Open University Questions and Answers

decies · 17-11-2009 9:12pm

Any body know whether you can use tesco clubcard towards paying irish OU fee.Thanks

kagni · 17-11-2009 11:50pm

Yeah you can use clubcard points in Ireland. If you go to the Tesco.ie site there is all the info you will need there. As far as I remember it is only available for new OU registrations doing undergraduate courses only.

Highway · 29-11-2009 1:47am

Hi,
Am planning on starting this course in Feb at Level 2 course Object-oriented programming with Java (M255).

I will be applying for credits from previous education and was advised to start with a compulsory L2 course, as credits are unlikely to be processed before the deadline to apply (16/12/09). I was told they typically take 6 weeks, although posts in this thread contradict this if you can drop the original papers into their Dublin office.

Has anyone already done this course, or intend to start this course in Feb 2010?
If so, pm me, as it might be helpful to share experiences, etc along the way, or get advice from past students.

Thanks.
Highway

Hazel O · 05-12-2009 9:12pm

Hi-has anyone done the Open University Psychology Degree?Any information on it??

BuffyBot · 06-12-2009 8:57pm

Have you done a search on this forum? The OU's psychology degree has been discussed quite a bit

Hazel O · 06-12-2009 9:49pm

Sorry,kind of new to this so just getting used to it!thanks I'll do a bit of research!:o

hayser · 28-12-2009 9:54pm

I'm due to finish my last course in June and if I pass I'll be eligible for my undergrad degree. I want to go straight into doing my Masters degree in October and I will have the results of my final course from my BA by this stage. Does anyone know (or think) there's any chance the OU would let me begin a 30 points module for my Masters although I wouldn't have my BA parchment til the following April? I don't think they will but I'm going to email them anyway on the off chance and was wondering had anyone ever done anything similar?

BuffyBot · 29-12-2009 12:26am

If you have the results of your last course, the actual degree results will be pretty much set in stone from there - so I'd imagine you shouldn't have a problem going on to the Masters.

Posession of the parchment isn't the big issues - the results are

hayser · 01-01-2010 11:00pm

Thanks BufffyBot.

One last question, has anyone gotten a student card with the OU? I'm thinking of getting one and just wondering has anyone ever had trouble using it in shops for student discounts? I just ask because the OU is still seen as an English college by a lot of people. Thanks in advance.

eth0_ · 02-01-2010 1:12am

hayser wrote: »

Thanks BufffyBot.

One last question, has anyone gotten a student card with the OU? I'm thinking of getting one and just wondering has anyone ever had trouble using it in shops for student discounts? I just ask because the OU is still seen as an English college by a lot of people. Thanks in advance.

If you're an OU student you can get a NUS Extra card (including an ISIC stamp) from www.nus.org.uk/NUS-Extra

You don't need to post them any proof you're a student at the OU, as NUS can check to see if you're a registered student.

I've never had the NUS card refused when asking for a student discount in Ireland.

hayser · 02-01-2010 4:25am

Thanks Etho. Do they deliver the card to home addresses in Ireland by any chance or would I have to collect it from the local OU office?

Wilko121 · 02-01-2010 10:48am

Hey all
I have a question about fees, in the example given on the site a 360 point psychology degree rounds off to 4.5k
http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/explained/expect-to-pay.shtml

Im thinking from looking around that it will cost me two or three times that number being from the rebuplic?

On a different topic, does the distance learner need to travel for exams and such or is all done online?

Thanks

BuffyBot · 02-01-2010 11:49am

Im thinking from looking around that it will cost me two or three times that number being from the rebuplic?

Fees for UK students are subsidised by the UK Government. Obviously, the same doesn't apply to students based outside the UK, so yes it costs quite a bit more if you aren't UK based.

On a different topic, does the distance learner need to travel for exams and such or is all done online?

Most stuff is done online/over the phone/by post - but if your course has an exam at the end, you will have to travel to a local exam centre to sit it.

eth0_ · 02-01-2010 1:54pm

hayser wrote: »

Thanks Etho. Do they deliver the card to home addresses in Ireland by any chance or would I have to collect it from the local OU office?

They post it to your home address.

doc_17 · 02-01-2010 2:01pm

Wilko121 wrote: »

Hey all
I have a question about fees, in the example given on the site a 360 point psychology degree rounds off to 4.5k
http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/explained/expect-to-pay.shtml

Im thinking from looking around that it will cost me two or three times that number being from the rebuplic?

On a different topic, does the distance learner need to travel for exams and such or is all done online?

Thanks

You can get a tax credit from the revenue to help with the cost.

nobber10 · 09-01-2010 5:31pm

Hi
I am considering doing the OU BA in Business studies with Economics (Hons). Does this degree qualify me to teach leaving cert business and economics. I am aware that I will also need the higher diploma in education or equilavent teaching qualifiction.

Regards

Nobber 10

BuffyBot · 09-01-2010 7:43pm

It should do once you get accepted to and graduate from a H.Dip course

Is there some specific issue that makes you think it won't be?

Agent J · 09-01-2010 9:01pm

Check on the list of recognized degrees here

http://www.teachingcouncil.ie/home/default.asp?NCID=1

doc_17 · 10-01-2010 1:55pm

You'll probably have to send the course/module descriptors into the teaching council so they can assess it to see whether or not its acceptable. Maybe though you should consider a course other than business? over the last few years there is a surplus of business teachers and as such they had to limit business tachers to 10% of the Dip entry. If you did get in it'd be tough then to find a job in it.

nobber10 · 10-01-2010 4:47pm

Agent J wrote: »

Check on the list of recognized degrees here

http://www.teachingcouncil.ie/home/default.asp?NCID=1

Hi

Checked teaching website OU BA business is on not recognised list. Two OU courses listed, BA/BSc maths and statistics and BSc molecular science.

BuffyBot · 11-01-2010 1:06am

As said above, you'll have to get the degree individually assessed, if it hasn't been done by the time you graduate.

Crann na Beatha · 13-01-2010 8:25pm

This post has been deleted.

Hyperbullet · 19-01-2010 1:54pm

Hey everyone.

I currently have a 2.2 BBs honours degree in HR, but i'm looking to boost this up to a 2.1 level if possible. Are there any courses offered by the OU I can do that would help me achieve this. or is this possible at all?

BuffyBot · 19-01-2010 5:36pm

I don't believe they offer any undergraduate HR degrees - so you couldn't "convert" your current one into an OU HR qualification. You could probably count your studies towards an OU business studies degree - but they wouldn't nessecarily accept all of it, or just say "do one course and get your degree). I think the maximum they will award for previous study is 240 points (you need 360 for an honours degree with the OU).

So it is possible, but if you want a specific HR degree, probably not. If you want a more general degree, then yes - but the 2.1 is entirely dependent on the results of the courses you take.

I'd imagine you would get more credit transfer if you studied for a degree in a business related field as it would be more relevant. Take a look at the level 3 courses listed here to see what courses are offered in that field.

If you want a 2.1 in any area, that's very possible - but you'll get less credit for your previous studies if you pursure a BA in Literature for example, meaning you'll have to study more OU courses to get your degree

Hyperbullet · 19-01-2010 6:50pm

Thanks Buffybot. Cleared a lot up for me there. If i did transfer my current degree over and get a 2.1 through the OU, is it possible to use that degree to do a hdip in a university here?

kagni · 19-01-2010 8:51pm

Another option that might be worth considering is to do a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma. To upgrade from a 2.2 to a 2.1 would probably require around 120 points of credit, but a Postgrad Cert would require 60 and a Postgrad Diploma would require 120.
I am not sure if this would be acceptable for entry to a HDip but it might be worth checking out.

Hyperbullet · 19-01-2010 10:25pm

kagni wrote: »

Another option that might be worth considering is to do a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma. To upgrade from a 2.2 to a 2.1 would probably require around 120 points of credit, but a Postgrad Cert would require 60 and a Postgrad Diploma would require 120.
I am not sure if this would be acceptable for entry to a HDip but it might be worth checking out.

I've never heard of these before. That sounds very interesting. Do most colleges offer these?

Thanks everyone for the help, I really appreciate it. Keep it coming!

BuffyBot · 20-01-2010 1:37am

Thanks Buffybot. Cleared a lot up for me there. If i did transfer my current degree over and get a 2.1 through the OU, is it possible to use that degree to do a hdip in a university here?

It should be - same as a 2.1 from any UK university should (subject to the rules of the institution you're applying to for the postgraduate qualification).

kagni · 23-01-2010 4:20pm

Hyperbullet wrote: »

I've never heard of these before. That sounds very interesting. Do most colleges offer these?

Thanks everyone for the help, I really appreciate it. Keep it coming!

Many colleges offer postgrad diplomas as part of their masters programs, but entry requirements are usually the same as for the masters (normally 2.1 Hons or higher). The OU offer postgrad certificates which normally make up one third of a Masters or can be taken as an individual qualification on their own, entry requirements are often more flexible than for other colleges.

When you say a HDip I presume you mean teaching, if that's the case there are plenty of courses on offer at the OU that would be suitable. Have a look here...http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/index.htm

You would need to check if the Postgrad Cert would be acceptable for entry into a HDip though.

donothoponpop · 03-02-2010 12:33pm

Just saw this on my StudentHome webpage. Had been saving these up with a view to using them next year. Grrrr!

Changes to Tesco Clubcard Rewards Tokens scheme
The terms and conditions relating to the use of Tesco Clubcard Rewards Tokens for University courses will be changing at the end of May (2010).

From 1st June 2010 Tesco Clubcard Rewards Tokens can only be used for Level 1 courses (not level 2 or 3).

This change was brought about from a review of the scheme, in the light of the current economic situation that all universities are facing.

Until 31st May 2010, you can continue to use Tesco Clubcard Rewards Tokens as full or part payment for any undergraduate level course that is open for registration, which includes courses with October 2010 and February 2011 start dates. Registration must be complete before 1st June 2010.

After that date, Tokens may only be used in registrations for Level One courses.

Crann na Beatha · 10-02-2010 8:20pm

This post has been deleted.

aphex™ · 16-02-2010 10:55pm

Looks like they're getting rid of some of the computing degrees

EDIT: To be clear some are being merged into a new Information Technologies degree. Which I'm not too happy about as it all sounds a bit fluffy. I was hoping to get a Computing and Statistics degree. It's clear this degree will need changing as they're getting rid of M150 (which I'm doing) and merging it with another course not on the syllabus for that degree to make a 60 point course (seems to pointless).

I suppose it's all about saving money these days though.

TheOpenUniversity wrote:

Replacement of M150 and T175 by one 60 point module TU100 from 2011J
Replacement of M255 and M257 by one 30 point module M250 from 2012J
Replacement of M450 and T455 by one 30 point module TM470 from 2012B
Replacement of M226 by two 30-point modules, T121 and T226 from 2010K

Withdrawal of C47 Certificate in IT and Computing from 2012
Withdrawal of C50 Certificate in Computing and Maths from 2013

They recently got rid of the certificate in web applications, too.

On the other hand, they've launched a small 10 week course called T155 Linux: An Introduction which looks like a bit of fun. Won't count towards anything. Might give it a go.

FinoBlad · 18-02-2010 11:49am

Being an OU Student, can I get any Student Discount cards that can be used in the Rep of Ireland?

hayser · 18-02-2010 5:41pm

FinoBlad wrote: »

Being an OU Student, can I get any Student Discount cards that can be used in the Rep of Ireland?

Yes you can apply for one at:

http://www.nus.org.uk/NUS-Extra

You'll need to send them a photo over the internet (there's a section where you can attach a photo) and you'll need a credit card. I think it's around 13 pounds (around 15 or 16 in Euro).

sooty11 · 19-02-2010 1:01am

Any one out there undertaking this course?
Postgraduate Diploma in Management of Software Projects

http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/qualification/e19.htm

Im hoping to start in May. And just would like to hear from others on their experience of the modules.

Thanks in advance.

nobber10 · 20-02-2010 10:39pm

IT Seems that the science degrees will also be all merged into one broad science degree in the not too distant future. The talk is that the merger will take effect from 2014?

QUOTE=aphex™;64503462]Looks like they're getting rid of some of the computing degrees

EDIT: To be clear some are being merged into a new Information Technologies degree. Which I'm not too happy about as it all sounds a bit fluffy. I was hoping to get a Computing and Statistics degree. It's clear this degree will need changing as they're getting rid of M150 (which I'm doing) and merging it with another course not on the syllabus for that degree to make a 60 point course (seems to pointless).

I suppose it's all about saving money these days though.

They recently got rid of the certificate in web applications, too.

On the other hand, they've launched a small 10 week course called T155 Linux: An Introduction which looks like a bit of fun. Won't count towards anything. Might give it a go.[/QUOTE]

aphex™ · 21-02-2010 10:24pm

nobber10 wrote: »

IT Seems that the science degrees will also be all merged into one broad science degree in the not too distant future. The talk is that the merger will take effect from 2014?

Not sure about that, the new IT one is BSc (Hons) Information Technologies. There are some IT degrees more geared towards business with similar names available in Ireland. Some of them aren't very technical.

dory · 24-02-2010 10:50am

Does anyone know about getting previous qualifications recognised by the OU?
I have a year of Biology done in college here, couldn't keep it on til the end of my degree due to subject retrictions. I'm just wondering if I could bypass a few Level 1s as I have the course already done.

Also, anyone know anything about studying Science at the OU?

BuffyBot · 24-02-2010 1:11pm

Can you be more specific? "Anything about studying science" is a bit broad.

You should read http://www3.open.ac.uk/credit-transfer/academic/index.shtm. You can also contact the Credit Transfer team. OU staff are pretty good about answering any questions you have.

dory · 24-02-2010 1:42pm

BuffyBot wrote: »

Can you be more specific? "Anything about studying science" is a bit broad.

Pardon me, I guess it is a little broad. Just things like how is it to study a science subject online? I know with a language type degree you'd have books to read and essays to write. How is the Science done? Are there online tests every now and then. How are the residential courses one must go to for the lab work. Did people find their course.
I know it was a broad question but even a broad answer would be fine. If someone asked me about my undergrad I could give a fairly good general answer (Media and Irish if anyone's wondering) .

And thanks for the link, think it's answered all my queries on the credit transfer.

rockybird · 03-03-2010 9:01pm

Hey does anyone know anything about the BA Hons Early Years? I have been looking into it and having trouble finding anyone who is in the process of doing this degree or has it completed.
I would be hoping to complete it in 3 years and just want to know what the work load is like as i will be working full time along with this?
As its gonna cost quite a bit i just want to be sure its the right degree for me so any info or advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks!

AB1980! · 04-03-2010 5:36pm

Hi

I have sent off for my transcripts to apply for credit transfer so will have the answer to this question in due course but I thought maybe one of you could give me an idea quicker.

I've a joint honours BA from an irish university in maths and another subject. I want to get a BA just in Maths(glutten for punishment!). any idea what kind of credits I would get for that?

It's more for myself than for career prospects so if the exemptions aren't great i may not bother.

Has anyone here gotten credit transfer from a joint honours program to a single subject?

Stheno · 06-03-2010 11:24pm

rockybird wrote: »

Hey does anyone know anything about the BA Hons Early Years? I have been looking into it and having trouble finding anyone who is in the process of doing this degree or has it completed.
I would be hoping to complete it in 3 years and just want to know what the work load is like as i will be working full time along with this?
As its gonna cost quite a bit i just want to be sure its the right degree for me so any info or advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks!

I'm currently doing two sixty point courses (a full years study in terms of a 3 years degree) for the BA in Business Studies. I'm doing one level 2 and one level 3 course, and it's tough, I work full time about 50 hours a week, then at least four nights a week I come home and study for 4-5 hours, and at the weekend I spend another min. of 8 hours studying, if not more. My courses both have a lot of reading so a lot of that time spent reading and taking notes.

When assignments are due, then the week before I do more. Three of my fellow students are all doing this and all agree it's worth it.

However, if you can cope with the workload, and choose your courses judiciously, then you can potentially do a three year degree in less time. I'm finishing my current two courses in Sept/Oct, and then hoping to start another two sixty pointers that will finish in June 2011, and will then have a business studies degree, it is very very hard work, but with the one years worth of credit I have from previous study that means it will take me 17 months to finish two years of a degree.

I've spoken to OU advisers about it, and they do allow that sort of course cramming depending on the schedule, their year runs Oct. - Sept, which is how I am doing it and getting around the max. 120 points a year rule. Now I have no children, no time consuming hobbies etc, so can devote the time to it, but if you don't have the time, then don't expect to achieve the degree in a 3 year timeframe.

Best of luck.

AB1980! wrote: »

Hi

I have sent off for my transcripts to apply for credit transfer so will have the answer to this question in due course but I thought maybe one of you could give me an idea quicker.

I've a joint honours BA from an irish university in maths and another subject. I want to get a BA just in Maths(glutten for punishment!). any idea what kind of credits I would get for that?

It's more for myself than for career prospects so if the exemptions aren't great i may not bother.

Has anyone here gotten credit transfer from a joint honours program to a single subject?

I don't believe credits apply if they have been used for a former OU degree, but in your case they may apply the maths portion of your current degree towards an OU degree in Maths.

From my experience, I'd expect that you could expect about 40% credit from your Maths degree that you currently have.

ronaldoshaky · 08-03-2010 11:45pm

dory wrote: »

Pardon me, I guess it is a little broad. Just things like how is it to study a science subject online? I know with a language type degree you'd have books to read and essays to write. How is the Science done? Are there online tests every now and then. How are the residential courses one must go to for the lab work. Did people find their course.
I know it was a broad question but even a broad answer would be fine. If someone asked me about my undergrad I could give a fairly good general answer (Media and Irish if anyone's wondering) .

And thanks for the link, think it's answered all my queries on the credit transfer.

I do Physics. You will have tutor marked assignments (TMAs) and interactive computer marked assignments (iCMAs) to complete. These are quite intensive for a 60 point course, and still a lot of work for a 30 point course.

Residential schools take about a week and are full-time hours 9am to 9pm every day. That's not all lab work (its compulsory to attend the labs, but not the evening classes), the evening time is usually devoted to lectures, but if you are comfortable with the lecture material in the course books, you can skip these and go off and explore the local area.

The O.U. has an Institute of Physics accredited degree, so its well worth it but in your final year the subjects are really limited (Electromagnetism and Quantum Physics), compared with a full time university degree like UCD or TCD. But you can add in subjects from other areas like maths and engineering.

All the Best

SeaFields · 16-03-2010 2:28pm

ronaldoshaky wrote: »

I do Physics.

How do you find the physics course?

I am looking into starting it soon but would be doing so completely from scratch. Have never studied it at any level but have done some reading in the area over the last year and throughly enjoy it and am fascinated by it!
I have plenty of third level education behind me just in a completely different area.

Bob1981 · 01-04-2010 4:02pm

Hi Everyone
Anyone do the above course through OU?? I am certainly doing this even if it means having to go to the UK to get a job in the long run. But also do the relevant authorities here recognise this? I have to say i have heard nothing but positive remarks about the OU, especially as compared to some of the distance/part time colleges running out of this country.

bobbygirl · 02-04-2010 12:20pm

Hi there,

I'm on my second last course of this degree with the OU and would definitely recommend it. Pretty tough going at times but very enjoyable too!! And yes the PSI recognise it as well as the BPS so no problems with trying to a Masters here afterward. Any specific questions let me know.

leesabunny · 05-04-2010 10:45pm

Hi Guys,

I was hoping for a bit of advice. i am thinking about transferring my results over to the OU to complete a bachelor of social science. i can get the max number of credits and i was wondering has anyone completed it in one year and is it possible.

second question would you be eligible for masters in any university once hetac level 8 completed !!

Thanks a mill,

ronaldoshaky · 21-04-2010 7:57pm

SeaFields wrote: »

How do you find the physics course?

I am looking into starting it soon but would be doing so completely from scratch. Have never studied it at any level but have done some reading in the area over the last year and throughly enjoy it and am fascinated by it!
I have plenty of third level education behind me just in a completely different area.

The OU will start you from scratch. If you have done Maths at Leaving Cert, then you can jump straight in with Using Mathematics (MST121) and Exploring Mathematics (MS221). The Physical Word (S207) would be similar to Leaving Cert Physics, but with a few more advanced concepts.

I find the courses to be ok, because I love doing Physics. If your passionate about it, then its half the battle.

ronaldoshaky · 21-04-2010 8:01pm

leesabunny wrote: »

Hi Guys,

I was hoping for a bit of advice. i am thinking about transferring my results over to the OU to complete a bachelor of social science. i can get the max number of credits and i was wondering has anyone completed it in one year and is it possible.

second question would you be eligible for masters in any university once hetac level 8 completed !!

Thanks a mill,

You should send your previous study records into the credit transfer office, but I dont think they will award you as much credit as you are hoping for, unless you have two years of social science education at university level already. 120 points (which is equivalent to full time study over 9 months) is a lot of work.

You should be eligible for a masters if your degree is accredited by the Institure of Psychology or whichever body is concerned with social science.

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