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Older students
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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I am seriously thinking of taking an open university course to broaden my horizons, further my education and maybe open a few more doors for me career wise!
Has/is anyone got any experience in open uninversity courses?
Did you find it easy to be a student again?
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I started an evening degree course at St Andrews 12 years ago and loved every minute of it, even if it was tiring and a lot of work, when I was working full time and looking after the kids. Well worth doing. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Blue September man is an old student ask him
...lol  "
thanks for the Old bit, we are mature student, thanks very much
I did a couple of OU courses when I lived in the UK, I found them very good, the course material is provided so there isnt any extra reading unless you want to. The tutors and students are usually very good, there is a lot of support in the level one courses but less as you advance.
I went on to do a full honours degree and currently doing a Masters, the OU gave me the confidence and belief that I could do it  |
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If you take a standard module from a degree course you will need to commit approx 20 hours a week, for 30 weeks a year. Once you start there are deadlines set for work submission every few weeks which you need to meet or you'll just run out of time and fail the year.
At the rate of one module a year it takes six years to get a degree.
It can be fun, change the way you see your world, make you feel better about yourself.
Its also a fecking long hard slog |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Blue September man is an old student ask him
...lol
thanks for the Old bit, we are mature student, thanks very much
I did a couple of OU courses when I lived in the UK, I found them very good, the course material is provided so there isnt any extra reading unless you want to. The tutors and students are usually very good, there is a lot of support in the level one courses but less as you advance.
I went on to do a full honours degree and currently doing a Masters, the OU gave me the confidence and belief that I could do it "
Thank you for this!
This is what I wanted to know!  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Blue September man is an old student ask him
...lol
Thank you for this!
This is what I wanted to know! "
my pleasure
and now back to the books ...Love social policy on a Monday afternoon |
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I do a part time course now. Its only a day a week. I like being the old git as every one seems to come to me for help and believe it or not, advice.
I think the hardest part is trying to remember stuff from school lol |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I do a part time course now. Its only a day a week. I like being the old git as every one seems to come to me for help and believe it or not, advice.
I think the hardest part is trying to remember stuff from school lol"
Your not that old lol |
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By *ezebelWoman
over a year ago
North of The Wall - youll need your vest |
I did two degrees as a mature student, both whilst working full-time. Bloody hard work but if its something youre interested in Id definitely say go for it.
Its always better when you are studying because you WANT to study, and also its less tempting to bunk off doing your homework when youve had to pay for the course... |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Check out MOOCs - Massive Open Online Courses.
Lots of choice, lots of providers and a chance to dip your toe in before committing to 3-4 years study."
I will certainly be checking this out!
Thank you |
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By *nnyMan
over a year ago
Glasgow |
"Check out MOOCs - Massive Open Online Courses.
Lots of choice, lots of providers and a chance to dip your toe in before committing to 3-4 years study.
I will certainly be checking this out!
Thank you "
You might (might!) even be able to get your employer to help fund this or allow time off if they think it'll benefit you AND them longer term.
The Forces have done similar for years.
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"The hardest thing I've found about being a full-time student after 30+ years out of education is learning how to learn again.
Struggling so far but things seem to be starting to stick again now!"
This is what is worrying me slightly!
But I am sure it will be worth it in the end! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I want to get back in to studying again. I have always wanted to study psychology, so im considering doing another degree on that.
I do have a law degree and a post grad too. But, dont think my heart is set on it to be honest. So, may be time to study a bit more.
Good luck, and all the best. Hope the path of further education is easy for you.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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My oh did his degree over 6 years, in which time all I saw of him after work was the back of his head, with the occasional grunt of acknowledgement while sat at his pc! Hard work, on both sides, but very proud of him, considering he left school with next to nil qualifications |
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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago
Over the rainbow, under the bridge |
"I am seriously thinking of taking an open university course to broaden my horizons, further my education and maybe open a few more doors for me career wise!
Has/is anyone got any experience in open uninversity courses?
Did you find it easy to be a student again?
"
My daughter has only two more units before she gains her degree. She chose to work full time and study part time to avoid student debt. She has found it difficult at times - but not impossible. And the OU materials are of the best quality. I would look into the finances of it - some courses can be expensive but there is help in the form of bursaries. I think. My daughter has qualified for a few of those which did help her pay for units as she went along. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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The OU is a brilliant institution, so I'd definitely suggest going for it. I'm a bit more sceptical of MOOCs (I work in higher education). They have an excellent potential, but they're not very widespread at the moment, and I worry about the quality of their content. I know of several people who have used the OU, and have even gone on to complete PhDs etc.
The only thing I'd caution about really is the cost. AFAIK there is very little funding available for mature students, and even though the OU is relatively less expensive than a traditional University, it's still a lot of money. So if you're going to do it, make sure you're committed. I know employers will sometime fund courses with the OU, but the usual condition is that it has to be strictly necessary for your employment. Most employers are cutting down on funding these kinds of courses. My mum had a great deal with her employer 10 years ago, where they'd fund 50% of any OU course, but now they'll only pay 25% of a course that's relevant for your job.
Good luck. I've always had a lot of admiration for mature students (my Dad was one).
BigPea |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"The OU is a brilliant institution, so I'd definitely suggest going for it. I'm a bit more sceptical of MOOCs (I work in higher education). They have an excellent potential, but they're not very widespread at the moment, and I worry about the quality of their content. I know of several people who have used the OU, and have even gone on to complete PhDs etc.
The only thing I'd caution about really is the cost. AFAIK there is very little funding available for mature students, and even though the OU is relatively less expensive than a traditional University, it's still a lot of money. So if you're going to do it, make sure you're committed. I know employers will sometime fund courses with the OU, but the usual condition is that it has to be strictly necessary for your employment. Most employers are cutting down on funding these kinds of courses. My mum had a great deal with her employer 10 years ago, where they'd fund 50% of any OU course, but now they'll only pay 25% of a course that's relevant for your job.
Good luck. I've always had a lot of admiration for mature students (my Dad was one).
BigPea"
Your advise has been really helpful, I am not even going to ask my employers to help fund which ever course I chose as it won't have relevance to my job!
But I still plan to work and study at the same time.
Than you
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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As per the above it is rewarding but a lot of hard work if you have other commitments.
Depending on your current salary you may be able to obtain Gov funding. I studied on a Saturday for four years and avoided the traditional three year route and debt associated with the same.
Funding is not available for post graduate courses. Fortunately my employer has been willing to fund mine and therefore I remain debt free. |
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I'm currently studying with the OU, I have one course left after the one I'm currently doing.
I love it. I can study when I'm in the right frame of mind, although you do have to be disciplined in setting time aside, or something better always comes along. And trust me, 2 days before an essay is due, even cleaning the bathroom is better!!!
I'm just starting Level 3 courses, and I have more free thinking space, but less support. Level 1 and 2, you are basically told what to write and do, level 3 is what you think, not regurgitating what others think. |
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"The OU is a brilliant institution, so I'd definitely suggest going for it. I'm a bit more sceptical of MOOCs (I work in higher education). They have an excellent potential, but they're not very widespread at the moment, and I worry about the quality of their content. I know of several people who have used the OU, and have even gone on to complete PhDs etc.
The only thing I'd caution about really is the cost. AFAIK there is very little funding available for mature students, and even though the OU is relatively less expensive than a traditional University, it's still a lot of money. So if you're going to do it, make sure you're committed. I know employers will sometime fund courses with the OU, but the usual condition is that it has to be strictly necessary for your employment. Most employers are cutting down on funding these kinds of courses. My mum had a great deal with her employer 10 years ago, where they'd fund 50% of any OU course, but now they'll only pay 25% of a course that's relevant for your job.
Good luck. I've always had a lot of admiration for mature students (my Dad was one).
BigPea
Your advise has been really helpful, I am not even going to ask my employers to help fund which ever course I chose as it won't have relevance to my job!
But I still plan to work and study at the same time.
Than you
"
Also, I am on a low wage currently, and the OU pay for my courses. I've not had to pay for one yet. Although as I'm about to change jobs (thanks in part to my OU studying), I'll have to pay for the last one. But they do offer interest free installment payments. |
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By *nnyMan
over a year ago
Glasgow |
"The OU is a brilliant institution, so I'd definitely suggest going for it. I'm a bit more sceptical of MOOCs (I work in higher education). .."
There was a semi - resident punter in Tennents Bar on Byres Rd who insisted, when asked, that he 'worked in higher education' (pointing to Gilmorehill).
On investigation it turned out he was a Bedelus. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"The OU is a brilliant institution, so I'd definitely suggest going for it. I'm a bit more sceptical of MOOCs (I work in higher education). They have an excellent potential, but they're not very widespread at the moment, and I worry about the quality of their content. I know of several people who have used the OU, and have even gone on to complete PhDs etc.
The only thing I'd caution about really is the cost. AFAIK there is very little funding available for mature students, and even though the OU is relatively less expensive than a traditional University, it's still a lot of money. So if you're going to do it, make sure you're committed. I know employers will sometime fund courses with the OU, but the usual condition is that it has to be strictly necessary for your employment. Most employers are cutting down on funding these kinds of courses. My mum had a great deal with her employer 10 years ago, where they'd fund 50% of any OU course, but now they'll only pay 25% of a course that's relevant for your job.
Good luck. I've always had a lot of admiration for mature students (my Dad was one).
BigPea
Your advise has been really helpful, I am not even going to ask my employers to help fund which ever course I chose as it won't have relevance to my job!
But I still plan to work and study at the same time.
Than you
Also, I am on a low wage currently, and the OU pay for my courses. I've not had to pay for one yet. Although as I'm about to change jobs (thanks in part to my OU studying), I'll have to pay for the last one. But they do offer interest free installment payments. "
That's excellent, I really don't know much about OU funding. I'm really glad they offer funding for lower paid people. I almost applied for a job teaching with them, but I knew I wouldn't get it as I'm not advanced enough. I don't know of anyone who has a bad word to say about them. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I went to uni when I was 22, after a few years working. I felt I missed out on the reckless partying maybe, but I made a few friends among the people who had also had a bit of experience. I think I was probably a lot better organised in the study than the 18 year olds. I'd say go for it and have fun! |
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By *ammyDodgaMan
over a year ago
Nottingham/and everywhere my location says i am ;) |
Never done an OU course but I do have to go back to college every 5 years to resist my qualifications and I love the constant update and absorbing new info.
Go for it |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I would suggest that if you seek a degree whilst continuing employment, ther are a fewpost 1992 Universities that offer short modular courses.
The OU is one method, but perhaps the hardest and slowest route.
If you have a good basis of a professional grounding associated with your subject discipline, you might consider a one year taught masters degree. A first degree can be waived providing professional experience is established. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I'm actually studying at the moment in my spare time (online, from home). It is a reasonable amount of work (more than I anticipated) and it has been quite hard to get in the routine of sitting down and doing it. Haven't even started any assesments yet but other students on the course have commented how difficult they are to write if you haven't done any for a number of years (with Harvard referencing and so forth).
Just have to see how I get on. Should take about a year to finish. Wasn't cheap either so I hope it is all worth it! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Returning to studies as a mature student has been the best move I ever made. Although I'm studying 'full time' at uni, I'm seriously tempted to do an MA with the OU next. The OU courses are fab because you can work full time and study alongside it. Although in all fairness, I've forgotten what it's like to work full time! A reality I'm going to have to face when I graduate next year - eeeeek! |
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By *phroditeWoman
over a year ago
(She/ her) in Sensualityland |
I absolutely love the idea of life long learning in some shape or form - I have never stopped learning new skills and developing existing ones. The OU is a fabulous way of either doing a specific subject related degree or an open degree where you can combine anything and everything to cover your interests |
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