robdog

Does anyone have any experience with Open University courses? I may be thinking of starting one.

Also is an Open University degree as good as a normal Uni degree?

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big

I know people who have done them, and apparently they are VERY time consuming. A lot of people go into them thinking they're an easier option than studying full-time at a University - but in fact from what I've heard it's actually a lot harder. You need heaps of self-discipline and great time management - especially if you're juggling a full-time job and interests out of work.

I was considering doing my Masters with OU (or another distance learning provider), but have decided against it. I am going to leave it a few more years and re-think then. I may do an mba or a phd instead.

As for whether it's as good as other Universities - that depends on what line of work you're in. If you're in a theory-based field, then it probably makes little difference. If your line of work is more practical, doing a distance learning course probably won't be looked upon so highly.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

robdog

Well to be honest with you im 28 at them moment and not working. I have had many years of drug and alcohol dependancy and currently im get disibility and incapacity money but as i am finaly getting my life together and Staying clean i want to get a career.

Im still not very good around alot of people so a home course would be ideal for me as i feel i get better everyday so when the course is finished i would be ready to go back in to the big wide world.

It has been so long since i have thought clearly that i dont even know what i would be good at. I fancy phycology and if i could link that into working with drug and alcohol abusers i would be able to give something back.

Im just thinking about it at the moment but thanks for your good wishes and your help.

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Biker

I tried it and dropped out after one year, I was getting good enough grades but couldn't stay motivated.

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DB

thats a great reason man,if u wanna do it there's no harm in starting it, even if u get one year under ur belt. Then at least when u go for jobs it shows u had the dedication to stick at it for a year to have something to show even tho u didn't enjoy it.

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robdog

What sort of money does it cost mate.

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demon

Good for you Robdog. It's nice to be able to give something back to people that help you.

My brother's doing an OU degree. It does seem to take up a lot of his time and it requires a lot of discipline. But if you want it enough, then you'll be able to do it.

Shortly after he started it, he asked me to ask around to see if people would value it (as I was working in a software part of BT at the time and it's a computer science degree that he's doing). The general concensus was that people do regard it highly - it shows that you have time-management skills as well as self-discipline and motivation and you can do stuff without needing to be 'supervised' all the time.

Good luck if you decide to do it!

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winger

Rob you are great with people. The pic you posted everybody looked like they were having a good time. You are too hard on yourself mate. I say go for it. If you dont like it then move on, but atleast you tried it. Bump on all the other posters;)

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monkeyboi

Take your time to decide what you really want to do Rob, Im sure once you do you will be able to achieve anything you put your mind too.Dont be in a rush to start something unless you sure you can put the time in.If you can then go for it , and dont let anyone tell you otherwise..I started my degree in accounting a year ago with ACCA im doing it part-time, self-study at home as I work full time as well.Once you get into the routine its easy.A lot of employers respect people that take the self-study option a lot more, cause it shows you can balance you life and study, and stay motivated, also at our age we bring with us a lot of life experience..

Anyways good luck with what ever you decide..!!

Greyphantom

Hi Rob... I have looked into it to do my masters but have decided to go back to the uni I got my first degree/diploma at... I do a part time course in Chinese (mandarin), Russian and also am hoping to get on the masters course (just waiting news), but if the masters does not come through then I am enrolled in a couple of courses to tide me over to next year when I will apply again... (all in the international relations field)... go for it mate... either OU or part time courses are NEVER a waste of time... also pick a subject that you really want to get a career in... it will make it soooo much easier... good luck mate...

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Biker

I can't remember mate, tbh a part time evening uni course might suit you better? not very busy but a lot more support.

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Greyphantom

To add to Bikers comment... it can also vary depending on the course and status... ie someone on benefits will be able to pay the concession fees etc...

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turbo

rob, look on their website. Do a search in google for it. WHen i was looking at doing a law degree a few months back, it was going to cost about 1000quid a year. The course i was looking at was part time , which is 16 hours a week, for 4->6 years.

In the end i havent gone ahead with it yet, because besides working, seeing my girlfriend and working out i havent got a spare 16 hours a week!!!