Open university degrees: worth it or not?

Devrij

Devrij

Devrij

Soldato
Joined
23 Jul 2009
Posts
14,127
Location
Bath
Well, after finding out the hard way that my sociology degree is just a piece of toilet paper, I'm tempted to go back to engineering (did 2 yrs of a Beng in aberdeen years ago) and maybe try to get a Beng from the OU. So are they laughable pointless degrees or would I actually be able to get a decent job with one? Can't afford to go back to uni full time so this is the only option for now.

Anyone done it? How'd you get on?
 
It's a degree in a credible subject. Doing it with the OU also requires a lot of commitment and will, which might impress people.
 
Where did you do your sociology degree at? A lot of grad jobs in management roles require a degree but not in any specified area - is there nothing at any of the big firms available?
 
Devrij said:
Well, after finding out the hard way that my sociology degree is just a piece of toilet paper, I'm tempted to go back to engineering (did 2 yrs of a Beng in aberdeen years ago) and maybe try to get a Beng from the OU. So are they laughable pointless degrees or would I actually be able to get a decent job with one? Can't afford to go back to uni full time so this is the only option for now.

Anyone done it? How'd you get on?
Click to expand...

What is stopping you going back to a brick and mortar university?

If you did 2 years of a Beng already you maybe able to carry on where you left off.
 
I've got an OU degree, finished a few years ago, they are definitely not laughable or pointless, but being 'worth it' to you is only something you can determine tbh. I don't know anything about engineering accreditation so can't help you there, I just know I worked my ass off to get mine (computing) and are proud to have a 1st Class BSc (hons) (open) on my CV. I did a maths degree at Leicester when I was 18 but dropped out after a year, independent learning from home with the OU suited me more than the traditional university path. You say you did two years before, you may be able to contribute this towards an OU degree, but you will have to speak to them to find out more. It does take discipline and commitment, important things to consider are having an environment where you can study in peace, and having an understanding with those you live with so you minimise distractions, and even having the support of your friends is important so they know when not to drop in, and when not to tempt you out when you should be studying :) The OU provide excellent support, you have a tutor should you have any problems, and for most of my courses they held tutorials once every six weeks approx. You are put into a tutor group and you can communicate with them using software called First Class (I believe they still do), everyone's in the same boat so you can develop a rapport very quickly. The OU also provide excellent financial support for people on low incomes, something worth investigating if this applies to you. At the end of the day it comes down to how organised you are, how dedicated you are, communicating with your tutor when times get tough (sooner rather than later!), how much you want it, and maybe the most important is how much you enjoy it - imho choosing a subject you have no interest in is a non-starter.

hope this helps :)
dave
 
Devrij said:
... or would I actually be able to get a decent job with one?
Click to expand...
Don't kid yourself that a decent degree automatically means getting a decent job. It might have worked like that a decade ago but it certainly doesn't work like that now.

I did a few OU modules before doing a bricks and mortar MSc. I rate the OU highly and so do many employers - don't underestimate how long it will take you though and how much it'll cost.
 
I was looking at doing one. Reckon it you take 5 years and about £700 per course. That's assuming two/three courses per year with no break.

So not exactly quick or cheap.
 
Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to use my sociology degree (from UWE) to help me get a job in sales/recruitment/management while I work on an OU degree, I know it isn't worthless. I just realised that as much as I enjoyed the subject, the careers it applies to aren't what I want. I was good at engineering and miss the problem solving side of it, the only reason I dropped out was because of my drinking at the time was pretty horrendous. 5yrs sober, I think I might give it a bash. I enjoy learning anyway so even if I never use it, hopefully i'll enjoy that side of it. I might see if my credits still apply, but it's been 6 years so I don't know
 
My Biology major is a piece of paper so I've always been considering doing a second single honors in ... Music???

Yea feel free to laugh ... If only I hadnt gone and knackered my wrist :(

But I dont need to do another undergrad, I could have skipped straight onto a Masters in Music by now if my wrist hadnt been damaged.

Oh well :(
 
bhavv said:
My Biology major is a piece of paper so I've always been considering doing a second single honors in ... Music???

Yea feel free to laugh ... If only I hadnt gone and knackered my wrist :(

But I dont need to do another undergrad, I could have skipped straight onto a Masters in Music by now if my wrist hadnt been damaged.

Oh well :(
Click to expand...

That's the price you pay for fapping 10 times a day. I've always said 5 is the safe limit
 
I have just started my first OU module. I am working towards a Bsc in Natural Sciences

My first module is Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunami's. Quite heavy going so far, but enjoyable and so nice being able to do it from the comfort of your own home.

I dont think anyone can answer whether or not it's worth doing. That's only down to you.

However, a couple of things to mention. Quite a few modules on the Engineering degree are residential based. So you will have to travel. It equates to a whole week of residential school and £620 to earn 10 credits. You need 360 for a degree.

You also might want to have a look on their financial support site. If you earn under a certain threshold you may be entitled to financial support for 30-60 point credit courses.

Problem is, it's best to do it NOW. Fees will be changing soon, but if you hurry up and book a course soon, you will qualify under transitional arrangements which will allow you to finish your degree at the current pricing. A lot cheaper than the 5k a year it will soon become.

Bloody tories :mad:
 
Sorry to dig up an old thread, I'm thinkin of studying at OU and doing an MSc, I have a BSc (hons) in Computing from UWE and thinking of doing an MSc in Technology Management here, any opinions?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom