open university?

Question

Has anyone had experience studying with the open university? Can you give me feedback about how you found it, were they easy to use etc,
I'm thinking about it but would like to know information from anyone who have already done it

Answer 1

I'm an OU student. I also went to Glasgow and Sheffield Uni when I was younger too so have experience of bricks/mortar unis too.

The OU is by far the best - rated in top 4 in UK.

They are easy to access, seem to really care and the teaching is second to none. The courses are really enjoyable although really hard work but help is always at hand. There is a big net community too so you are not completely isolated and most courses assign you a tutor/tutor groups.

Go for it - you will not regret it - it is fab.

Check out the website and order a prospectus - there are even courses called Openings worth 10 points which give you a taste of what to expect and to help you decide if it is for you.

Answer 2

My husband and I are both studying with OU. We got our results back this week and both passed. We both work full time I did a 60 point course and my husband a 30 point.
We had to come home from work, have tea, spend time with our son then study. I will admit that sometimes I would love to have sat and watched TV all night but because the course is of interest I kept going. You can chat to other OU students on the OU website and your tutor will probably give you a list of his other students who are willing to be contacted so you can support each other.
GO FOR IT!

Answer 3

I am an Open University in the UK (where it all started!).


I have found the tutors to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful, you can attend tutorials (run on weekends/evenings), day schools (those revision days are a must!), and gain telephone/email support with your tutor, and if you have any probs with your tutor for whatever reason, you can change tutors, attend other tutor's tutorials without giving any notice or asking permission, their on line support is great - lots of great easy ways to contact for support, advice etc. Their course materials are brilliant - very informative and used by other conventional universities such as Brunel (UK). They have a wealth of worldwide professionals and academics researching and writing for them. The regional office staff are great for all problems whatsoever, and if they can't help you they get someone to call you from a specified department normally within 24 hours. In my opinion they exercise outstanding customer service and value for money. The First Class on-line conferencing facility whereby you can contact other students doing your course (and others) is a great help to make the experience less isolated. The only fault I would make is that they use Parcel Force for UK deliveries, and Parcel Force are crap - the OU really should alter their courier for use of delivery of course materials, but the OU's dispatch unit are very good at sending replacement materials out with NO extra cost at all. A great tip I would give you is to take courses that take interest you - OU work takes a lot of commitment and dedication, so enjoying your subject(s) is a must. Also, check out the course description on their website and click on 'reviews' which are reviews of the course compiled by students who previously studied the course 12 months earlier (and sooner of course!!).

Their qualifications are well recognized by employers as employers acknowledge that it takes superb time management skills, dedication, self confidence and self reliance as well as ability to act on ones own self initiative to complete a degree with the Open University. The Open University courses are widely highly regarded with many major global corporations sponsoring their employees on such courses to aid their careers. The ranking of classification is higher than other conventional 'brick' unis 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.
I am in my 6th and final year with the OU and have got jobs on the strength of me being an OU student. The courses I have completed are: DD100, A211, D201, B200, D315 and D318 (current).
They do provide financial aid here in the UK, just apply for it when you register for your course. I highly recommend it as it has helped me in confidence, new skills, social life and gaining higher ranking jobs and higher salaries.
Go for it and GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 4

I have just completed a diploma with the OU. I have in the past studied social work at my local university (on a part time basis). In my view the support one receives from the OU is far superior to that offered to part time students at traditional universities. I'd recommend the OU to anyone

Answer 5

its really good, I have just finished a course got my results back this week and I have passed. Its hard going and depending on what you want to do it can seem like you are always reading. the work is all there in the materials so you dont need to go off and research for assignments. go for it. ask about assistance with paying for it as you can get help towards the cost. as I am on a low wage I have not had to pay anything.