“More than 190,000 students are studying OU degree courses right now. Our oldest students are in the their nineties and more school leavers are choosing the OU than ever before.”
Whether you’re still working away
at school or whether you’re in full-time employment, most people are unaware of
what distance learning entails. Usually, we are led to believe that the only
way to get a good, well-paid job is by going away to a university; however, the
Open University is well recognised by employers. Plus it’s a LOT less expensive
– at least half the price of regular universities. Don’t get me wrong; going to
an ‘actual’ uni can be really good if that’s what you want…but only if it really
is what you want to do.
The point I’m trying to get
across however, is that there are lots of options to choose from with regards
to further education, especially for school leavers…degrees (distance learning
or not), apprenticeships, employment and traineeships to name a few. Currently,
the ‘preferred option’ appears to be ‘actual’ universities; the Open University
tends to be notorious for people who have already been through employment –
that’s probably because schools don’t really talk about it. But, actually, the
OU is one of the highest ranked universities available.
I am currently in my third year
with the OU, doing a BSc (Honours) Psychology degree. When I started, I was
classed as part-time study. That means each year consists of 60 credits – if you
go away to university it would be 120 credits. However, you can also do the 120
credits full-time study with the OU. Therefore, it can take between 3-6 years –
flexible with how you want to study.
Bit of advice though: choose whether you want to study part-time or full-time before you start as academic year starts
can be a bit tricky if you try and swap (I’m speaking from experience here). I
worked alongside my first year in schools through a supply agency, getting paid
to work one-to-one with a variety of children of all ages and a range of
behavioural difficulties, as well as some cover supervising roles. It was
excellent experience and meant I could earn and save money at the same time as
doing my degree!
There are no entry requirements,
so no personal statements or immense pressure to get certain grades, and
depending on the course, maybe one or no exams. You have lots of choice with
your degree; as well as covering core study, you can specialise too. For
example, within my psychology degree I could choose from counselling, autism
studies, forensics…the list is endless. Studying with the OU does require lots
of self-motivation and discipline, but if you’re interested in the subject then
you’ll enjoy what you study. I tend to find up to a couple of hours a day is
okay and if you get ahead it’s even better. You have a tutor who you can
phone/email and also tutorials at a nearby uni that are often weekly. On
average, your degree is between £12k-£15k; much less than regular universities.
You can take out a loan, pay for it all, pay for parts, be sponsored by an
employer…there are so many options that best suit you.
I had applied for regular unis
because I felt there was no other route – a family friend told us about the OU
and the degrees he had completed with them. School wasn’t his forte, but at age
60+, he’d already completed numerous degrees with the OU. He inspired me, I was
so interested; it appealed to me so much more. That’s how I wound up where I am
today! Amy is also looking into the OU, though we’ve told her she can do
anything she wants when she leaves – the world’s her oyster! However, she’s
intrigued by the OU and likes the freedom it gives you. She’s looking into an
English degree and hoping she gets a fine-looking tutor. ;)
If you ever want to contact us
about the OU or how it works – whether you’re a student or a Mum working
full-time – our email is waresisters@gmail.com.
It is important to do what you enjoy in life, not what schools or
society imply is ‘right’. Your life is not a book that’s already been written;
you hold the pen and create the life you wish to live. There are so many
options of what you can do in life, if only you let yourself believe it.
Have a look at the OU’s website: http://www.open.ac.uk
Laura x
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