Open University
Milton Keynes
Any young OU students?
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Original post by raspberryruffle
16 and hoping to start an OU course 
What are you hoping to study?
Open University
Milton Keynes
Original post by 3mily
What are you hoping to study?
I'm not sure yet, because I want to eventually do a degree in Psychology and I don't know if I were to do something outside out of that field, just out of interest, it'd look weird. So either one of the 'Introduction to' in Psychology or Social Sciences, or something more specific such as human genetics and health issues or understanding human nutrition
Original post by raspberryruffle
I'm not sure yet, because I want to eventually do a degree in Psychology and I don't know if I do something outside out of that field, just out of interest, it'll look weird. So either one of the 'Introduction to' in Psychology or Social Sciences, or something more specific such as human genetics and health issues or understanding human nutrition
Sounds good!! I hope it goes well for you
Hmm.
I've never thought about OU, didn't/don't really know what it is/how it works.
I'm 19 finished 6th form last summer but still have no idea what the hell I want to do.
If/when I realise my calling this could be just the thing for me. I'm not interested in student life tbh (and would be older then most freshies if/when I start a traditional course) and with every passing month of doing nothing my chances of going to a proper Uni get smaller.
So how does this work, can you sign up for a course whenever? and learn in your own time?
What sort of learning materials do you get/need? Where do you do examinations?
These questions are mainly for future reference as I have said I am still at a complete loss as to what I want to do.
I've never thought about OU, didn't/don't really know what it is/how it works.
I'm 19 finished 6th form last summer but still have no idea what the hell I want to do.
If/when I realise my calling this could be just the thing for me. I'm not interested in student life tbh (and would be older then most freshies if/when I start a traditional course) and with every passing month of doing nothing my chances of going to a proper Uni get smaller.
So how does this work, can you sign up for a course whenever? and learn in your own time?
What sort of learning materials do you get/need? Where do you do examinations?
These questions are mainly for future reference as I have said I am still at a complete loss as to what I want to do.
Original post by bax121
Hmm.
I've never thought about OU, didn't/don't really know what it is/how it works.
I'm 19 finished 6th form last summer but still have no idea what the hell I want to do.
If/when I realise my calling this could be just the thing for me. I'm not interested in student life tbh (and would be older then most freshies if/when I start a traditional course) and with every passing month of doing nothing my chances of going to a proper Uni get smaller.
So how does this work, can you sign up for a course whenever? and learn in your own time?
What sort of learning materials do you get/need? Where do you do examinations?
These questions are mainly for future reference as I have said I am still at a complete loss as to what I want to do.
I've never thought about OU, didn't/don't really know what it is/how it works.
I'm 19 finished 6th form last summer but still have no idea what the hell I want to do.
If/when I realise my calling this could be just the thing for me. I'm not interested in student life tbh (and would be older then most freshies if/when I start a traditional course) and with every passing month of doing nothing my chances of going to a proper Uni get smaller.
So how does this work, can you sign up for a course whenever? and learn in your own time?
What sort of learning materials do you get/need? Where do you do examinations?
These questions are mainly for future reference as I have said I am still at a complete loss as to what I want to do.
look on the website http://www.open.ac.uk/
Original post by bax121
So how does this work, can you sign up for a course whenever? and learn in your own time?
Courses have specific start dates. Some in February, some in May, some in November etc.. You have to find the course you are interested in first. You sign up, register for the course and either pay for it or apply for financial support if needed. The courses run for a specific amount of time, you need to complete assignments (and, if necessary, examinations) according to the deadlines they set for you.
Original post by bax121
What sort of learning materials do you get/need? Where do you do examinations?
They send you a variety of materials, it depends on the course. Some have DVDs, CDs, extra resource books and I am pretty sure all of them have the standard course manuals. Not every course requires you to sit an exam, but if you do need to take one, you'll sit it at the nearest regional centre (or at home, if your circumstances allow it). Courses usually have assignments that you submit online (or via post, if you have to) and if there is no exam, there is usually an end of course assessment that is larger and more difficult than the typical assignment.
Original post by bax121
These questions are mainly for future reference as I have said I am still at a complete loss as to what I want to do.
Don't stress about the future, there's no point signing up to something you're not at least moderately passionate about. You won't do as well at it as you could do, and you'll find it exceptionally hard to motivate yourself. That is even more true of OU study as opposed to brick uni study, as you're studying alone
Hi,
Im not really enjoying the whole uni experience myself, so perhaps an open uni degree would be more suitable?, i eventually want to become a primary school teacher, so i can get work experience at the same time as studying, plus i can stay and support my family as i have a difficult home life and would like to be there for them, instead of being far away at a traditional uni. Do you reccomend to choose the open uni or should i stay at the brick uni?
Im not really enjoying the whole uni experience myself, so perhaps an open uni degree would be more suitable?, i eventually want to become a primary school teacher, so i can get work experience at the same time as studying, plus i can stay and support my family as i have a difficult home life and would like to be there for them, instead of being far away at a traditional uni. Do you reccomend to choose the open uni or should i stay at the brick uni?
Original post by 3mily
Hi I'm Emily and I'm 18, I've just registered for L194 - Beginners Spanish, eep!! So excited! I'm also studying Travel & Tourism at college for 1 and a half days a week and thought this course would go well with it! I didn't realise so many young people studied with the OU, it's great! Good luck with your courses everyone xx
I'm Emily and I'm 18, I've just registered for L194 - Beginners Spanish, eep!! So excited! I'm also studying Travel & Tourism at college for 1 and a half days a week and thought this course would go well with it! I didn't realise so many young people studied with the OU, it's great! Good luck with your courses everyone xxI've signed up for the same course, not yet got my course materials through though!
Really looking forward to it, so glad I found the course. Nice to know somebody else who is doing the same course too! x
Original post by Adam.13
I've signed up for the same course, not yet got my course materials through though!
Really looking forward to it, so glad I found the course. Nice to know somebody else who is doing the same course too! x
Really looking forward to it, so glad I found the course. Nice to know somebody else who is doing the same course too! x
I thought I was the only one on here doing this course!!! The course materials look really good, I've started looking through the books and disks and it seems interesting!
I'm looking forward to properly starting too - it should be good
xOriginal post by 3mily
I thought I was the only one on here doing this course!!! The course materials look really good, I've started looking through the books and disks and it seems interesting!
I'm looking forward to properly starting too - it should be good x
I'm looking forward to properly starting too - it should be good
xCan't wait until they come through, still no delivery date showing on the course website though! Saying that, I only 'registered' onto the course a few days ago.
Should be good, always wanted to study Spanish properly.
Most people look at me funny when I say I'm doing a Spanish course, ha x
Original post by JB007
Hi,
Im not really enjoying the whole uni experience myself, so perhaps an open uni degree would be more suitable?, i eventually want to become a primary school teacher, so i can get work experience at the same time as studying, plus i can stay and support my family as i have a difficult home life and would like to be there for them, instead of being far away at a traditional uni. Do you reccomend to choose the open uni or should i stay at the brick uni?
Im not really enjoying the whole uni experience myself, so perhaps an open uni degree would be more suitable?, i eventually want to become a primary school teacher, so i can get work experience at the same time as studying, plus i can stay and support my family as i have a difficult home life and would like to be there for them, instead of being far away at a traditional uni. Do you reccomend to choose the open uni or should i stay at the brick uni?
No one can tell you what would be more suitable, it has to be your choice. I attended a brick uni for a term, couldn't stand the learning environment and dropped out. I signed up to the OU a month later and have been studying with them now for 2 years. It was the right choice for me, I much prefer the OU style of learning - but it doesn't suit everyone.
It is nice that you want to help to support your family, but one thing to keep in mind with the OU is that you need to be personally motivated to work. I know how hard it can be to open your books when there is something bad going on in your life, but you have to do it if you want to succeed. If you're determined, self-motivated and dedicated, you'll do fine with the OU. I can't recommend what you should do either way, because I don't know your circumstances well enough. If you're not happy at the moment though, the change might do you good
Original post by alawhisp
No one can tell you what would be more suitable, it has to be your choice. I attended a brick uni for a term, couldn't stand the learning environment and dropped out. I signed up to the OU a month later and have been studying with them now for 2 years. It was the right choice for me, I much prefer the OU style of learning - but it doesn't suit everyone.
It is nice that you want to help to support your family, but one thing to keep in mind with the OU is that you need to be personally motivated to work. I know how hard it can be to open your books when there is something bad going on in your life, but you have to do it if you want to succeed. If you're determined, self-motivated and dedicated, you'll do fine with the OU. I can't recommend what you should do either way, because I don't know your circumstances well enough. If you're not happy at the moment though, the change might do you good
It is nice that you want to help to support your family, but one thing to keep in mind with the OU is that you need to be personally motivated to work. I know how hard it can be to open your books when there is something bad going on in your life, but you have to do it if you want to succeed. If you're determined, self-motivated and dedicated, you'll do fine with the OU. I can't recommend what you should do either way, because I don't know your circumstances well enough. If you're not happy at the moment though, the change might do you good
Yeah i think i would be more suitable with OU, and i am motivated to work, even more so knowing i can be with my Mum to support her. I was wondering though, id like to get a geography degree to have a specialist subject for teaching, but am confused about all the different modules and what to pick to have a complete geography degree, also with a degree from OU, would i be able to become a teacher?
Original post by JB007
Yeah i think i would be more suitable with OU, and i am motivated to work, even more so knowing i can be with my Mum to support her. I was wondering though, id like to get a geography degree to have a specialist subject for teaching, but am confused about all the different modules and what to pick to have a complete geography degree, also with a degree from OU, would i be able to become a teacher?
The undergraduate geography page is here, but there doesn't seem to be a straight geography degree with the OU. If you follow this link and scroll down to where it says "Undergraduate Degree", you can see a list of what specific degrees are on offer.
You could do an Open Degree which is mostly made up of geography courses. For example, from the courses on this list, you could do 120 points at Level 1, 60 points at Level 2 and 60 points at Level 3 - then do the remaining 60 points at Level 2 and 60 points at Level 3 on environmental science courses. That would give you the relevant knowledge.
You can become a teacher after studying at the OU, yes. Once you have your degree, you'll need to do the PGCE, which the OU does offer. If you want to teach geography, at least 180 points of your degree should come from geography courses. You should be ok on the route I suggested above, but it is probably a good idea to call the OU to make sure, if that's the path you want to take
Original post by JB007
Yeah i think i would be more suitable with OU, and i am motivated to work, even more so knowing i can be with my Mum to support her. I was wondering though, id like to get a geography degree to have a specialist subject for teaching, but am confused about all the different modules and what to pick to have a complete geography degree, also with a degree from OU, would i be able to become a teacher?
In addition to the above, if you're talking about physical geography rather than human, there's a route through Natural Sciences, B64. Specifically the Earth Science and Environmental Science ones.
(edited 12 years ago)
I'm 17, hopefully starting an OU Openings course alongside my A2 levels, because I'm bored, the work isn't challenging me enough at college this year and I need something to do - I have pantomime rehearsals twice a week and see my boyfriend on wednesday afternoons and at weekends but apart from that, I'm bored and want to learn more. Hoping to start Understanding Children (10 credit) at the start of November, before going to do something along the lines of applied drama at university so I can become a drama and play therapist 
Original post by Adam.13
Can't wait until they come through, still no delivery date showing on the course website though! Saying that, I only 'registered' onto the course a few days ago.
Should be good, always wanted to study Spanish properly.
Most people look at me funny when I say I'm doing a Spanish course, ha x
Should be good, always wanted to study Spanish properly.
Most people look at me funny when I say I'm doing a Spanish course, ha x
Yeah I couldn't either - mine took a little while, but it never showed a delivery date for me, I just got a knock on the door
Yeah I have too, I studied it at school and wanted to take it at GCSE, but they made you take French as well and I never liked it, but I'm glad I didn't - means I get to do this course now!
I get the looks too
and when I say I'm studying with the OU! xI'm so excited to start (2012) but my Mom really thinks it will be a terrible idea 
My motivation skills are not brilliant but they are quite good and I have improved greatly and I know the O.U requires you to have excellent mot. skills so I would push myself and try my hardest. I'm excited and ready to start and begin a course/subject I haven’t studied before -psychology ... (I love it and have studied it personally) but my Mom is so forceful with what she believes and now she telling my family how ridiculous I'm being, I told her to look on the website but she’s still not convinced. How can I make her understand how good it will be and how good the benefits are with the O.U as opposed to a traditional uni?
I would be able to ignore her if it was for something else, but I would have to stay at home to study from the O.U. (I'm 19) and she feels so strongly about it she said you may have to live away. I suppose I could get student flats? And I would enjoy that, is that allowed for an O.U student? - even if it’s just for one year?
Are you in this situation or something close?
I would be so grateful for any help
My motivation skills are not brilliant but they are quite good and I have improved greatly and I know the O.U requires you to have excellent mot. skills so I would push myself and try my hardest. I'm excited and ready to start and begin a course/subject I haven’t studied before -psychology ... (I love it and have studied it personally) but my Mom is so forceful with what she believes and now she telling my family how ridiculous I'm being, I told her to look on the website but she’s still not convinced. How can I make her understand how good it will be and how good the benefits are with the O.U as opposed to a traditional uni?
I would be able to ignore her if it was for something else, but I would have to stay at home to study from the O.U. (I'm 19) and she feels so strongly about it she said you may have to live away. I suppose I could get student flats? And I would enjoy that, is that allowed for an O.U student? - even if it’s just for one year?
Are you in this situation or something close?
I would be so grateful for any help
Can't you just tell her to read the relevant information? She doesn't really have an argument if she's ignorant of the facts.
I would make the point that a lot of people go to traditional uni because that's the direction that their schools take them and so people feel it's the only option (I know this was the case at my school). Because of this many people in my year went on to study things they didn't care about and found dull. As you've studied something in your own time and find it interesting (kind of like me with languages) you're more likely to do well and remain motivated.
I'm afraid there aren't student flats, as it's designed for part time home learning.
Good luck anyway!
I would make the point that a lot of people go to traditional uni because that's the direction that their schools take them and so people feel it's the only option (I know this was the case at my school). Because of this many people in my year went on to study things they didn't care about and found dull. As you've studied something in your own time and find it interesting (kind of like me with languages) you're more likely to do well and remain motivated.
I'm afraid there aren't student flats, as it's designed for part time home learning.
Good luck anyway!
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by purple-laugh
I'm so excited to start (2012) but my Mom really thinks it will be a terrible idea
My motivation skills are not brilliant but they are quite good and I have improved greatly and I know the O.U requires you to have excellent mot. skills so I would push myself and try my hardest. I'm excited and ready to start and begin a course/subject I haven’t studied before -psychology ... (I love it and have studied it personally) but my Mom is so forceful with what she believes and now she telling my family how ridiculous I'm being, I told her to look on the website but she’s still not convinced. How can I make her understand how good it will be and how good the benefits are with the O.U as opposed to a traditional uni?
I would be able to ignore her if it was for something else, but I would have to stay at home to study from the O.U. (I'm 19) and she feels so strongly about it she said you may have to live away. I suppose I could get student flats? And I would enjoy that, is that allowed for an O.U student? - even if it’s just for one year?
Are you in this situation or something close?
I would be so grateful for any help
My motivation skills are not brilliant but they are quite good and I have improved greatly and I know the O.U requires you to have excellent mot. skills so I would push myself and try my hardest. I'm excited and ready to start and begin a course/subject I haven’t studied before -psychology ... (I love it and have studied it personally) but my Mom is so forceful with what she believes and now she telling my family how ridiculous I'm being, I told her to look on the website but she’s still not convinced. How can I make her understand how good it will be and how good the benefits are with the O.U as opposed to a traditional uni?
I would be able to ignore her if it was for something else, but I would have to stay at home to study from the O.U. (I'm 19) and she feels so strongly about it she said you may have to live away. I suppose I could get student flats? And I would enjoy that, is that allowed for an O.U student? - even if it’s just for one year?
Are you in this situation or something close?
I would be so grateful for any help
The only advice I can offer is to prove her wrong - stick to it and do well!
Original post by purple-laugh
I'm so excited to start (2012) but my Mom really thinks it will be a terrible idea
My motivation skills are not brilliant but they are quite good and I have improved greatly and I know the O.U requires you to have excellent mot. skills so I would push myself and try my hardest. I'm excited and ready to start and begin a course/subject I haven’t studied before -psychology ... (I love it and have studied it personally) but my Mom is so forceful with what she believes and now she telling my family how ridiculous I'm being, I told her to look on the website but she’s still not convinced. How can I make her understand how good it will be and how good the benefits are with the O.U as opposed to a traditional uni?
I would be able to ignore her if it was for something else, but I would have to stay at home to study from the O.U. (I'm 19) and she feels so strongly about it she said you may have to live away. I suppose I could get student flats? And I would enjoy that, is that allowed for an O.U student? - even if it’s just for one year?
Are you in this situation or something close?
I would be so grateful for any help
My motivation skills are not brilliant but they are quite good and I have improved greatly and I know the O.U requires you to have excellent mot. skills so I would push myself and try my hardest. I'm excited and ready to start and begin a course/subject I haven’t studied before -psychology ... (I love it and have studied it personally) but my Mom is so forceful with what she believes and now she telling my family how ridiculous I'm being, I told her to look on the website but she’s still not convinced. How can I make her understand how good it will be and how good the benefits are with the O.U as opposed to a traditional uni?
I would be able to ignore her if it was for something else, but I would have to stay at home to study from the O.U. (I'm 19) and she feels so strongly about it she said you may have to live away. I suppose I could get student flats? And I would enjoy that, is that allowed for an O.U student? - even if it’s just for one year?
Are you in this situation or something close?
I would be so grateful for any help
You just have to persevere and show how good the OU is for you, and how well you're doing - words don't always make a difference. After withdrawing from brick uni, and dithering about in life, when I started making a degree plan with the OU, nobody took me seriously. They thought it was pretend learning etc. But I just kept quiet and stuck to my guns, and now I'm taken seriously. My family takes an interest in the modules, and from being originally uninterested, they have even provided some financial support to help me cover the final module of year 2.
I've found that telling people what I want to do doesn't have any effect on their views, but showing them what I can do makes them think again, and then take an interest, and then look at the open university website themselves and find out the real facts and become appreciative of what you're aiming to do.
I wish you luck, and I hope your Mum comes around and you enjoy your studies with the OU
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