The Official &#x27;Ask a Current Open University Student&#x27; Thread

OP

Original post by bloomer36

Does the Student Finance company fund full time study with the OU? I'm a bit confused because on the OU's website it only mentions studying part time (and how SFE can fund part time study)?

Yes, they do, but whether you study full time or part time, the OU is always considered a part time university, so you would have the part time loan which will be mentioned by the finance company. But you can still complete it in the usual 3 years, 120 credits a year. :smile:

Reply 68

OP

Original post by grissom123

What happens if you struggle with certain TMA questions and submit them with some questions answered and some not, like if you were doing an exam at school and you just left them out? Would the whole TMA be rejected?

If you're struggling with a TMA, you can ask your tutor for some guidance to help you complete it. If you feel like you can't make the deadline, you can ask for an extension. TMAs usually consist of one main question or statement that you write an essay in response to, so if you left that question out, you'd fail because you wouldn't have written an essay! :lol:

My TMAs in second year now seem to consist of two or three parts and some people have missed the entire essay for their own reasons and managed to pass because part 1 is 60% of their mark, but generally it's bad practice to totally ignore questions. They don't reject TMAs, they will be marked if they're handed in but you may not pass or get a good mark.

Original post by ellefxtz

I'm thinking of joining the OU after july. Is it good? can the qualifications you get there really change your life like they say? Im on my last life here, in poverty and unable to transfer to any other physical unis.

I am finding it good, it's not a walk in the park, just like any degree, but it has encouraged myself to aim for the sky and believe in myself. :smile:

A degree alone can't change your life but I think when someone comes from a poorly educated background to graduating with a degree, it can bring them a sense of achievement and the feeling that they can do anything they put their mind to and they're not as 'dumb' as they thought they were. That in itself can encourage people to chase their dreams and the degree opens up new career pathways.

Original post by hcwilson7

Hiya! I'm planning to begin my Certificate of Higher Education (Open) in February, I'd like to use this qualification to gain entry into another university for political science. I'm wondering if this a commonly done thing (using the OU qualifications to get into a university which is full-time and based in person)? Thanks :smile:

Yes, this is commonly done. However people usually do year 1 of the actual degree, then use the 120 credits to finish the last two years with the university of their choice.

Reply 69

TommyDH

15

I study OU :smile:

I did apply to a brick uni at first, but after listening to advice I went with OU instead. In hindsight I wouldn't have survived at a brick uni with my neurological disorder. I'd either be universally hated or suspended and thrown out because of it. Also I'm white and working class so I'd have probably been rejected. At least I don't have to put up with the blue hair gender studies brigade at OU :colone:

Only problem I'm having is I feel so isolated and lonely. I don't really have any friends, I see my girlfriend on weekends and sometimes in the week if she has a day off but that's all. I'm not being socialized at all which is bad for me as I need the practice and to be in social situations a lot so I can be normal

I might think about a brick uni after my first year but idk. I don't wanna risk the wrath of marxist professors and then end up with no education at all.

Reply 70

OP

Original post by TommyDH

I study OU :smile:

I did apply to a brick uni at first, but after listening to advice I went with OU instead. In hindsight I wouldn't have survived at a brick uni with my neurological disorder. I'd either be universally hated or suspended and thrown out because of it. Also I'm white and working class so I'd have probably been rejected. At least I don't have to put up with the blue hair gender studies brigade at OU :colone:

Only problem I'm having is I feel so isolated and lonely. I don't really have any friends, I see my girlfriend on weekends and sometimes in the week if she has a day off but that's all. I'm not being socialized at all which is bad for me as I need the practice and to be in social situations a lot so I can be normal

I might think about a brick uni after my first year but idk. I don't wanna risk the wrath of marxist professors and then end up with no education at all.

Have you joined the social media groups on FB? There are also student association meet ups which I've been to where you meet in pubs and have a chat and you also get to meet other students if you go to tutorials which I find to be a good experience. :smile:

Reply 71

TommyDH

15

Original post by hannxm

Have you joined the social media groups on FB? There are also student association meet ups which I've been to where you meet in pubs and have a chat and you also get to meet other students if you go to tutorials which I find to be a good experience. :smile:

Oh yeah, I totally forgot about the tutorials. Do many go?

I'm permanently banned from facebook, anytime I try signing up again they just lock me out.

Reply 72

OP

Original post by TommyDH

Oh yeah, I totally forgot about the tutorials. Do many go?

I'm permanently banned from facebook, anytime I try signing up again they just lock me out.

Yeah, there's usually a handful of people who go. :smile:

How come?

Reply 73

TommyDH

15

Original post by hannxm

Yeah, there's usually a handful of people who go. :smile:

How come?

I may make an effort then, I'm still only in my first year so it might do me good :biggrin:

I try going to the online tutorials but I often forget d'oh

Oh and for 100% NO reason at all, I'm a good boy :colonhash:

(i might have persistently posted offensive but extremely funny memes or something...)

Reply 74

Cameronkirkbride

2

Is there any hidden costs associated with the open uni?

Reply 75

jaquelyn

3

i'm currently only on my first year and first module, but so far there's been nothing! everything is written on their website and i've had no issues after paying for the module fee - hope this helps (:

Original post by Cameronkirkbride

Is there any hidden costs associated with the open uni?

Reply 76

Rosie1111100567

3

Hi,
I’m 19 and looking to start the Open University in Oct 2019. Do you think the OU is for younger people? I’m a bit nervous that I might become isolated. I would like to become a primary teacher so I would be doing the 3 yr OU course then 1yr doing a PGCE in a physical university. The idea was that if I do the OU it gives me more flexibility to volunteer in a school for experience.

Is it understandable to study with the OU, are the tutors helpful?
I’m sorry for the questions but I want to make sure I’m making the right decision.
Thank you all for your help in advance!!

Reply 77

abbiedwson

3

Hi I have a couple of questions- should I trust the reviews online? They’re very negative sometimes and say how there’s little support and to absolutely not pick OU. Also, how is the grading system? I’ve heard some say that it is really unfair and makes it impossible to get a good grade.

Reply 78

OP