Open University - Who's doing it?

[drunkenmaster]

Sorry, that is what I meant but, without the long explanation, due to the way the system works afaik, if you get distinction/grade 1 across your 120credits at lvl 3 then they contribute 240points to your 630 maximum, so the lowest possible score is 480 afaik. grade 2/3/4 effectively multiple the credits in that module by that amount so if you get a 30credit module at lvl 1 in a grade 2, it becomes 60 points, if you do this at lvl 3, it becomes 120points.

So you don't NEED 85% in every module, but you do need 85% in most modules and it quickly becomes pretty difficult to get a first if you rack up a couple grade 2's. IE two modules at grade 2 at lvl 3 and the lowest you can get is 600, one other grade 2 and you hit 630. Also you can get 95% in the TMA's and 84% in the exams and you'd get a grade 2 for that module.

I mean its not insanely unfair that you basically have to do excellently in lvl 3 modules, but its still much harsher than most uni's which have first's with generally much lower scores.

 

[Dist]

To be honest, I think the way the OU do it is perfectly fine. A 1st should be hard, it should require the best. My TMA scores were EASILY a high 2:1, but due to some huge family issues that happened on the week I had 2 exams my exam results pushed 2 of my modules down and I got a 2:2. But the fact that I could have easily got a 2:1 means that getting a 1st should require a lot more effort.

Also I don't quite get some of the stuff you mentioned, like 30 credit module at level 1 in a grade 2? the grade of pass doesn't matter for level 1 modules, they are just pass/fail. It's is only level 2 and 3 modules that multiply the credits with the grade of pass.


My point is, going for a specific % to reach a 1st just because thats what others do is silly. The requirement for a 1st should be that only the best get it, and if the requirement is 85% and that reduces the number of people getting a 1st then so be it. If you deserve a 1st you should work hard and get it, if you don't get a 1st then you weren't good enough. A 1st isn't for everyone.

 

[stoofa]

Thanks for the reply Stoofa, appreciated. What sort of word length are the various TMA's, and by 'Books' are we talking like the 'reflective learning' book in BU130 (A4, 40-50 pages) or a real book, 2-3-400 pages?

I'll be calling them on Monday to book in.



On a totally different note, has anyone else picked their transitional qualification? As I understand it, we need to do this in order to 'confirm' our current fees.... ?

The TMA's have had a rather low word count which on the surface sounds great....until you write down everything you want to and find you're double the limit
They allow +10% on this course without penalty and I used that extra percentage of words in nearly every TMA I did.
Your course will be different to mine....well the course materials will be the same however the TMA's will be different. However to give you an idea of word counts:

My TMA 3 was 992 words for my essay and 216 words for my forum summary
My TMA 4 was 1097 words for my essay and 214 words for my forum summary

You have 5 books to read through as course material. Each of these are A4 in size.
I happen to have Book 3 in fron of me at the moment and it's just over 120 pages in length.

As for transition. I've listed my BA as my transition qualification. On route to the BA I'll pick up some certificates and diploma's, however they are just added bonuses, it's the BA I'm aiming for and only want to pay the old pricing for.

 

[Nazbit]

I am thinking of signing up for MSc in Management of Software Projects, but one of the compulsory modules runs for the last time in may so I've only got a week or two left to decide and apply.

I would also be working full time and studying in my spare time and I would hope to complete at least the diploma in 2 years which would mean doing two modules at a time and four across the year.

Does that sound doable to those already studying?

I'd be doing it partly for interest and enjoyment and partly for career prospects.

I'm used to studying I've got a first in computer science and three years experience as a software developer.

Does anyone have any advice for me?

Thanks

 

[Sash]

I'm currently doing the TU100 My Digital Life which is the mandatory level 1 for the BSc Computing (Hons). It's ok so far, a bit basic and the first two TMAs have had some stupid questions.
I'm going to be taking the Software Development and Solutions Development route so Java and VB

 

[Deiwos]

I am thinking of signing up for MSc in Management of Software Projects, but one of the compulsory modules runs for the last time in may so I've only got a week or two left to decide and apply.

I would also be working full time and studying in my spare time and I would hope to complete at least the diploma in 2 years which would mean doing two modules at a time and four across the year.

Does that sound doable to those already studying?

I'd be doing it partly for interest and enjoyment and partly for career prospects.

I'm used to studying I've got a first in computer science and three years experience as a software developer.

Does anyone have any advice for me?

Thanks

It's doable, 30 credits needs about 12-15 hours of study a week, maybe a little more at postgrad level but your previous study sounds like you'd be fine with the content.

The main thing is with the qual finishing December 2014 you've not got much room for error and you need to have finished everything by December 2014 so the last time you could study a module would be May 2014 in order for it to count. It's completely doable to do 30 in May, 30 in November, 30 the following May and 30 the following November. I'd recommend you contact the Postgraduate Technology and Computing Team in Nottingham (ring 0845 300 6090 and ask for the PTC office) if you want more advice on the qualification.

 

[Deiwos]

THought I'd bump this with a question and a reminder. Reminder first, I think everyone should have gotten an e-mail about declaring a degree and keeping transitional fee's, meaning you can pay current module pricing for the length of your degree as long as you declare your degree and do a few other bits before the end of August... afaik declaring as an "open" degree is fine, meaning you can do what you want anyway.

Be careful with choosing the Open Degree, whilst it's fine to do this you could end up in 2017 without sufficient study to complete the degree (i.e. done too much level 1 and 2 study) and then find yourself paying the higher fees. I'm not 100% sure but something in the back of my mind is telling me that if you end up trying to do more than 120 at level 1 under transitional arrangements then you'll be stopped as it isn't necessary for the qualification. I do know that all study you do under transitional arrangements must be able to count towards your intended qualification (you probably already know this). Obviously you don't have to finish the qualification but if you are aiming to be done by 2017 the stuff I've mentioned is worth thinking about.

Best thing I can recommend is ring your Regional Centre for course choice advice. They can help you and offer advice on planning the degree.

 

[drunkenmaster]

To be honest, I think the way the OU do it is perfectly fine. A 1st should be hard, it should require the best. My TMA scores were EASILY a high 2:1, but due to some huge family issues that happened on the week I had 2 exams my exam results pushed 2 of my modules down and I got a 2:2. But the fact that I could have easily got a 2:1 means that getting a 1st should require a lot more effort.

Also I don't quite get some of the stuff you mentioned, like 30 credit module at level 1 in a grade 2? the grade of pass doesn't matter for level 1 modules, they are just pass/fail. It's is only level 2 and 3 modules that multiply the credits with the grade of pass.

AH, and there is my mistake, I was counting 120credits more than I needed to in the weighting, partially as I'm doing mostly level 2/3 stuff, and partially as I read it in the middle of the night, after a crap sleep after pulling an allnighter to get a programming TMA in on time

I was taking the absolute minimum score with grade 1 in everything as 480, not 360, which gives you significantly more leeway for grade 2's to be in there without screwing you out of a first. It was also less about a "first" being hard, more about a first seemingly being much harder than other uni's.

In which case a first actually seems somewhat easy, not massively but far more attainable.

I'm wasn't really going for a particular mark but at the moment I'd be very surprised to not get a first. With the extra 120credits in there though missing 85% in two exams would have put you RIGHT on the brink of not doing it even if you were getting insane scores in your TMA's, which does seem overly harsh. With 120 credits less you can afford to get grade 2 in all level 3 modules, which pushes the bar for the exams down to 70%.... one off day is far less costly there.

 

[ps3ud0]

Be careful with choosing the Open Degree, whilst it's fine to do this you could end up in 2017 without sufficient study to complete the degree (i.e. done too much level 1 and 2 study) and then find yourself paying the higher fees. I'm not 100% sure but something in the back of my mind is telling me that if you end up trying to do more than 120 at level 1 under transitional arrangements then you'll be stopped as it isn't necessary for the qualification. I do know that all study you do under transitional arrangements must be able to count towards your intended qualification (you probably already know this). Obviously you don't have to finish the qualification but if you are aiming to be done by 2017 the stuff I've mentioned is worth thinking about.

Best thing I can recommend is ring your Regional Centre for course choice advice. They can help you and offer advice on planning the degree.

I was looking to start an Open Degree this month before the transitional fees expire, didnt know I need to worry about L2/L3 just yet! More research needed before I get my application in then

So annoying not having the detailed module choices on the website...

ps3ud0

 

[Deiwos]

I was looking to start an Open Degree this month before the transitional fees expire, didnt know I need to worry about L2/L3 just yet! More research needed before I get my application in then

So annoying not having the detailed module choices on the website...

ps3ud0

Don't worry too much, there's still plenty of time, you just need to be aware that if you don't finish by 2017 you'll then move on to new fees.

If you want to see all the modules have a look at http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/course/index.htm

Are you wanting to do a named degree i.e. Business Studies or just an Open Degree so you can pick and choose more?

 

[ps3ud0]

I wanted some flexibility but the traditional degrees dont seem to offer that (originally Maths but seems I cant start that before the trans fees expire) - looking more in the realms of maths, technology and design

ps3ud0

 

[Deiwos]

I wanted some flexibility but the traditional degrees dont seem to offer that (originally Maths but seems I cant start that before the trans fees expire) - looking more in the realms of maths, technology and design

ps3ud0

Main problem you'll run into is that most modules don't start until October. You'll need to find a module that starts before August 31st 2012 and have this linked to your intended degree in order to be eligible for transitional fees.

In your area there's basically just some short courses that start in May/June that meet this criteria. Have a look at http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/atoz/short-courses.htm and http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/atoz/openings-courses.htm

EDIT: I just checked and it looks like studying short courses is ok but I would strongly recommend calling the Student Registration and Enquiry Service on 0845 300 6090 to double check. I work in Scotland so things are different up here you see.

If you start this academic year you can start on the old qualification structures which are more flexible. The current Bachelor of Engineering degree would let you combine those areas into a named degree, you just obviously have to study a few engineering-based modules in the process. Other than that you'd probably be looking at the Open Degree as you mentioned before.

 

[drunkenmaster]

Be careful with choosing the Open Degree, whilst it's fine to do this you could end up in 2017 without sufficient study to complete the degree (i.e. done too much level 1 and 2 study) and then find yourself paying the higher fees. I'm not 100% sure but something in the back of my mind is telling me that if you end up trying to do more than 120 at level 1 under transitional arrangements then you'll be stopped as it isn't necessary for the qualification. I do know that all study you do under transitional arrangements must be able to count towards your intended qualification (you probably already know this). Obviously you don't have to finish the qualification but if you are aiming to be done by 2017 the stuff I've mentioned is worth thinking about.

Best thing I can recommend is ring your Regional Centre for course choice advice. They can help you and offer advice on planning the degree.

That's a good point, I'm doing full time basically so should be finished way way before then and I'm going the other way with more lvl 2/3 stuff than level 1(as frankly most lvl 1 stuff is........... tame). Though I haven't chosen anything yet that wouldn't rule me out of one or two different degree's.

 

[ps3ud0]

Main problem you'll run into is that most modules don't start until October. You'll need to find a module that starts before August 31st 2012 and have this linked to your intended degree in order to be eligible for transitional fees.

In your area there's basically just some short courses that start in May/June that meet this criteria. Have a look at http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/atoz/short-courses.htm and http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/atoz/openings-courses.htm

EDIT: I might be wrong about the short courses being suitable, I think you need to do 30 credits this academic year so you're basically looking at Business modules if that's the case, I need to double check

If you start this academic year you can start on the old qualification structures which are more flexible. The current Bachelor of Engineering degree would let you combine those areas into a named degree, you just obviously have to study a few engineering-based modules in the process. Other than that you'd probably be looking at the Open Degree as you mentioned before.

Wow cheers man, your help has been inciteful, not thought of engineering degree but considering those 3 areas it does seem to be aiming towards that, especially if I do have the ability to change it up a bit.

Just need to see if I can get on it before the fees change, hopefully theres a course thats starts May/June thats applicable for engineering - will do some mega research this weekend

ps3ud0

 

[Deiwos]

Wow cheers man, your help has been inciteful, not thought of engineering degree but considering those 3 areas it does seem to be aiming towards that, especially if I do have the ability to change it up a bit.

Just need to see if I can get on it before the fees change, hopefully theres a course thats starts May/June thats applicable for engineering - will do some mega research this weekend

ps3ud0

Check my further edit, I think short courses are ok for transitional fees, and they can definitely count towards the BEng but double check with the 0845 number on the fees side.

 

[ps3ud0]

Check my further edit, I think short courses are ok for transitional fees, and they can definitely count towards the BEng but double check with the 0845 number on the fees side.

Will do, might drop you an email if thats ok once Ive checked the possibilities

Thanks again...

ps3ud0

 

[Nazbit]

It's doable, 30 credits needs about 12-15 hours of study a week, maybe a little more at postgrad level but your previous study sounds like you'd be fine with the content.

The main thing is with the qual finishing December 2014 you've not got much room for error and you need to have finished everything by December 2014 so the last time you could study a module would be May 2014 in order for it to count. It's completely doable to do 30 in May, 30 in November, 30 the following May and 30 the following November. I'd recommend you contact the Postgraduate Technology and Computing Team in Nottingham (ring 0845 300 6090 and ask for the PTC office) if you want more advice on the qualification.

Thanks for the reply! You have confirmed a few things that I had been thinking already.

I've looked at all of the compulsory modules and the optional modules that I want to do and all of their final run dates. As you say if I start in May 2012 and do 2 modules, 2 in November and the same next year then I should be able to do it in two years.

Another question, with the diploma finishing in December 2014, will the MSc be available after that?

For example if I go with the plan we've talked about and I finish around May 2014 and get the diploma, do I also have to take the dissertation project before the end of the year to upgrade to the masters or can I upgrade it in the future by taking the project after the diploma has finished running?

Thanks

 

[Deiwos]

Will do, might drop you an email if thats ok once Ive checked the possibilities

Thanks again...

ps3ud0

Feel free, emails in trust

@Nazbit The MSc you can do after the Diploma but it'll need to be done by December 2016 as the qual is due to end then.

 

[Nazbit]

That's great, Thanks

I've got until 10th April to do some thinking and decide, best giving myself a bit of room to apply before the deadline though I suppose.

 

[Yosiah]

I was considering transferring my credits from previous study, but I cannot seem to add any of the April/May/June courses within the Module Selection Page, once you have selected the Open Degree Pathway.