wouldn,t it be better to obtain a degree from a university than from and education establishment such as the i

Question

i need to know if gaining a degree from the open university is much better than staying at home and studing through the ics distance learning programme ..
am thinking the qualification would be more ercongnise abroad.

Answer 1

It all depends what it's in and what you want to do with it.

For a proffessional qualification ie. Law, architecture etc, then Yes you will probably get further with one from one of the big Unis.

However if you are looking for a General degree, just to get any job, then it doesn't really matter. In fact as an employer I would look favourably on someone who has got off their backside and enrolled in the Open Uni part time because they have thought about it and improved themselves, than someone who just went onto Uni after A Levels because they couldn't be bothered thinking of something else to do, and all their mates were doing the same, then left with a 2:2 or something.

Answer 2

Hi - I have an Open University Degree and cannot rate them highly enough. I'm not going to pretend that it's not bl**dy hard work doing it through OU. But I had two kids and a mortgage and they offered me an opportunity no other uni could. I learned so much more than the science content of my degree - in particular staying power and self discipline. I am now in my second year of teaching and already Head of Department. Every Head that has interviewed me has asked about how I managed the workload and seems very impressed that I got the degree this way. OU degrees are also highly respected by colleagues as they all understand the special skills required to complete one whilst also maintaining a family and job as well.

With regards to the ICS - it's not as well known as OU and I am not sure that their qualifications are of the same standard. I would say go for the OU every time - OU is respected worldwide and their qualifications stand up to examination from all over. Their texts are used by other universities on their courses because they are so well written - they have to be if they are for independent study.

If you do choose OU be ready for some very hard work - but also be ready for it to change your life - it has mine!

Good Luck!!

Answer 3

Depends on what you are doing it for. If you want to get into a particular profession or progress your job where you are, then ask them what they would prefer. Some companies or industries only value qualifications from "red brick" universities and some prefer you have more practical skills gained from an ics scheme or an HND. If you're doing it out of interest and because you'll enjoy it then do the one you'll enjoy most.

Really, you need to do the thing you are most comfortable doing. They probably have different requirements and different ways of testing you etc, and if an Open University qualification would give you more confidence then go for that.

Answer 4

Open University Degrees/Qualifications every where. At the moment I am doing one of their courses, and the support received from the Staff and other students is FANTASTIC. - you can receive this online, over the telephone, in writing and face to face. The only draw back is that the tutorials are in the evening - starting 2 hours AFTER the LAST bus to where I leaves where they are held. And the weekend day schools - but I have NOT been able to attend those as I have NO transport.

I do ALL the work at home.

I started a course through ICS, but received NO support and NO answers to my questions sent to them.

Answer 5

Open university degrees are well respected world wide and many univerities use OU material in their teaching. One big advantage is that you would not run up hefty tuition fees whilst learning. It is true that you may have to gain 'hands on' experience in your chosen role after qualifying but don't let it hold you back - Norm C BSc (open)