is because the work is easier, but I have a friend who did a bachelor's degree (in a subject she didn't like, in order to access the career she wanted) at a 'brick' university and she said she managed to get As in her assignments with very little effort, and she ended up getting a 1:1. Then a couple of years after she finished her degree she started a part-time bachelor's degree (in a subject she loved and was extremely passionate about) with the Open University and she struggled to get Bs, and she ended up getting a 2:2.

Answer 4

Open University qualifications are well recognised by employers as employers acknowledge that it takes superb time management skills, dedication, self confidence and self reliance as well as the ability to act on ones own self initiative to complete such qualifications. All Open University courses are widely highly regarded with many major global corporations sponsoring their employees on such courses to aid their careers. Maybe your employer/firm would be willing to sponser you? The ranking of classification is higher than other conventional 'brick' universities i.e. a 2:2 with the OU is actually a 2:1 in other universities!! The ability to work and gain valuable work experience and thereby work references is also a strong selling point for OU graduates. THE OU IS ALSO A FULLY ACCREDITED UNIVERSITY WITH THE SAME IF NOT MORE PRESTIGE THAN OTHER UNIVERSITIES..... In short, your OU degree will not only be considered 'equal' to other university degrees, but in fact may be seen as superior. I am in my 6th and final year with the OU and have got jobs on the strength of me being an OU student. Go for it and GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 5

I have studied with the OU and two other Universities. My OU Degree (1996) and Certificate (2005) were some of the most interesting and well organised courses that I have ever studied.

The OU has the highest student satisfaction rating of 129 UK Universities.

The OU is one of only two uniiversities chosen to run the four Centres of Excellence in Teaching and Learning.


Sorry to cut and paste - have never done this before but this stuff is from the students and tutors site and although non-students can access it you will use a different URL to me.

OU tops at student satisfactionThank you. The OU has topped the tables in the National Student Survey for the second year running. OU students surveyed gave us 95% for ‘overall satisfaction’ with their university experience.

About the OU


Recognition of OU qualifications


Qualifications awarded by The Open University are recognised by academic institutions throughout the UK, the European Union and the rest of the world.

They are also recognised by a wide range of professional bodies, and they can help you to gain entry or membership, or exempt you from academic requirements for membership. We have a range of leaflets describing levels of recognition (see below).


What do students and tutors think of Open University courses?

The results of the National Student Survey, published in August 2006, show an average "overall satisfaction" rating among OU students of 4.5 out of a possible 5 - the highest result among 129 higher education providers across the UK whose students took part in the survey.

It is the second successive year that the OU has achieved the highest result among the providers surveyed. Students were also asked to rate their universities on a number of factors - and the OU also achieved the highest overall score for assessment and feedback, and achieved top six places for academic support; teaching; and organisation and management.

How are OU degrees regarded by employers?

Employers and professional bodies alike take OU qualifications very seriously. Not only are OU students valued for keeping their academic and professional skills up-to-date, but many employers also recognise the dedication needed to study part-time. OU students demonstrate effective time-management as well as attributes such as commitment and ambition.

Answer 6

The Open University has an excellent reputation - not to mention highly regarded research. Your degree is equivalent to any other University degree but with an added bonus. You juggled your work/ family commitments with university studying. Try to advertise this on your CV or interviews, it shows determination, desire to learn and great time management skills.

I only have taken two courses with the Open but they have been extremely well received by my employer. Combined with my Degree from another university they got me into a Masters that was difficult to get into.

All the best!

Answer 7

As for the answer, that says its a non-university, the standard is the same so get your facts right, Id like to see you answer a question! I did an OU course, it's hard slog but very rewarding. However, I did a BA Hon in psychology and wanted to become one, but found they only wanted people with 1st class degrees which I didnt have. But I would recommend doing one, it is really challenging.

Answer 8

Mrs Mole is too sad for comment. OU degrees have proved to be far more "acceptable" than most "conventional" universities' degrees. The OU is not an ex-Polytechnic for a start, with Poly-type staff, accommodation and facilities, it is a real University. It has worldwide activities, studentships and influence. It has been tried and tested in a very public way since its 1970 inception, unlike the general run of Unis; it regularly comes up good in formal appraisals; it has far more students p.a. than any other Uni; it offers a vast range of subjects for choice and flexibility within them; its costs to the taxpayer are at an astonishingly low level compared with other Unis (esp Oxbridge): and it produces very few dropout failures/boozy/idle/anti-social layabouts.
Congratulations on showing your tenacity Morticia, best of luck (as if you needed it!) with your final stages.

Answer 9

I have one and I've just started another. I also have a degree from a conventional university. I can assure you that OU degrees require a higher level of motivation.

Answer 10

Equal to any other university in the world.