Open University
Milton Keynes
Anyone under 20 doing OU?
I am nearly 18 years old, and i am in my last year of a levels.I dont want to go to university for many reasons but i am interested in doing a degree with the Open University.
However, my school has try to put me off it ever since i came up with the idea because they think its for older people and that i should just go to university.
I was wondering if there was anyone out there who is a similar age, or maybe slightly older than me, who is doing an open university degree? i would love to chat to people who are in a similar situation!
However, my school has try to put me off it ever since i came up with the idea because they think its for older people and that i should just go to university.
I was wondering if there was anyone out there who is a similar age, or maybe slightly older than me, who is doing an open university degree? i would love to chat to people who are in a similar situation!
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Open University
Milton Keynes
Hello,
I recently turned 18 and I'm studying with the Open University. I'm going to be studying Computing & IT and Mathematics full time and my degree starts in two days, on the 3rd of October. I've already started studying though, because we get the course materials and websites mid-September. I have really loved what I've studied so far and I would readily recommend the Open University, but with a few caveats.
The OU is the largest university in the country, one of only three to be internationally accredited in the US and well accredited in all of its subjects. It has no entry requirements but getting a good degree classification takes a lot of work, and it's all down to you. You have to motivate yourself to study and keep up with your course, because you're not going to classes or anything like that. There might be local student meetups and there's usually tutorials at local colleges but these are far less frequent than anything at a brick university. If you're okay with that, then you'll do fine.
The Open University is a fantastic opportunity. You might have done really well in school and be able to get into any university you want; or you might be in a position where your grades won't get you far. Regardless, the Open University will accept you for any subject you can think of. A large part of what originally got me looking at the OU was that I could study Computing there without needing a Higher/A level in Mathematics. Funnily enough, this opportunity eventually led to me studying a lot of maths in my own time and deciding to take it as a second subject. My tutors have, when quizzing me about my readiness, accepted that practice as readily as they would a formal qualification. It's not about what you have going in to uni, but the effort you put in while you're there. I admire that attitude.
Additionally, many students nowadays are rightly concerned about the cost of a degree. In England, I'm pretty sure OU course fees are lower than most. In Scotland, it's free like any other form of higher education. I'm not sure about Wales and NI. In any case, you don't have to worry about things like accommodation. You'll be studying at home. As I live in Scotland, my degree is effectively free and faster to complete than normal Scottish degrees (4 years) because it follows the English structure (3 years).
A big caveat and one of the main reasons most young students don't want to study with the OU is that it doesn't have the same culture and socialisation potential. You can meet people through forums, tutorials, local groups, etc. but they'll be of a variety of ages and often have commitments at work or with family. You can't expect things like a crazy freshers week, parties or even being forced to meet new people through classes and dorms. Quite a few courses have mandatory collaborative elements, but some subjects don't have them at all. You could go through your whole degree and barely talk to anyone if you really wanted to. If you're the social butterfly type, it's unlikely to appeal to you. For me, it's perfect because it's a calm, serious environment for study, and you know that everyone is there because they want to learn.
So it really comes down to that core question: are you going to university to learn or to have fun? If your focus is learning then the OU is just as good as anywhere else, possibly even better, but you'll have to make your own fun.
Good luck.
I recently turned 18 and I'm studying with the Open University. I'm going to be studying Computing & IT and Mathematics full time and my degree starts in two days, on the 3rd of October. I've already started studying though, because we get the course materials and websites mid-September. I have really loved what I've studied so far and I would readily recommend the Open University, but with a few caveats.
The OU is the largest university in the country, one of only three to be internationally accredited in the US and well accredited in all of its subjects. It has no entry requirements but getting a good degree classification takes a lot of work, and it's all down to you. You have to motivate yourself to study and keep up with your course, because you're not going to classes or anything like that. There might be local student meetups and there's usually tutorials at local colleges but these are far less frequent than anything at a brick university. If you're okay with that, then you'll do fine.
The Open University is a fantastic opportunity. You might have done really well in school and be able to get into any university you want; or you might be in a position where your grades won't get you far. Regardless, the Open University will accept you for any subject you can think of. A large part of what originally got me looking at the OU was that I could study Computing there without needing a Higher/A level in Mathematics. Funnily enough, this opportunity eventually led to me studying a lot of maths in my own time and deciding to take it as a second subject. My tutors have, when quizzing me about my readiness, accepted that practice as readily as they would a formal qualification. It's not about what you have going in to uni, but the effort you put in while you're there. I admire that attitude.
Additionally, many students nowadays are rightly concerned about the cost of a degree. In England, I'm pretty sure OU course fees are lower than most. In Scotland, it's free like any other form of higher education. I'm not sure about Wales and NI. In any case, you don't have to worry about things like accommodation. You'll be studying at home. As I live in Scotland, my degree is effectively free and faster to complete than normal Scottish degrees (4 years) because it follows the English structure (3 years).
A big caveat and one of the main reasons most young students don't want to study with the OU is that it doesn't have the same culture and socialisation potential. You can meet people through forums, tutorials, local groups, etc. but they'll be of a variety of ages and often have commitments at work or with family. You can't expect things like a crazy freshers week, parties or even being forced to meet new people through classes and dorms. Quite a few courses have mandatory collaborative elements, but some subjects don't have them at all. You could go through your whole degree and barely talk to anyone if you really wanted to. If you're the social butterfly type, it's unlikely to appeal to you. For me, it's perfect because it's a calm, serious environment for study, and you know that everyone is there because they want to learn.
So it really comes down to that core question: are you going to university to learn or to have fun? If your focus is learning then the OU is just as good as anywhere else, possibly even better, but you'll have to make your own fun.
Good luck.
I am not gonna put you off but the social life is crap, but if you want a degree that's cheap and takes longer then go for it. I wish I chose brick uni off instead
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Original post by iloveteddy14
the social life is crap
a degree that's cheap
takes longer
I wish I chose brick uni
lol?
Original post by Wilfred Little
lol?
To be fair the "a degree that's cheap" and "takes longer" points can be interpreted positively. The cost of studying is much lower with the OU, due to lower fees (where applicable) and lack of accommodation costs. All required books are provided as well. A degree there can take longer if you study part time, and that flexibility is part of the appeal as it allows you to study around other commitments like work or children. Studying full time is three years like any other English BA/BSc though.
I'd also agree that the social life is inherently 'worse' than other universities. You're not meeting nearly so many people in person and the demographics are much wider. This has its upsides and downsides. You might find it harder to connect with people in totally different situations (i.e. just left high school vs married with a job and children) but this breadth of interaction is also a good thing. You'll meet people who are already employed, quite possibly in the field you're interested in, and possibly get useful advice or contacts somewhere you'd like to work. It's also really useful for people who'd normally only mingle with their peers, because learning to interact with your elders is really important once you're out in the workplace. Your bosses are almost inevitably going to be older than you, and many of your colleagues may be as well.
It's possible to switch to a brick university if you want to anyway. You can take the years you've already done as a HNC or HND and put that towards getting into a degree somewhere. Conversely, it's quite possible to bring credits from other universities into your OU studies if you go to a brick university first and decide you don't like it.
iloveteddy14's points aren't really that much different from mine, but the interpretation is totally different. As I've said, if you go to university for the sake of a social life and can't build one outside of it for yourself, then it isn't going to work for you. If you're really after the degree itself, then it's a perfectly viable choice.
Original post by iloveteddy14
I am not gonna put you off but the social life is crap, but if you want a degree that's cheap and takes longer then go for it. I wish I chose brick uni off instead
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It's distance learning, what did you expect? There's no attending classes etc. It's what you make of it. I've made a few FB friends through the OU and go for drinks every so often with others in my region even when they are 2 hours away (North is a huge region; covers the NE, Cumbria and a bit more....). Although I imagine it's going to get crapper when the Regional centres close so less open days etc..
Degree doesn't have to take longer. You can still do it in 3 years if you do it full time like you would at a brick Uni but you choose to do it part time if you have other commitments or wish to work alongside etc..
And it's not too late for you to go to brick uni if that's what you want to do. You can possibly transfer some credits across depending on what you've done, the uni you want to go to and the course. Or you could start again but could have issues if you've been using funding....
It's all down to circumstances and what you want to get out of it. Weight up pros and cons OP and you can always change direction as never too late!
(edited 8 years ago)
I am sticking with it now as I am looking to graduate social work I will get the uni experience when I am doing MA Social Work.
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I turned 20 in June and have just started a law degree with the open university. My reasons were mainly financial; even with all the possible loans I still would have been able to afford a brick university (my parents refuse to pay for / help me), I need a full time job in order to survive and the open university was the perfect solution to wanting to study and needing a full time job
Original post by missnails
I turned 20 in June and have just started a law degree with the open university. My reasons were mainly financial; even with all the possible loans I still would have been able to afford a brick university (my parents refuse to pay for / help me), I need a full time job in order to survive and the open university was the perfect solution to wanting to study and needing a full time job
This is what I wanted to do next year as I'm such a baby when it comes to staying away from home. But I spoke to a qualified barrister myself and he told me it would be extremely difficult to become a barrister or a solicitor with a law degree via the OU. Which upset me as I really had my eye set on that, so it looks like I'll have to go study away at an actual university. Good luck with yours though, how are you finding it so far?
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Original post by elliemayxo
This is what I wanted to do next year as I'm such a baby when it comes to staying away from home. But I spoke to a qualified barrister myself and he told me it would be extremely difficult to become a barrister or a solicitor with a law degree via the OU. Which upset me as I really had my eye set on that, so it looks like I'll have to go study away at an actual university. Good luck with yours though, how are you finding it so far?
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I don't know much about studying Law, but what I would say is don't rely on the opinion of one person (no matter how qualified).
Ask around, call a few law firms ask their opinion first (also maybe get some work exp in) , try forums see if anyone else has been in similar boat and got somewhere and ask brick universities if OU can be used as credit (in case you start OU and wish to later go to brick uni) or if can do a top up/masters with them. Also try the OU careers peeps (I've personally not used them but can't hurt asking). It might be harder with the OU as you don't have the social aspect that law generally requires and may be missing any uni-law firm links that local brick unis may have but nothing is impossible.
Do a fair bit of research before making a decision.
http://www.open.ac.uk/law/main/career-choices/career-development
(edited 8 years ago)
Original post by elliemayxo
This is what I wanted to do next year as I'm such a baby when it comes to staying away from home. But I spoke to a qualified barrister myself and he told me it would be extremely difficult to become a barrister or a solicitor with a law degree via the OU. Which upset me as I really had my eye set on that, so it looks like I'll have to go study away at an actual university. Good luck with yours though, how are you finding it so far?
I can't honestly think of any reason why you wouldn't be able to become a barrister with an OU degree. The requirements are discussed quite extensively in this thread: http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1584309 and the OU degree meets them. It's accredited and should, by all rights, be accepted: http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/qualifications/q79
Whether there's any bias in the system against the Open University I can't say, but it's a very well recognised university and the largest in the country. It's one of only three to be accredited internationally in America and generally seems well regarded. Nonetheless, there does tend to be some snobbery towards it, and I can't comment on whether the legal profession tends towards that. There's a page on the OU site about being a lawyer if it helps: http://www.open.ac.uk/law/main/career-choices/i-want-be-lawyer
Good luck!
Original post by laalNick
I don't know much about studying Law, but what I would say is don't rely on the opinion of one person (no matter how qualified).
Ask around, call a few law firms ask their opinion first (also maybe get some work exp in) , try forums see if anyone else has been in similar boat and got somewhere and ask brick universities if OU can be used as credit (in case you start OU and wish to later go to brick uni) or if can do a top up/masters with them. Also try the OU careers peeps (I've personally not used them but can't hurt asking). It might be harder with the OU as you don't have the social aspect that law generally requires and may be missing any uni-law firm links that local brick unis may have but nothing is impossible.
Do a fair bit of research before making a decision.
http://www.open.ac.uk/law/main/career-choices/career-development
Ask around, call a few law firms ask their opinion first (also maybe get some work exp in) , try forums see if anyone else has been in similar boat and got somewhere and ask brick universities if OU can be used as credit (in case you start OU and wish to later go to brick uni) or if can do a top up/masters with them. Also try the OU careers peeps (I've personally not used them but can't hurt asking). It might be harder with the OU as you don't have the social aspect that law generally requires and may be missing any uni-law firm links that local brick unis may have but nothing is impossible.
Do a fair bit of research before making a decision.
http://www.open.ac.uk/law/main/career-choices/career-development
Thanks for your help
I've come to the conclusion where it would actually be good for me to go away and study. Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by elliemayxo
Thanks for your help I've come to the conclusion where it would actually be good for me to go away and study.
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I've come to the conclusion where it would actually be good for me to go away and study. Posted from TSR Mobile
Cool beans. Whatever you think it best. Just wanted to make sure you've considered your options.
Original post by laalNick
Cool beans. Whatever you think it best. Just wanted to make sure you've considered your options.
Thanks. I won't be attending that soon anyway as after this last year at college I'm going to take a gap year and build up my knowledge with Law and get as much experience as possible.
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Original post by elliemayxo
Thanks. I won't be attending that soon anyway as after this last year at college I'm going to take a gap year and build up my knowledge with Law and get as much experience as possible.
Sounds like a good decision. Good luck.
Original post by elliemayxo
Thanks. I won't be attending that soon anyway as after this last year at college I'm going to take a gap year and build up my knowledge with Law and get as much experience as possible.
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Sounds like a plan. All the best.
Original post by Urist
Sounds like a good decision. Good luck.
Thank you
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Original post by laalNick
Sounds like a plan. All the best.
Thanks
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Original post by littlechicklet
I am nearly 18 years old, and i am in my last year of a levels.I dont want to go to university for many reasons but i am interested in doing a degree with the Open University.
However, my school has try to put me off it ever since i came up with the idea because they think its for older people and that i should just go to university.
I was wondering if there was anyone out there who is a similar age, or maybe slightly older than me, who is doing an open university degree? i would love to chat to people who are in a similar situation!
However, my school has try to put me off it ever since i came up with the idea because they think its for older people and that i should just go to university.
I was wondering if there was anyone out there who is a similar age, or maybe slightly older than me, who is doing an open university degree? i would love to chat to people who are in a similar situation!
I am 18 years old. I just finished my alevels (bio chem and psychology) in June this year and im starting BSc Health sciences on the 10th, four days to go! I am enjoying the work that i have already began. If your worried about a social life you will not get the whole campus uni experience but you do meet people on the forums who are similar to you. Also you do have face to face tutorials with your tutor and other people doing the same course. the amazing thing about doing a degree with OU you meet so many different people in different situation who are all motivated to learn. OU is a straight forward system of learning. Hope this helps and if you have any other questions just ask!
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