The Official 'Ask a Current Open University Student' Thread

Hi im 18 nd im thinking about doing english language and literature at OU full-time
my parents nd family want me to do Open Uni so im considering it nd ik ppl who have done it nd say its really good nd even seen as better than a brick uni because u need a higher percentage for a first nd it shows motivation nd independent study. what was ur experience like?
i just want to ask what its like because ive seen bad reviews online nd can OU be studied anywhere in the world? like if i was to go abroad for the full three years would that work as im a british national?
Thank you

Sorry to jump on this post but I saw you received no response and I have just finished my OU degree so could possibly help!

In regards to you needing higher scores, this is actually false. The OU follows a different grading scale to other universities but they are still worth exactly the same. For example, a standard uni normally uses a scale of up to 70% whereas the OU uses the full range of up to 100%.

Another thing to point out, I don't really think a degree from the OU would be viewed any better by an employer. It is just the same as a normal degree unless you go out of your own way to show you are exceptional with time management by studying and working at the same time full-time; I don't want to sound disheartening but you may even find some discrimination because of it, which is sad but true... It is starting to change slightly for the better and the OU is now beginning to receive a more positive image and reputation, probably since Covid has shifted most education online anyway and they have been specialising in distance learning for years already.

I know this would be later down the line for you if you were to decide to do it, but it is worth noting that most standard universities will accept an OU Bachelor's just the same as any other degree, if you are applying for further studies such as masters or PhD. Nevertheless, I think i have been discriminated against slightly by some uni's (I won't name them here) during my masters applications.

You can study a OU degree anywhere, that's correct, but you may have problems with getting a tuition fee loan from SFE if you plan on travelling whilst studying. You must inform SFE of any changes to your permanent address during your studies, and I assume if you do move abroad somewhere, your finance would be withdrawn or disrupted. Any physical books and materials needed for your course get sent out to your address too. Saying that, I think it is absolutely fine for short periods such as holidays, as long as you are still a UK resident.

Hope that helps!

Sorry to jump on this post but I saw you received no response and I have just finished my OU degree so could possibly help!

In regards to you needing higher scores, this is actually false. The OU follows a different grading scale to other universities but they are still worth exactly the same. For example, a standard uni normally uses a scale of up to 70% whereas the OU uses the full range of up to 100%.

Another thing to point out, I don't really think a degree from the OU would be viewed any better by an employer. It is just the same as a normal degree unless you go out of your own way to show you are exceptional with time management by studying and working at the same time full-time; I don't want to sound disheartening but you may even find some discrimination because of it, which is sad but true... It is starting to change slightly for the better and the OU is now beginning to receive a more positive image and reputation, probably since Covid has shifted most education online anyway and they have been specialising in distance learning for years already.

I know this would be later down the line for you if you were to decide to do it, but it is worth noting that most standard universities will accept an OU Bachelor's just the same as any other degree, if you are applying for further studies such as masters or PhD. Nevertheless, I think i have been discriminated against slightly by some uni's (I won't name them here) during my masters applications.

You can study a OU degree anywhere, that's correct, but you may have problems with getting a tuition fee loan from SFE if you plan on travelling whilst studying. You must inform SFE of any changes to your permanent address during your studies, and I assume if you do move abroad somewhere, your finance would be withdrawn or disrupted. Any physical books and materials needed for your course get sent out to your address too. Saying that, I think it is absolutely fine for short periods such as holidays, as long as you are still a UK resident.

Hope that helps!

Hey, I am currently studying an English Literature degree at The Open University and have just completed my first year. Honestly, it has been great for me! The tutors were fantastic and replied to any of my questions within a few hours and the students were great too. Whatsapp and facebook groups were created ( by the students) at the beginning of the year for students who wanted to get to know each other or if you weren't comfortable with that you can communicate with the others via the forum. Depending on your degree, there are 'day schools', where you can learn face to face. There is an ' opportunity hub' on The Open University website too, where internships, jobs etc are advertised.


Regarding the question about you going abroad, don't be afraid to drop an email or even call The Open University. I'm sure they'll be happy to help.

Hi,

How many assignments do you have to complete per term?

I’m looking at doing a open degree and will be studying 120 credits over 1 year

Hi Im looking to apply at open uni in Sept for the psychology degree but nervous about having to not have face to face lecturers as work better that way. Do u get chance to go on campus and communicate well with th lecturers as and when u need to?

Hi, I want to study open stem course a combination of health science and biology modules. However im worried that because of the lack of lab experience because it’s obviously online that it will not be a legit course. Its also not accredited. What to do? Can someone help me please. I also cant travel to milton keys for the lab school

what's your end goal? many people that do combined stem do postgraduate courses with it (i m doing health science if i can help with anything more specifically).

Hi, thank you for your reply. I was initially very interested in health sciences but i saw that its not an accredited course. What is your end goal? Because it seems like with health sciences further study is needed as well as the lab experience. For me I dont know what I want to do exactly but I want to study something that i enjoy and looking at the modules these are the subjects that I really like… im definitely not interested in doing further study if i was going for open stem, any advice would be appreciated ☺️

Actually I m planning to do a counselling masters, so I m not interested in lab work, I know the biology degree is accredited but I don't know that ll make a major difference if you want to work in a lab as it's the practical experience you need anyway.

Ahh, that sounds nice and good luck with your studies… what advice would you give regarding the open stem degree?

If you go with the open stem degree just make sure your modules are ones that follow the prerequisites or that you have the knowledge to do them

If you go with the open stem degree just make sure your modules are ones that follow the prerequisites or that you have the knowledge to do them

Hi, im back again with a question, now that you are doing health sciences you obviously know students that are doing it, have any of them had success with careers straight after finishing their degree? Many thanks 😊