[jo1692]

Sorry for a rather long post, but my situation needs a decent explanation...

I am currently taking a gap year (consisting of travelling, part time work and voluntary work for charity) after leaving sixth form part way through due to personal problems (I've been in and out of counselling for an eating disorder for over a year). But for the past few months I have finally gained a hold on these issues, so I am keen to start studying again.

After gaining 11 A*s at GCSE (Eng, Eng Lit, Maths, Bio, Chem, Physics, Latin, French, Drama, R.E, History), I went on to sixth form. I hated lower sixth, finding my courses too prescriptive, exam-obsessed and sometimes rather superficial, but I do accept that I probably took the wrong subjects. I got full marks in all my subjects in my January exams but detested every minute of studying for them. I was incredibly miserable the whole time, and my eating disorder was becoming very distracting and consuming, so I left for a gap year break a couple of months before the summer exams of Lower Sixth.

I am very passionate about pursuing a career in humanitarian charity work, either in the area of campaigns or policy/research. For this I will need a degree and in most cases a postgraduate qualification (Master's/PhD depending on seniority of the post).

Recently I have investigated studying with the Open University because contrary to my original prejudice, I have found that a 2:1/1st from there is very well regarded by employers and academics at conventional universities (for entry to Master's). I have also come across a fascinating course, BA (Hons) in International Studies, which would suit me very well. However, I know I can do a degree from them without A Levels, but will postgraduate course tutors at conventional universities hold me in low regard if I don't have A Levels, even if I have, say, a 1st from the Open University (not assuming that I will get a first of course, but that's my aim)?

So, my choice is this: get my A Levels through home study/FE college and then get a degree from a conventional uni, or study a degree with the Open University. What do you all think?

Thank you for any help/advice you can give.

[lupinpooter]

As far as I'm aware holders of OU degrees who don't have A levels are not at any disadvantage when applying for postgrad courses. I bloody well hope not anyway because I'm graduating from the OU next June and will be applying for postgrad courses

Seriously, it sounds like the OU could be a good route for you. It means you don't have to go through the palaver of A Levels again, and you can get on with studying the subject areas that really interest you and at a higher level. One of the great things about being an OU student is the independence factor. You receive a set of materials for the module you're studying, and of course these form the basic framework of your study for that year, but, beyond that, you can follow your inclinations with further reading and incorporate that into your assignments if you wish. You have online access to a huge range of journals via the OU library, and you can use the SCONUL scheme if you want to use a local university library. At times during my studies with the OU I have felt a bit isolated, but that disadvantage has been outweighed by the advantages (lower costs, independent learning, high quality materials).

If anything I think OU degrees are viewed very favourably in that by studying successfully with the OU you are demonstrating skills that are essential for postgrad level study. Truly, I don't think the A Levels issue is an issue when you've amply demonstrated your ability at degree level.

On the other hand ... your grades at GCSE and performance at A Level suggest that you could get into a high ranking university if you did decide to go down the A Levels route. The kudos of a top university on your CV may be important for you, I don't know.

By the way, I'm sorry to hear of the difficulties you've had and glad to hear that things are improving for you now. Best of luck whatever you decide

[jo1692]

(Original post by lupinpooter)
On the other hand ... your grades at GCSE and performance at A Level suggest that you could get into a high ranking university if you did decide to go down the A Levels route. The kudos of a top university on your CV may be important for you, I don't know.

Thanks for your reply What you mentioned above was an issue of concern for me because I used to be my on school's "Entry into Oxbridge" scheme and my school really wanted to get me into Cambridge in U6. But I think doing A Levels then aiming for somewhere like Oxbridge when I can get a perfectly good degree at Open Uni, much more quickly, cheaply and then perhaps progress to postgrad at a high-ranking university would be the more sensible option. Particularly since my experience of A Levels was very negative - I worry that I would have the same problems if I started them again, even with different subjects (humanities and languages instead of sciences and languages).

[Moggs]

(Original post by jo1692)
many things

Hi,

First of all congratulations on your GCSE results. Second of all, congratulations for realising that what you enjoy is much more important than what others expect of you at such a young age. Most don't figure this out until retirement age or it's too late.

As said above, you won't be penalised for a graduate course. If you want to do an MSC or PHD then an OU named degree without A-levels will be fine. The only time you'll be at a disadvantage is with graduate jobs that ask for A-levels as well (i.e. Tesco graduate warehouse operative, requires 3 A-levels and 2:1 etc), but these become irrelevant 1 or 2 years or so after gaining your first undergrad. Clearly your aspirations are well beyond this kind of grad job.

If I were in your position right now and aiming for a PHD or MSC, I would have chosen the OU degree over the A-levels. It's great to talk about top universities, and A-level grades are a qualifier for that, but when you get a little older, you realise that the whole A-level thing just isn't important once you have an undergrad, especially not for entry in to postrgad, doc or post doc education as you have said you want.

As you have found out already, among employers and academics, an OU degree is highly regarded. With hindsight, if I was in your position now, I would make a beeline straight for that OU degree.

Bear in mind you want to begin a September/October course, you will have to register tomorrow at the latest (9th is the deadline this year) though courses also begin in January/February with registration deadlines in November/December if you need some more time to consider.

I'm aiming for a first too, but studying for a different reason. If that's what you want, go for it. I'm not the smartest cookie, but can certainly see how a first is very doable with a bit of extra effort.

[jj193]

Ou.

[jo1692]

(Original post by Moggs)
Hi,

First of all congratulations on your GCSE results. Second of all, congratulations for realising that what you enjoy is much more important than what others expect of you at such a young age. Most don't figure this out until retirement age or it's too late.

As said above, you won't be penalised for a graduate course. If you want to do an MSC or PHD then an OU named degree without A-levels will be fine. The only time you'll be at a disadvantage is with graduate jobs that ask for A-levels as well (i.e. Tesco graduate warehouse operative, requires 3 A-levels and 2:1 etc), but these become irrelevant 1 or 2 years or so after gaining your first undergrad. Clearly your aspirations are well beyond this kind of grad job.

If I were in your position right now and aiming for a PHD or MSC, I would have chosen the OU degree over the A-levels. It's great to talk about top universities, and A-level grades are a qualifier for that, but when you get a little older, you realise that the whole A-level thing just isn't important once you have an undergrad, especially not for entry in to postrgad, doc or post doc education as you have said you want.

As you have found out already, among employers and academics, an OU degree is highly regarded. With hindsight, if I was in your position now, I would make a beeline straight for that OU degree.

Bear in mind you want to begin a September/October course, you will have to register tomorrow at the latest (9th is the deadline this year) though courses also begin in January/February with registration deadlines in November/December if you need some more time to consider.

I'm aiming for a first too, but studying for a different reason. If that's what you want, go for it. I'm not the smartest cookie, but can certainly see how a first is very doable with a bit of extra effort.

Thanks for your reply, very helpful. Rep earned
Oh and btw, I meant October 2011 for start date.

[jo1692]

Just to update, 18 months on, circumstances have changed significantly since (now live in Munich, Germany) but started my OU degree in English Literature & German in February 2012.

[Nitebot]

(Original post by jo1692)
Just to update, 18 months on, circumstances have changed significantly since (now live in Munich, Germany) but started my OU degree in English Literature & German in February 2012.

Good to hear your update! Good luck with your combo degree!

[Moggs]

(Original post by jo1692)
Just to update, 18 months on, circumstances have changed significantly since (now live in Munich, Germany) but started my OU degree in English Literature & German in February 2012.

Good luck

[bownessie]

(Original post by jo1692)
Just to update, 18 months on, circumstances have changed significantly since (now live in Munich, Germany) but started my OU degree in English Literature & German in February 2012.

Congratulations on sorting everything out and getting such good gcse grades!

How are you finding the OU so far?

[Bleak Lemming]

ou, no brainer.

[jo1692]

(Original post by bownessie)

How are you finding the OU so far?

It's a mixed bag really. AA100 (Arts: Past and Present), the 60 credit introductory course (so half of my courses) to the humanities and arts, is sufficiently challenging and very interesting. L130 (Intermediate German) is for me far too easy - I underestimated how much my German would improve between registering and starting the course. However, for someone at the right level, it is indeed a very high quality course. L185 (English for Academic Purposes) is the only disaster. I felt insecure about my study skills after a break from education so I took it to bolster my confidence. However, they should make it clearer that it is really intended for people whose first language is not English or for English natives with literacy problems. I find it therefore very dull and not at all stimulating. Several others have felt the same and withdrawn, but I want the 30 credits to go towards my degree.

Then there is the feeling of isolation and the challenge of motivation which are inherent in distance learning. I do miss a physical academic environment and all the social contacts that come with it.

But on the plus side, the OU affords me the flexible schedule to allow me to work and afford my life in Munich.

[llys]

Hi there. It was great to read your update! I wish more people would tell us what they decided to do in the end.

(Original post by jo1692)
It's a mixed bag really. AA100 (Arts: Past and Present), the 60 credit introductory course (so half of my courses) to the humanities and arts, is sufficiently challenging and very interesting. L130 (Intermediate German) is for me far too easy - I underestimated how much my German would improve between registering and starting the course. However, for someone at the right level, it is indeed a very high quality course. L185 (English for Academic Purposes) is the only disaster. I felt insecure about my study skills after a break from education so I took it to bolster my confidence. However, they should make it clearer that it is really intended for people whose first language is not English or for English natives with literacy problems. I find it therefore very dull and not at all stimulating. Several others have felt the same and withdrawn, but I want the 30 credits to go towards my degree.

I was just thinking: if you still think you might go into International Relations later, it would be REALLY useful to continue your French (I saw you got A* at GCSE). Maybe you could switch L185 for L120 (Intermediate French) ? Might be more fun too!

[Delain]

Good to hear you got things sorted out and I wish you luck with your studies! AA100 is a great course, I'm studying it myself now and finding it immensely enjoyable.