Open University

Smitho3 · 27 Feb 2011 at 00:10

Hello All

After my recent thread about MBA's I have been researching foundation degree's. Unfortunately the universities local to me do not have any relevant courses available for me to study. This lead me to the Open University.

I am interested in this course. Has anyone studied this course or similar? How helpful was the course material when relating it back to your career?

I am wondering if it is worth doubling up on the first two level 1 courses as this one is a predominantly work based reflective course that, although requires a lot of work, should spill over into my work day resulting in less time being needed to study outside of work. Has anyone ever tried to study 60 credits in 6 months part time?

Any advice is welcome as I am looking to book myself on this course next week.

SiriusB · 27 Feb 2011 at 00:19

I studied 90 credits all at once last year. I wouldn't attempt it again! I am lucky in that I work from home, so had time to at least study the material in between dealing with clients etc.

I almost shafted myself towards the end as I struggled to find time most days as work got particularly busy.

Having said that, they were all level 2 courses. Two level 1 courses shouldn't be too strenuous, and as long as you can spare the hours [OU say 8 hours per week per module] then I see no reason why it can't be done.

stoofa · 27 Feb 2011 at 01:34

I'm currently working on a Foundation Degree at the OU.
I'm 3/4 of the way through one 30pt module and just started two more 30pt modules.

A lot of work at the same time and I'll never do more than 2 at the same time in future.

My intention is to get my FD and then top-up to a Full degree.
As my company are paying for me I'll keep getting what I can.

Smitho3 · 27 Feb 2011 at 01:51

I think generally then it is not too wise to triple up on modules and restrict doubling up unless absolutely necessary. I have built this basic plan based on what I can get from the OU website. Does it look realistic or should I spread the learning out a bit more. I work 40 hours a week at the moment but should be able to get some study days off from time to time.

HangTime · 27 Feb 2011 at 10:51

I did two modules (Postgraduate level) at the same time last year and kinda regret it. They were only 15pt modules but it can be hard to balance the two while working fulltime, the temptation is to spend more time on the unit you prefer out of the two leaving the other one to suffer.

Exam time was also difficult, exams on back-to-back days making revision more tricky.

One thing I'd add as well about OU is it depends a bit on what you want to get out of it, passing the courses (40%) can be done by coasting but if you want to gain Merits/Distinctions (70%/85%) this will require more effort unless you are very naturally gifted.

Looking at your plan about my recommendation is don't plan so far ahead in too much detail, you'd mapped everything out for nearly the next 5 years and over time you may change your mind on some things in terms of what units you fancy doing, or need to take a 'sabbatical' for some reason (marriage/kids/health/work etc etc).

alex_tank · 27 Feb 2011 at 11:15

On second course and hoping for degree in a long time, found the materials fantastic so far.

Smitho3 · 27 Feb 2011 at 12:11

HangTime said:
I did two modules (Postgraduate level) at the same time last year and kinda regret it. They were only 15pt modules but it can be hard to balance the two while working fulltime, the temptation is to spend more time on the unit you prefer out of the two leaving the other one to suffer.

Exam time was also difficult, exams on back-to-back days making revision more tricky.

One thing I'd add as well about OU is it depends a bit on what you want to get out of it, passing the courses (40%) can be done by coasting but if you want to gain Merits/Distinctions (70%/85%) this will require more effort unless you are very naturally gifted.

Looking at your plan about my recommendation is don't plan so far ahead in too much detail, you'd mapped everything out for nearly the next 5 years and over time you may change your mind on some things in terms of what units you fancy doing, or need to take a 'sabbatical' for some reason (marriage/kids/health/work etc etc).

My main aim is to build my knowledge in the subject so that I am more confident in my abilities in the work place. I am not just after a title, I want to learn so that I can perform my current or future roles with greater ease and efficiency.

Thanks for the tip about not planning to far ahead. I just wanted to see how the course would pan out if I did it all back to back.