Open University Questions and Answers

shakeydude · 25-11-2008 10:45pm #1

Hi,

There seems to be a lot of conversation on OU at the moment and looking back on the archieves people have studied Maths or Stats with the OU. I was wondering if anyone has experience of how they found the course and more specifically was it worth it for a career perspective. I am considering starting but I doubt that the course will kick start a career as an acturary.:p

Failing that is there any other recommended distance learning maths/stats course??

Cheers,

Shakeydude:)

theboytaylor · 10-12-2008 6:37pm

Half thinking of getting involved with this myself, would be great to hear other people's experiences.

I think you can kind of take one course at a time and dip your toe in the water so to speak and eventually build up to a masters getting certs and diplomas as you go, which might be a good way to go, considering the uncertainty.

npc_100 · 10-12-2008 8:14pm

If you are interested in becomming an actuary, you should look at the faculty of actuaries website. The cost of the courses would probably work out the same (or cheaper) then the OU over a number of years. The maths is no more difficult then what you would do with the OU, the exams are tricky due to the volume of material required for exam exam. they are piloting a scheme in the UK (not sure if it is available here), that allows non-members do the first financial maths paper, might be worth looking into.

shakeydude · 10-12-2008 11:10pm

thanks for bringing this thread back up npc 100, I had forgotten that I had submitted it.

I am looking to do some maths course part time and if it could push on to actuary in years to come how bad but I just want something to test myself in the evenings rather than spending my time on boards.:P

I am an engineer so I have a good maths basis behind me but OU seems to be the best option for doing a maths and/or stats degree by distance learning. Surely someone else has done something similare on boards....

rainbowtrout · 17-12-2008 2:48pm

shakeydude wrote: »

thanks for bringing this thread back up npc 100, I had forgotten that I had submitted it.

I am looking to do some maths course part time and if it could push on to actuary in years to come how bad but I just want something to test myself in the evenings rather than spending my time on boards.:P

I am an engineer so I have a good maths basis behind me but OU seems to be the best option for doing a maths and/or stats degree by distance learning. Surely someone else has done something similare on boards....

I'm doing the Maths and Stats degree with OU and the moment and I find them great. I did three modules over the last 18 months and i'm doing another 3 starting in February. I find the materials really well laid out and the tutorials are really good. I'm hoping to finish the degree in 3 years.

shakeydude · 17-12-2008 11:02pm

Rainbow Trout,

Thanks for the reply.

The maths/stats degree is what I am looking at and the responses all seem to be positive from the OU website. I wouldnt be able to start in January because I am doing another course unfortunately.

How do find the course time wise? How much does each module work out to be?

Do you hope to get a job from your degree or are you just on a quest for knowledge?:D

Shakeydude

rainbowtrout · 17-12-2008 11:28pm

most modules run from february - october with a few running from october - june. the first module that you would have to do has 2 starts one in october and one in february, i recommend starting that one next october and then sign up for the follow on in february. modules are done at level 1, 2 and 3 which is basically equivalent to first, second and third year of a regular college. you can see the complete list of modules and compulsory/elective modules here.

http://www3.open.ac.uk/courses/bin/p12.dll?Q01B36

you have to gain 360 credits for the degree, 300 of these must be from the courses listed including the compulsory ones and 60 remaining credits can be either more maths or anything you want. if you already have a degree you can use it for free credit transfer to make up the last 60 credits (and save a bit of money)

modules are either 30 or 60 credits - most in maths are 30. OU recommends 8 hours per week on the 30 credit modules and 16 on the 60 credit modules. it really depends on your own ability and experience. The first maths module is about equivalent to leaving cert higher level maths so although i started the course in october, they sent out the materials in august and i had it finished by christmas which left me more time for the modules i was starting in february. the ones i'm doing this year are going to be more time consuming.

i already have a science degree and I'm a teacher so i'm not finding the maths so far too difficult and of course i've a lot of time in the summer to work at it, but there are plenty doing it with regular 9 to 5 jobs that don't have as much time off. I was always interested in maths but never got to study it and i picked the maths and stats over their other maths degrees because it doesn't have a summer school (available in UK only, so involves travelling) and it's recognised here for teaching purposes.

cost - £755 per 30 credit module, so it is expensive, but that includes everything. as sterling is weakening at the moment my fees for next year are going to work out a lot cheaper than last year. at today's exchange rates a 30 credit module is working out around €810.

PM if you want any more information.

coup1917 · 28-01-2009 10:25am

Hey all,

I'm looking to start my next OU module in the next month hopefully and would really appreciate some advice or direction with my choice of course.
Basically my course history to date is:
M150 Data, Computing & Information
T175 Networked Living Information & Communication Technologies--Both Level 1s completed for a Cert in Computing & IT.

Have just completed a Level 3 T320 Ebusiness Technologies by the skin of my teeth so I'm just wondering if anyone has completed similar modules and what qualifications they are aiming for..?
My initial thoughts were to just go for a Diploma in IT, but have faced up to the fact I need a degree..
Would anyone advise specialising in a certain subject area, am considering working towards a BSc or BA open so I could vary my course modules but am not convinced on any option yet..
Any help would be greatly appreciated ( while there is currently good value on sterling...!!)..

mimmi · 29-01-2009 3:56pm

I think you need a clear idea of what blend of knowledge you want to derive from your OU study. You did a Level 3 course after Level 1 !!!! Most IT jobs apart from tech support are about applying IT solutions to business. Personally I would blend IT and Business studies modules. So look at Level 2 courses in both these areas, and keep away from Level 3 for now.

Oh, I agree getting a Level 8 degree is where it's at these days, I dont think a Diploma will be enough in the present job market.

coup1917 · 02-02-2009 11:33am

mimmi wrote: »

I think you need a clear idea of what blend of knowledge you want to derive from your OU study. You did a Level 3 course after Level 1 !!!! Most IT jobs apart from tech support are about applying IT solutions to business. Personally I would blend IT and Business studies modules. So look at Level 2 courses in both these areas, and keep away from Level 3 for now.

Oh, I agree getting a Level 8 degree is where it's at these days, I dont think a Diploma will be enough in the present job market.

Ya I'm definetly heading back to a Level 2 course for now, although I'm glad I got a Level 3 done. It was a first time presentation and was compressed from May to October as a trial.......it was a bit rushed on certain areas including time available for study but overall worthwhile.

I do have an interest in studying some business modules alright, so might blend these with some science/engineering subjects...One at a time for now anyway...

the46gang · 03-02-2009 10:39pm

Hi Rainbow,

I am planning on doing OU maths in order to become a maths teacher.
however i could just do pure maths via the OU or go for a mix as you did Math/Stats.

Option 2 would seems a bit easier as stats I believe is abit easier than going down the pure maths route.

why did you do the mix of stats and maths? why not pure maths?
And how are you finding the course?
Are you doing the degree in order to teach maths in post primary?

Thanks,
the46gang

rainbowtrout · 03-02-2009 10:55pm

the46gang wrote: »

Hi Rainbow,

I am planning on doing OU maths in order to become a maths teacher.
however i could just do pure maths via the OU or go for a mix as you did Math/Stats.

Option 2 would seems a bit easier as stats I believe is abit easier than going down the pure maths route.

why did you do the mix of stats and maths? why not pure maths?
And how are you finding the course?
Are you doing the degree in order to teach maths in post primary?

Thanks,
the46gang

Hey,

you're right on choosing option 2 for a few reasons. From what I've seen so far stats is not as difficult or time consuming. I could be eating my words next year when i do the Level 3 courses. The follow on from the Level 2 stats courses is Probability type courses which is a topic I've always liked, so it suits me on that count.

Also I mentioned in the previous post that there is a compulsory summer school in the Mathematics Degree. It's a one week course that takes place in June/July. It's not a requirement in the Maths and Stats degree. While I would have no problem doing it, it is expensive and I correct Leaving Cert exams in the summer to pay my college fees. So I would lose out on the double if I gave up corrections for the summer to go to the summer school. That's really the main reason.

I wouldn't mind teaching maths in second level, I already have a permanent job teaching science and computers so it fits in with those subjects. My principal is aware that I'm doing the course so he may give me maths classes in the future, but I'm not doing it so I'll get classes. I always wanted to study maths, that was the main reason. I picked a course that would be recognised for teaching, because if I am going to pay for it, it might as well be useful and it does give me more options for the future.

I'm enjoying the course. I've just started three new modules. The stats one is handy enough so far, I'm flying through that, there is a really interesting module called graphs, networks and design, which is a lot about logic so far and the last one is called optimization, it's fairly labour intensive on calculations but is fine. I'll just have to keep on top of them!

motherfunker · 04-02-2009 8:01pm

I am about to finish a level 7 engineering degree this june and I want to bring it to a level 8 degree through the Open University. How many modules would I have to complete with the OU to gain a recognised level 8 degree?

BuffyBot · 04-02-2009 8:32pm

It may vary on which OU qualification you're planning to go for, and what credit they give for your previous qualification.

Try asking them - the staff are generally pretty good an answering queries. You can talk to the Credit Transfer department by going here http://www3.open.ac.uk/credit-transfer/contact.shtm.

mimmi · 05-02-2009 10:47am

If you are happy with a BSc Hons Open (this is L8 on HETAC framework), you'll need 120 pts at Level 3 - choose what you like subject wise but I guess you'll stay with topics/areas relevant to engineering.

The B.Eng requires a few more compulsory bits and bobs but 'You can apply to transfer a maximum of 210 points of relevant study towards the BEng (Hons).'

http://www3.open.ac.uk/courses/bin/p12.dll?Q01B24

also see:-

http://engineering.open.ac.uk/

motherfunker · 05-02-2009 11:06pm

If I chose to do the BSc Hons Open and completed my 120 points, could I then at a later date complete the necessary B.Eng modules and recieve this award?

mimmi · 06-02-2009 8:19pm

No.

Another hons degree - in your example a BEng would require another lot of study - 120pts at Level 3, you cann't use the same L3 courses again if you've used them towards one hons degree already i.e. BSc Hons Open.

Guess you have to ask yourself how important is it to have B.Eng after your name. To get Chartered engineering status you'll have to do postgrad study anyway, but maybe this is not your goal at the moment, not all engineers are bothered with C.Eng status

motherfunker · 07-02-2009 10:45am

I wouldent mind one day becoming chartered but I am a 34 year old mature student and I dont know if I have the time to devote to getting chartered, not at the minute anyway.
I would like to get a B.Eng but it is not as important as getting into a career path that I would really like. I would like to get into something to do with the environment, that is where the OU comes in, I really like the sound of the Environmental Modelling modules, they deal with causes, effects and possible solutions to various types of polution. If I could get into this field I would not worry too much about having a BSc instead, going back to college, my main aim was to get a degree of some kind.

mimmi · 07-02-2009 11:09am

Those modules will fit into your B.Eng top-up, as modules for B.Eng are drawn from a wide spectrum of courses.

T210 feeder into T308 would be good choices and T308 will allow your engineeering project T450 in that area.

http://www3.open.ac.uk/courses/bin/p12.dll?C01T450

I think enviromental jobs are largely looking for people with some technical background like engineering and then overlayered with some knowledge of environmental areas, so I think your idea is right.

T206 and T307 on the renewable energy side look interesting too - again another gowth area I would say in terms of employment.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0123/1232474675628.html

motherfunker · 07-02-2009 7:42pm

Mimmi,
Sorry for all the questions, I know I can ask on the OU site but it takes 5 or 6 days to get an answer, and even then they havent been as informative as you.
I think these are my last questions:
Do I have to complete these 2 compulsory courses even though I will have already done 3 years engineering in college?

Personal and career development in engineering (T191)
Key skills for professional engineers (T397)

I got a reply from the OU about transferring points but they said I would have to wait till I have done my exams, but just say I was allowed transferr the max points (210), would the 2 environmental courses T210 & T308 plus the project T450 be enough to get the B.Eng even though the T210 course is Level 2?
Thanks for all the advice.

hayser · 07-02-2009 9:28pm

do they have to contact the Open University or is it the other way around? Also how much of a time lapse is there between finishing your degree and being able to get a transcript? The reason I am asking is I am due to be finished in October of this year and there is a master's degree I'd love to do starting in February 2010 but is four months enough time to get my transcript and a copy of my degree certificate from them? Thanks in advance.

BuffyBot · 08-02-2009 12:43am

It's normally quite quick, but I'm not sure you would have the information in time for a course *starting* in Febuary. I'm almost sure the actualy documentation for my degree only arrived around mid-Febuary.

Many post-grad courses though will accept a application on the basis of predicted/projected results and make provisional offers on the condition of the projection being correct. I suggest your contact the institution in question and find out their policy on this

mimmi · 08-02-2009 12:42pm

Exam in October means result by mid December. You can then use Student Home to accept your degree, as the system is set to recognise that you have completed study for a linked award. The first bit of paper you will get is your Diploma Supplement - this lists all the modules taken on your degree, grades (what they mean) levels etc. You should get this quite quickly e.g. in January. The official degree parchment is given to you at the degree ceremony in Dublin about April time.

motherfunker · 10-02-2009 12:25am

Is there any form of financial support available for OU courses?

BuffyBot · 10-02-2009 12:37am

The simple answer is no (unless it's from your employer etc).

You can claim tax relief however (do a search on this forum for lots of threads about it)

sue97 · 10-02-2009 11:03pm

Just starting a course and wondering if anyone else is studying economics also

mimmi · 12-02-2009 9:55pm

Yes you have to do T191 and T397, in addition there is the requirement for 2 residential schools - your practical/lab work for your current degree may not count as they are looking for very specific learning outcomes.

You must have 120pts of Level 3 study, so 30 points must be the project course and at least a further 90 points must be at Level 3, so if you chose to do the Level 2 environment course this would be extra study.

As I said before, if you really want B.Eng after your name you have to jump through these hoops, but if a Level 8 degree will do, go for the BSc Hons Open and just choose 120pts of Level 3 study - more straight forward imho.

sue97 · 13-02-2009 8:04pm

I am doing a BSc Open to top up a level 7 Business & IT degree I did some years ago.

I am only starting so not the best to give advice but the level 3 I am doing very clearly follows on from a Level 2 course which I did not understand when I enrolled. I have ended up buying the course book for the Level 2 course to reference back to.

I don't know yet if this is going to make it hard to do well in the course. I think if I was selecting again I would pick a topic that is clearly standalone or follows on from something I studied in the past.

mimmi · 14-02-2009 11:28am

Yes Sue97, I think it is difficult to ignore the fact that Level 3 study in the OU is Final Year Hons level work, as such there must be some prior academic grounding in a subject before you jump in at this level.

For those wanting to look at examples of course material take a look at the OUs Open Learn website www.open.ac.uk/openlearn .Click on Browse Subjects or if you know a course do a search based on the code.

Galway Spur · 17-02-2009 12:44am

Might be a bit vague but I am thinking of starting an Open University course in Psychology, starting with an introduction to .... and was wondering if any past or current OU students can give me some feedback in what I should expect with regards to assistance for distance ed students, is there any support offered from other students on same programme etc and any other things that I should know or do before signing up. Thanks.

DIRTY69 · 17-02-2009 1:21pm

hiya, well, i don't have much to tell you but i am starting the same myself

unfortunately they don't do the introduction to psychology which starts in march, that might have been handy as a kind of introduction to the topics covered.

It seems a bit more expensive to do the course in Ireland too and not within the UK. I wonder if we qualify for grants at all, maybe someone knows?

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