Open university Engineering

[iamdjdz]

I was wondering if anyone out there could help me.

I would like to study engineering at degree level but already have a degree so funding is difficult.

At the moment I am in a full time job but I'm considering applying to do a course. Does anyone know if the Open University Engineering course is considered in the same way as say a mechanical engineering course at another university? Also I'm aiming for the mechanical side of things rather than electrical or aeronautical etc. Just basically asking if it is worth spending 3-4 years working and studying this course or biting the bullet and having no money but going to university full time to do a mechanical engineering course. Also I have only got 2 weeks to apply on ucas for university (Queens or University of Ulster).

Cheers, I'm a bit stuck because what I was going to do fell through in the summer (ATC) and it was all I really worked towards for a few years after basically not bothering with my first degree (2:2 geography). I know I've made mistakes but I want to work hard to rectify them. (Also if it's important I have a fiancee so moving about is hard).

 

[iamdjdz]

As far as I can tell from the OU website and research around the internet the courses are accredited but you have to take the correct pathway.

At the moment I can't afford to drop everything and go to a proper university at £3,500 a year (NI fees) or £9000 a year in England (plus living) and so the OU one seems more reasonable on that front.

As already pointed out I am wondering how you build up practical skills whilst studying part time (a joke because it's more hours than I did at regular uni) at home and not in a lab based environment.

Does anyone have any experience of the OU engineering or employing someone with one of their degrees?

I'm 24 as well.