Thanks to all of you for your fast replies and explanation of OU courses.
...“How is it going?”
The courses are brilliant and are very addictive. I went into sciences many years ago but always felt that my heart was in the Arts. With the kids finally at uni, I have a bit more peace and quiet. I've only done two courses at Oxford and will definitely continue. Each course is 10 credits and requires two TMAs. After such a long break, it's been difficult to get back into the self-discipline and organisation required, but I'm getting there. I'm concentrating on Literature, but their Facebook page has already got me interested in History and Archeology so I don't know where I'll end up!
There are many other online courses, but they do not offer transferable CATS points. Exeter uni has very similar courses to Oxford and a bit cheaper, but they do not have TMAs and are not accredited. Likewise Cambridge. There are also some brilliant free courses at FutureLearn.
….”The Foundation Certificate in English Literature can take you into the second year of a full undergrad degree at a number of unis,...”
Thanks, but I think I'm way past that stage, and my family, boss and relatives may well have me sent to a looney bin. :-) I'm well past needing a degree and am doing this for personal reasons, so the CertHE is perfect.
I think I'll forget about French. I really wanted to study the literature but the OU courses seem to focus on everyday language, which I don't want.
….”Finally, the great advantage about starting from where you are is that you may find that you want to dive into postgrad study after the Cert HE and forget about undergrad altogether. One of the myths about further education in the humanities in later life is that you have to complete the BA before you can do anything else. Not so . This is particularly relevant in your case because if you already have an undergrad degree in anything at all, you won't qualify for student loans and may even be charged higher tuition fees, under the ELQ (equivalent or lower qualification) rules. ...”
Excellent advice. Thank you.