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Apprenticeship and Open University

I'm currently doing a level 3 apprenticeship within engineering design. I've been there about a year but have gone to hand my notice in before. They suggested I tried working from home, which I'm doing now, and even said they'd keep me on as an employee if I didn't want to do my btec at college.

Things still aren't really working and I'm considering quitting college and starting a part time open uni course alongside working there full time to cover my rent. I mainly self taught my GCSEs and got good grades from a position where I didn't have a proper education onwards of primary school due to some personal problems that forced me out of the system.

I was wondering if anyone on here had experience with OU alongside full time work and which degree you'd recommend that will create job opportunities. I don't mind pay but I'd like a career I enjoy. I really liked maths and the theoretical side of things in school but apart from doing some of the first year a level spec in Yr 11 I have no experience with a levels so am unsure if a step up to degree would be too difficult. At the moment I'm considering maths, engineering and maybe physics as options but am open to recommendations.

Reply 1

thatoven_

Hi there,

I am currently studying with the OU, in my final year of BSc Psychology. Unlike most of my fellow students aiming towards the same qualification, I am doing two (60 credit) modules per academic year similar to a traditional university timescale. Many people prefer to opt for one (60 credit) module per year to fit in other obligations.

I love the OU as I work two jobs and volunteer so I have been fortunate to be able to manage all my responsibilities around each other. However, I’m not sure that it would have been the right mode of study for me when I was in my late teens/early 20’s due to my lack of interest in studying.

It’s true that you have to be self-motivated but if you have a strong goal in your mind to work towards, it should not be an issue. Some days I don’t feel so up to cracking on with the work but that’s just like any human thought related to discipline and isn’t related directly to the OU.

As for degree and course specialties, I’m sure you may already have, but take a look at their website and the list of what they offer. I can’t comment on maths based modules and/or qualifications as I am on a different path. If you were curious about anything in particular than the OU’s student service via telephone have always been helpful and patient.

Some people have said that The Open University doesn’t hold as much value as a traditional brick uni… that could not be further from the truth. Most OU students work, have young families, homes to take care of, etc., all whilst meeting deadlines, showcasing time management and the ability to overcome “isolated learning”. It’s been a great reintroduction back into academics, so much so I have applied and been accepted into Edinburgh in 2025 for postgrad. Anything is possible with the OU!

*Edit: I want to add that level 1 of OU studies is gentle as it eases adults back into studying, some without any prior experience therefore must be approachable for everyone who is enrolled.

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 2

PinkMobilePhone

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Original post by thatoven_

Hi there,
I am currently studying with the OU, in my final year of BSc Psychology. Unlike most of my fellow students aiming towards the same qualification, I am doing two (60 credit) modules per academic year similar to a traditional university timescale. Many people prefer to opt for one (60 credit) module per year to fit in other obligations.
I love the OU as I work two jobs and volunteer so I have been fortunate to be able to manage all my responsibilities around each other. However, I’m not sure that it would have been the right mode of study for me when I was in my late teens/early 20’s due to my lack of interested in studying.
It’s true that you have to be self-motivated but if you have a strong goal in your mind to work towards, it should not be an issue. Some days I don’t feel so up to cracking on with the work but that’s just like any human thought related to discipline and isn’t related directly to the OU.
As for degree and course specialties, I’m sure you may already have, but take a look at their website and the list of what they offer. I can’t comment on maths based modules and/or qualifications as I am on a different path. If you were curious about anything in particular than the OU’s student service via telephone have always been helpful and patient.
Some people have said that The Open University doesn’t hold as much value as a traditional brick uni… that could not be further from the truth. Most OU students work, have young families, homes to take care of, etc., all whilst meeting deadlines, showcasing time management and the ability to overcome “isolated learning”. It’s been a great reintroduction back into academics, so much so I have applied and been accepted into Edinburgh in 2025 for postgrad. Anything is possible with the OU!
*Edit: I want to add that level 1 of OU studies is gentle as it eases adults back into studying, some without any prior experience therefore must be approachable for everyone who is enrolled.