Experiences with the open university?

[crofty1984]

Hello all,

I was wondering if anyone's done an OU course and how you found it?

I'm considering doing a part time master's in engineering with the OU. I did a BEng when I was younger 2003-6 but only got a third due to needing to do a few resits (at my uni, if you passed a resit you were given 40%, regardless of actual marks). No violins needed, all my own fault.

I've been toying with the idea of the OU for a while and now I'm thinking of changing career to something more technical it's come back to the foreground of my thoughts and now it looks like I may be able to get a student loan it looks even more do-able. I'm referring not staying when I first had the idea as it would be done by now!

I'm 36 now, so I guess I'd be knocking on the door of 40 by the time I'm finished if it goes well.

[GadgeS3C]

Did my engineering degree with the OU. It was a while ago though; finished in 2000. Back then I found it excellent. I work with a lot of clever folks with "proper" degrees and I've found what I covered compared well with the better Unis.

It's a tough thing to do alongside a day job so does take commitment. But for me that was partly because, after flunking my A levels, I was determined to get a first. I rate anybody that's done a part time degree while working very highly.

It was good enough to get me to CEng too.

Feel free to message me if my ancient experience is any help

[Paul Dishman]

I finished a history degree at the OU last year. I decided to take this year off and am toying with the idea of taking a Masters, possibly at the OU or possibly at Exeter or Plymouth.The entry requirement for a Masters seems to be a 2.1, so I don't know how you'd get on with a third.

OU bureaucracy is on the slow side, and I never found their Adobe Connect software for on-line tutorials to be very satisfactory. I was lucky enough to be given tutors I got on with and that made life much simpler.

Of course this may not be very relevant for engineering.

[crofty1984]

GadgeS3C said:

It's a tough thing to do alongside a day job so does take commitment. But for me that was partly because, after flunking my A levels, I was determined to get a first. I rate anybody that's done a part time degree while working very highly.

Part of my thinking is that if I'm up against new graduates with good grades - I'd be looking at graduate roles probably - there's a practical aspect to it. But a large part (probably the main driver) is also wanting to prove to myself what I could have done if I'd gone to lecures instead of watching Futurama and drinking. Bit of a self-flagellating "fk you, you're better than that and let yourself down". Not saying I'd get a first, but that's the goal, definitely. Might have taken me 20 years, but I'm getting that bd first if it kills me.

[GadgeS3C]

crofty1984 said:

GadgeS3C said:

It's a tough thing to do alongside a day job so does take commitment. But for me that was partly because, after flunking my A levels, I was determined to get a first. I rate anybody that's done a part time degree while working very highly.

Part of my thinking is that if I'm up against new graduates with good grades - I'd be looking at graduate roles probably - there's a practical aspect to it. But a large part (probably the main driver) is also wanting to prove to myself what I could have done if I'd gone to lecures instead of watching Futurama and drinking. Bit of a self-flagellating "fk you, you're better than that and let yourself down". Not saying I'd get a first, but that's the goal, definitely. Might have taken me 20 years, but I'm getting that bd first if it kills me.

Good attitude

[Paul Dishman]

crofty1984 said:

Part of my thinking is that if I'm up against new graduates with good grades - I'd be looking at graduate roles probably - there's a practical aspect to it. But a large part (probably the main driver) is also wanting to prove to myself what I could have done if I'd gone to lecures instead of watching Futurama and drinking. Bit of a self-flagellating "fk you, you're better than that and let yourself down". Not saying I'd get a first, but that's the goal, definitely. Might have taken me 20 years, but I'm getting that bd first if it kills me.

AFAIK, at Master's level you don't get Firsts, Upper Seconds etc, only Pass and Distinction

I've signed in and looked at the M.Sc in engineering, I think you'll have to contact the OU if you haven't done so already and see if they'll take you on the grounds of your experience in industry

[crofty1984]

Distinction it is then 😃 I did speak to them yesterday and it sounds like I'm ok to do it. I know there are a couple of courses where you can build on top of your existing degree like BEng ord to Beng Hons but you have to have finished within the last 8 years ☹️

[Sophisticated Sarah]

I found it pretty poor, however that was ten years ago. First year courses were good and very detailed but the second and third year content seemed to have just been thrown together for the sake of it. However I do have friends who have completed courses recently and they were happy.

Have you looked at Open Uni Oz for a cheaper alternative?

[davhill]

I went from zero to MSc psychology, finishing in 2001 and overall, I was more than happy
with the courses and outcomes. As maths is my Achilles heel, I failed statistics first time
but got it at the next attempt.

I relied heavily on the face-to-face tutorials and the peer support was very valuable. Unwisely,
I cried off the summer schools but I expect that by now, virtual contact is a far better developed
aspect.

I think the main weapon in your armoury is commitment. You'll get plenty of help and support but
nobody is going to do the work for you.

As regards comparisons with 'real' universities I feel they are irrelevant because with the OU, it is
you who are in the driving seat, your input is what achieves the outcome.

I now have four certificates to display on the wall but the most satisfying part is those three letters
after my name that nobody can ever take away.