Open University
Milton Keynes
This discussion is now closed.
Check out other Related discussions
- stuck between 2 degrees
- is the Open University right for me
- Open university Transfer
- No References
- Should I take a gap year
- How do you decide on a uni course?
- Foundation / placement year
- Is open university worth it?
- Computer Science or Politics at uni?
- What Uni for Chemistry?
- What degrees are out there for psychology,biology and French?
- university course
- applied for unis only close, now regretting it
- UCAS and returning to uni
- Do uni names matter?
- Feeling low with a 2:2
- english and creative writing degree
- Doubt about following through with my deferred offer.
- Is Psychology the right degree for me
- Uni choices for psychology
Should I get my degree through the Open Uni?
Really confused. Here's the situation.
I love zoology and animal behaviour, and biology in general. I have already been to uni to study art, but I want to go back and do zoology as it's a more stable career choice than being an illustrator (which I do as a hobby and love, but its murder full-time).
I am studying through the Open Uni right now to get my equivalent of science A Levels. I have been told I have a strong application to 5 top unis which I have already applied to through UCAS (see my sig for exact unis).
I do really, really want to go to ANY of these unis, it will be fun and I love the subject. BUT....
- I can continue studying the subject through the Open Uni anyway
- I am impressed with the courses through the OU, the quality of everything, and find it fun
- If I stay with Open Uni I get my degree COMPLETELY free as I have a disability (dyscalculia or 'maths dyslexia')
- I will be flexible to move house, travel, etc.
- I can work too. Another reason I want to go to uni is to meet people as I have just moved and lost contact with everyone. I have a very antisocial part-time job too. But If I stay with the OU I can work in a better job to get more money and meet people, and use the money to meet up with old friends, do fun stuff in my spare time, etc.
- I won't have any debt at all.
- I guess I can still apply for a postgrad at a top uni after (have always hankered after a postgrad)
- I will be almost 25 when I start my degree at a 'normal' uni and am worried I will feel out of place amongst all you kids and a bit of a dosser who should have got a job
- The OU will take less time as I'm already studying the first year now and can count past credit towards it
Plus I will be able to set up this business I have been thinking about if I get a part-time job (rather than full-time) whilst studying with OU
BUUUUUUUT then I think... I can go to a 'normal' uni, meet people there, get the benefit of lectures and socieities and talking with other bright young things, get hands-on learning with experiments etc., the loan may not matter too much to me in future (will it?) and perhaps more kudos in future when applying to do a postgrad/general career (as all my uni choices are pretty good)
Help meeeee. Thoughts? Opinions?
EDIT: Although I love zoology, IF I decide to stay with the OU I will do a Natural Sciences degree. The course appeals to me a lot and I would like to get a grounding in all the sciences. If I do this I will have the money to specialise in zoology later in a masters (or something).
I love zoology and animal behaviour, and biology in general. I have already been to uni to study art, but I want to go back and do zoology as it's a more stable career choice than being an illustrator (which I do as a hobby and love, but its murder full-time).
I am studying through the Open Uni right now to get my equivalent of science A Levels. I have been told I have a strong application to 5 top unis which I have already applied to through UCAS (see my sig for exact unis).
I do really, really want to go to ANY of these unis, it will be fun and I love the subject. BUT....
- I can continue studying the subject through the Open Uni anyway
- I am impressed with the courses through the OU, the quality of everything, and find it fun
- If I stay with Open Uni I get my degree COMPLETELY free as I have a disability (dyscalculia or 'maths dyslexia')
- I will be flexible to move house, travel, etc.
- I can work too. Another reason I want to go to uni is to meet people as I have just moved and lost contact with everyone. I have a very antisocial part-time job too. But If I stay with the OU I can work in a better job to get more money and meet people, and use the money to meet up with old friends, do fun stuff in my spare time, etc.
- I won't have any debt at all.
- I guess I can still apply for a postgrad at a top uni after (have always hankered after a postgrad)
- I will be almost 25 when I start my degree at a 'normal' uni and am worried I will feel out of place amongst all you kids and a bit of a dosser who should have got a job
- The OU will take less time as I'm already studying the first year now and can count past credit towards it
Plus I will be able to set up this business I have been thinking about if I get a part-time job (rather than full-time) whilst studying with OU
BUUUUUUUT then I think... I can go to a 'normal' uni, meet people there, get the benefit of lectures and socieities and talking with other bright young things, get hands-on learning with experiments etc., the loan may not matter too much to me in future (will it?) and perhaps more kudos in future when applying to do a postgrad/general career (as all my uni choices are pretty good)
Help meeeee. Thoughts? Opinions?
EDIT: Although I love zoology, IF I decide to stay with the OU I will do a Natural Sciences degree. The course appeals to me a lot and I would like to get a grounding in all the sciences. If I do this I will have the money to specialise in zoology later in a masters (or something).
You've kinda got all the strong points for the OU there, and for a brick uni. The loan will be something that dogs you for the rest of your life (unless you a. become a teacher b. win the lottery to pay it off c. get old) and with the trainwreck that is the SLC you'd be lucky if they actually manage to give you one. BUT most people manage it i.e. anyone who has been to uni in the last decade or two.
The practical work I think is a focal issue, as you say you'd get much more of that at a brick uni and I'm not sure what the OU actually offers in terms of zoo work. Closest degree in fact seems to be BSc (Honours) Life Sciences which is geared slightly more towards human bio and as such may not be exactly what you want. Of course either way you could do postgrad study anywheres but if you're not happy with what you'd be doing for the next 3-6 years then it wouldn't make much sense choosing it.
Sooo my opinion would be that purely in academic terms, the OU wouldn't be as good a choice as a brick uni where you could study zoology specifically (or similar), get a good hearty dose of labwork and you'd have it done in the 3 years. But if you were happy with the course content at the OU and weren't in a huge rush to get the degree, well then that might be the option to take.
The practical work I think is a focal issue, as you say you'd get much more of that at a brick uni and I'm not sure what the OU actually offers in terms of zoo work. Closest degree in fact seems to be BSc (Honours) Life Sciences which is geared slightly more towards human bio and as such may not be exactly what you want. Of course either way you could do postgrad study anywheres but if you're not happy with what you'd be doing for the next 3-6 years then it wouldn't make much sense choosing it.
Sooo my opinion would be that purely in academic terms, the OU wouldn't be as good a choice as a brick uni where you could study zoology specifically (or similar), get a good hearty dose of labwork and you'd have it done in the 3 years. But if you were happy with the course content at the OU and weren't in a huge rush to get the degree, well then that might be the option to take.
Open University
Milton Keynes
Hi Nambi,
I''ve just started my degree with the OU so I may be a little biased but I will help as best I can.
I'd assume you've looked into the degrees available know that there is no specific animal behaviour or zoology degree with the OU? The closest they have is Life Sciences so that might possibly mean that you have to do some courses which are not fully focused on your area of interest. As SBC says the degree can be more based to human biology but there are enough courses to manage to avoid the human parts with a little planning.
A warning to you though is that the practical in OU degrees is very limited. Some course will get you to do experiments at home and there are residential schools but they are gradually phasing out the latter due to how expensive they are.
In reference to jobs, it might be an idea to look around this year (assuming that you haven't already) and see what jobs you can find because as things are at the moment you may not find that better job for a while and the last thing anyone needs is to be stuck in a really anti-social job whilst studying anti-socially at the same time!
From what I hear about postgrad (something I'm interested in too) applying to good universities with an OU degree is no problem and most tutors on your courses will probably be happy to write your references.
There's not much more for me to add but I wouldn't let your age get in the way if you really want to go to a brick uni. If you really want to go, then go! Don't let other peoples opinions on your age hold you back. There's bound to be other people older than 18 there for you to socialise with if you want to avoid the 18 year olds.
I''ve just started my degree with the OU so I may be a little biased but I will help as best I can.
I'd assume you've looked into the degrees available know that there is no specific animal behaviour or zoology degree with the OU? The closest they have is Life Sciences so that might possibly mean that you have to do some courses which are not fully focused on your area of interest. As SBC says the degree can be more based to human biology but there are enough courses to manage to avoid the human parts with a little planning.
A warning to you though is that the practical in OU degrees is very limited. Some course will get you to do experiments at home and there are residential schools but they are gradually phasing out the latter due to how expensive they are.
In reference to jobs, it might be an idea to look around this year (assuming that you haven't already) and see what jobs you can find because as things are at the moment you may not find that better job for a while and the last thing anyone needs is to be stuck in a really anti-social job whilst studying anti-socially at the same time!
From what I hear about postgrad (something I'm interested in too) applying to good universities with an OU degree is no problem and most tutors on your courses will probably be happy to write your references.
There's not much more for me to add but I wouldn't let your age get in the way if you really want to go to a brick uni. If you really want to go, then go! Don't let other peoples opinions on your age hold you back. There's bound to be other people older than 18 there for you to socialise with if you want to avoid the 18 year olds.
Nambi
I have a disability (dyscalculia or 'maths dyslexia')
I know this is slightly random, but would you mind telling me how you got diagnosed as having dyscalculia?
Lazuliblue
I know this is slightly random, but would you mind telling me how you got diagnosed as having dyscalculia?
I read about it on the internet after having joked i have 'maths dyslexia', and found it existed. I told the disability guy at my college when i was studying my A-Levels a few years back and he assessed me for it and found out I have it.
Lunarsea
I'd assume you've looked into the degrees available know that there is no specific animal behaviour or zoology degree with the OU? The closest they have is Life Sciences so that might possibly mean that you have to do some courses which are not fully focused on your area of interest. As SBC says the degree can be more based to human biology but there are enough courses to manage to avoid the human parts with a little planning.
I'm sorry I can't believe I didn't mention this... if I go through the OU I will do Natural Sciences. I have looked at the course and I really like it and am happy to do that instead of zoology (but will take more of a focus towards zoology/ecology when I can).
SunburnedCactus
The practical work I think is a focal issue, as you say you'd get much more of that at a brick uni and I'm not sure what the OU actually offers in terms of zoo work. Closest degree in fact seems to be BSc (Honours) Life Sciences which is geared slightly more towards human bio and as such may not be exactly what you want.
The practical work I think is a focal issue, as you say you'd get much more of that at a brick uni and I'm not sure what the OU actually offers in terms of zoo work. Closest degree in fact seems to be BSc (Honours) Life Sciences which is geared slightly more towards human bio and as such may not be exactly what you want.
I don't know why I didn't mention it, but I am looking at the Natural Sciences degree. It appeals to me a lot and I like the idea of getting an understanding in all of the sciences through the OU and perhaps specialising in zoology afterwards.
Nambi
I'm sorry I can't believe I didn't mention this... if I go through the OU I will do Natural Sciences. I have looked at the course and I really like it and am happy to do that instead of zoology (but will take more of a focus towards zoology/ecology when I can).
Ah well that's fair enough then
Good to know that you are happy with the content. What I said about practicals still stands however. They are still phasing them out across the sciences so if you want practicals, you'll still be better off at a brick uni. Having looked at the Nat Sci degree they don't make you do many practicals anyway but it depends if you'd really like some lab work or not I guess.
Nambi
I don't know why I didn't mention it, but I am looking at the Natural Sciences degree. It appeals to me a lot and I like the idea of getting an understanding in all of the sciences through the OU and perhaps specialising in zoology afterwards.
Heh well that does change things a bit! In that case I might revise my opinion to prefer the OU
If you prefer natsci why didn't you apply to cambridge over oxford?
Back on topic, you don't have to actually make the decision now do you? Why not wait and see which ones you get into, visit them, carefully consider course content (if you haven't already), like someone else said see if you actually get a better job.
Back on topic, you don't have to actually make the decision now do you? Why not wait and see which ones you get into, visit them, carefully consider course content (if you haven't already), like someone else said see if you actually get a better job.
O-Ren
If you prefer natsci why didn't you apply to cambridge over oxford?
I prefer Oxford- I love the city, the uni, the college I am applying to, the people there. I prefer Biology as a whole, but in the Open Uni I can focus more on biology if I want to yet still get the Nat Sci degree. I get the impression in Cambridge I will need more of a dollop of chemistry and physics, plus my maths is terrible, and I'm not sure it will be Cambridge standard. I use maths less in Biology (I am retaking my GCSE anyway), Oxford seem unfussed with it as I am retaking my GCSE, and as for the O.U. they are very good with my maths issues (a guy is popping out to see me next week about it too).
I WANT to learn some physics and chemistry but my maths sets it back and to dabble in them at Cambridge doesn't seem like a good idea - at least with the OU I can take my time, not feel stupid, and get lots of help if I need it.
Back on topic, you don't have to actually make the decision now do you? Why not wait and see which ones you get into, visit them, carefully consider course content (if you haven't already), like someone else said see if you actually get a better job.
I will but it helps to get a little more of a decision. I mean, if I (say) get accepted at Oxford, obviously I'll have a helluva lot more to think about. But it's helpful to sort through my options now and think about what might be best for me.
Nambi
I will but it helps to get a little more of a decision. I mean, if I (say) get accepted at Oxford, obviously I'll have a helluva lot more to think about. But it's helpful to sort through my options now and think about what might be best for me.
Perhaps you should research what financial help is available for mature students. Also does the college you're applying to have postgrad students? If so, then you will be around people your own age won't you, so it won't be so bad.
Good luck with your aplications.
Nambi
I prefer Oxford- I love the city, the uni, the college I am applying to, the people there. I prefer Biology as a whole, but in the Open Uni I can focus more on biology if I want to yet still get the Nat Sci degree. I get the impression in Cambridge I will need more of a dollop of chemistry and physics, plus my maths is terrible, and I'm not sure it will be Cambridge standard. I use maths less in Biology (I am retaking my GCSE anyway), Oxford seem unfussed with it as I am retaking my GCSE, and as for the O.U. they are very good with my maths issues (a guy is popping out to see me next week about it too).
I WANT to learn some physics and chemistry but my maths sets it back and to dabble in them at Cambridge doesn't seem like a good idea - at least with the OU I can take my time, not feel stupid, and get lots of help if I need it.
I will but it helps to get a little more of a decision. I mean, if I (say) get accepted at Oxford, obviously I'll have a helluva lot more to think about. But it's helpful to sort through my options now and think about what might be best for me.
I WANT to learn some physics and chemistry but my maths sets it back and to dabble in them at Cambridge doesn't seem like a good idea - at least with the OU I can take my time, not feel stupid, and get lots of help if I need it.
I will but it helps to get a little more of a decision. I mean, if I (say) get accepted at Oxford, obviously I'll have a helluva lot more to think about. But it's helpful to sort through my options now and think about what might be best for me.
+rep for being an inspirational person
O-Ren
Perhaps you should research what financial help is available for mature students. Also does the college you're applying to have postgrad students? If so, then you will be around people your own age won't you, so it won't be so bad.
Good luck with your aplications.
Good luck with your aplications.
I'm applying to Magdalen, I wanted to apply to Harris Manchester which is the college for mature students but they don't offer Biological Sciences. So I fell in love with Magdalen instead. I hope there will be mature students there.
As far as I can tell Oxford will help me a lot financially because I am poor, I might get a bursary of 2-3K which will cover my course fees. But of course getting into Oxford is quite a feat.
Thanks for your help.
Related discussions
- stuck between 2 degrees
- is the Open University right for me
- Open university Transfer
- No References
- Should I take a gap year
- How do you decide on a uni course?
- Foundation / placement year
- Is open university worth it?
- Computer Science or Politics at uni?
- What Uni for Chemistry?
- What degrees are out there for psychology,biology and French?
- university course
- applied for unis only close, now regretting it
- UCAS and returning to uni
- Do uni names matter?
- Feeling low with a 2:2
- english and creative writing degree
- Doubt about following through with my deferred offer.
- Is Psychology the right degree for me
- Uni choices for psychology
Latest
Trending
Last reply 2 weeks ago
I don’t know what to do about my law degree. I’m so worried.Trending
Last reply 2 weeks ago
I don’t know what to do about my law degree. I’m so worried.
