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Open University YASS scheme

Hey!

My name's Sam and I'm currently studying 4 AS Levels (+ General Studies) at my sixth form.

There's a group of us who have been asked if we would like to take part in this Open University Young Applicants in Schools and Colleges Scheme. Basically, you select a course and you complete a module of a University degree. Some of them are huge and last for 9 months with approximately 16 hours per week of work, whereas others only last 10 weeks with 8 hours of study. Since it's the Open University, it's all done over the internet and you study independently from home.

http://www.open.ac.uk/yass/

Now, has anyone ever been a part of this scheme? What's it like?
Did you find the time to manage both your A Levels and this course too?

We were told that this won't actually get you anymore UCAS points, but it's something to go in your personal statement. Is it worth it?

Then there's the whole decision of what course to do.. :/

So yeah. Basically, I don't know if it's worth doing a course. I'm worried that I don't have the time, and that my normal A Level studies will suffer as a result. Then again, it's a great thing to have done surely?

Sorry if it's in the wrong forum..

Thanks!
Sam

Reply 1

Bella_trixxx

I did MST 121, one of the longer 9 month courses and YES, it is a fantastic thing to do! I just got my course result back with 73%, and I didn't even read half the chapters, lol. But no, seriously, it is fairly easy to organise your time, because it doesnt matter when you do it it just means you'll probably end up working more on it during holidays etc... but not too much of a bother at all, honestly. Most of them dont even have an exam at the end :smile:

Reply 2

*bobo*

I haven't yet, but I'm starting a 3rd year course in feb which lasts until october. apparantly they will allow extensions on work during summer exam period etc. but having looked at the material of the course it doesn't seem hugely challenging and there isn't that much to cover, although of course this will vary.
The reason why i'm doing it is because for maths they don't want you to be left going rusty for a year before uni, and also because I know i'll enjoy it. also, depending on which university you go to and the relevence of the course you take to the degree your doing, you can transfer points.
if you do end up doing it, you should pick a course relevent to what you want to do at university.

Reply 3

Stratocaster

Thanks for the feedback guys, it's very much appreciated! :wink:

I've asked if I can apply for the 'Volcanos, Earthquakes and Tsunamis' course. It was between either that or 'Modelling the Climate', but the latter seemed to have a heavy physics influence, and it was mainly data handling using software, rather than proper scientific learning.

Wish me luck with it!

Reply 4

famelasofia

Hi there!
I had a question, so you can't apply for it if you live in England?

Reply 5

04MR17

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by famelasofia

Hi there!
I had a question, so you can't apply for it if you live in England?

Since the thread is 11 years old, the situation has changed since the OP was made.

YASS certainly did used to be offered in England (evidence). I can't find any current information on the scheme being offered in England, perhaps you can with further research.

I'd recommend starting a new thread here if you have more questions on this. :wink:

(edited 5 years ago)