How does the Open university actually work?

Hi

I'm new on ere , but I study at the open uni .. I really like it , I am working towards a degree in computing and development.

I think the way it works is really good , we have to submit assignments and undertake tests , I go into the uni on selected day and meet with other students in my tutor group and with the tutor …

I have to say theta the course material is really very good , I did make a comparison with a guy doing the equivalent at B/M uni and I was really pleased with how good the Ou is ..

any question just ask.. andy

It's just like normal uni in that you need to do essays (and as you've found some courses have exams). The main difference is that you really have to motivate yourself - there are optional tutorials, but they're about monthly so most of the time you are studying on your own. You can contact your tutor and they have forums where you can discuss issues with other students, though.

It's not too good to be true because studying on your own is hard, and you need to fit it around other commitments - mostly, students will either work full time or have families or occasionally both!

Thanks, the Monthly tutorials, are they face to face or over the phone/ online sort of thing?

But upon completion of the course will I get the same sort of degree as I'd get if I went to an everyday University campus? Will there still be a graduation day?

Well, monthly is an estimate - some courses are more often, some less often. And they have different forms, so some courses have phone tutorials with just you and your tutor, but others have face-to-face or online with the rest of your group. But the thing is they are optional so you don't have to go if you really can't manage it - or if it's because of a medical reason they might be able to help with that.

Not all courses have exams - in my degree I'm only gonna have 3! And again, if it's medical reasons then you might be able to sit them in a separate room or whatever would help you.

Yes, you'll get a degree. And yes you can attend a graduation ceremony but you don't have to if you don't want to.

Okay, but I assume that if the course has exams that they'd be in an institution, so for me, Living not to far from Edge hill Uni, I guess exams may be held there?
Curious, if there are no exams then won't I be guaranteed to gain a degree?

Do you study at the OU? what are you studying for?

Exams can be held anywhere. My exams are held at a place called "the Christian centre", and I've even heard of them being held at football clubs. So no, you're not guaranteed to go to that uni for exams. All they need is a building big enough that they can hire really.

Most degree pathways will have some exams in them. If you take the "Open Degree" which is basically where you take any modules you want (although there are some restrictions, such as you can't take some courses unless you've done others first) then you can find a combination of modules which will have no exams - but it will be a bit of this, a bit of that, and ooooh throw that in there too. If you want something a bit more related or one of their named degrees then you will need an exam at some point.

I'm studying for a degree in Social Sciences with Economics.

Thanks,
I've often wondered, what is social science?

Most degree pathways will have some exams in them. If you take the "Open Degree" which is basically where you take any modules you want (although there are some restrictions, such as you can't take some courses unless you've done others first) then you can find a combination of modules which will have no exams

There is another restriction on what modules you can and can't take. If you opt for say, maths and science, you can't take a course in English. You must take courses that are either just Arts or Science.

It sounds great to me unless I'm missing something?? it kind of sounds to good to be true.

There is another restriction on what modules you can and can't take. If you opt for say, maths and science, you can't take a course in English. You must take courses that are either just Arts or Science.

But if you opt for the BSc, you can take whatever science based modules you want.

My understanding, as far as the Open Degree goes, is that you can combine whatever you like (so long as you do the relevant prerequisites for anything which needs them), and then, to quote the OU, "Whether you qualify for a BA (Hons) Open degree or a BSc (Hons) Open degree will be determined by the number of credits you have from modules suitable for a BA or for a BSc" i.e. they'll figure out which you're getting once you've done it. (I cherish the glorious hope that my Open Degree combining Creative Writing and Design might turn out to be a BSc - the design modules are mostly 'T's, after all - just 'cos I think that would be funny.)

It is for me (someone else who isn't mad keen on the company of others)
but you have to put the hours in.

I would prefer to study in the comfort of my home surroundings whilst I'm so anxious.

Edit: Out of curiosity, as an OU student yourself, can you tell me if you need asn ID badge as a OU student?

Another reason I wouldn't like to go to an actual Uni campus is because I don't want an ID badge, its a personal matter

If you have medical back up - ie a doctor's note - you might be able to get exams in your own home although obviously you'd still need an invigilator.



You need some form of ID to take with you to exams, but you can use an existing passport/driving licence etc for that. You can get an OU student card or an NUS card if you want, but you need to apply for it rather than it automatically being sent, so no you don't have to. And you can apply for a library card if you want to use library services, but again it's optional.

I'll be fine to go along to an occasional exam, I could handle that.

I have a driving license and a passport so that would be valid ID I guess.

Where is the Open University library btw?


Not to be rude, hope you don't mind me asking but how much will you have paid for your course at the end? does it work out cheaper than studying at an actual campus?