Open University Questions and Answers

racemaker · 29-07-2009 10:42pm

Tacpot wrote: »

I'm hoping to study for BA Humanities with the OU.

The recommended first course is AA100 "The arts past and present" which starts in October 2009 and finishes in June 2010.

Every other module seems to have a start date in February each year which means that I will either have a long gap between modules (from June 2010 to February 2011) or will have to start my second module in February 2010 while I am only half way throught the first.

I am reasonably confident that I won't be struggling with AA100 as it will cover topics I am familiar with and have a strong interest in but I don't want to get overwhelmed as I work fulltime.

Has anyone else taken on two modules together without regrettting it?

I am taking two modules starting in October but I don't work full time so I would have more time. I really depends on the courses and how much time you can put into them. Lots of people do two or even three courses if they can juggle them properly.

Its all down to how much time you can realistically put into each module.

FinoBlad · 17-08-2009 11:00pm

Does anyone know if its really nuts to go straight into a level 2 course. I am interested in a diploma thats one level 2 and one level 3, but the prospectus and website advice to start with level 1 which would be handy for points for a degree but I havent decided to go that far yet.

Can anyone give me their opinion?

rainbowtrout · 17-08-2009 11:10pm

FinoBlad wrote: »

Does anyone know if its really nuts to go straight into a level 2 course. I am interested in a diploma thats one level 2 and one level 3, but the prospectus and website advice to start with level 1 which would be handy for points for a degree but I havent decided to go that far yet.

Can anyone give me their opinion?

It depends on the course and your educational background really. Eg. if you were going to do a Diploma in French and you already have a Arts Degree where you did first year French, you might find that you are already at Level 1 standard or above and would be easily able to do Level 2. If you have no experience in the area it might not be as easy. What are you planning on doing?

FinoBlad · 17-08-2009 11:26pm

Its the Diploma in Design and Innovation that I wanted to do. I havent studied that in any shape or form before though. I think I'll just start at level 1 like advised by the ou.

rainbowtrout · 18-08-2009 11:10am

FinoBlad wrote: »

Its the Diploma in Design and Innovation that I wanted to do. I havent studied that in any shape or form before though. I think I'll just start at level 1 like advised by the ou.

The other thing you can do is contact the OU office in Dublin, the number is on the website, they have materials from each of the modules which you can have a look at to get a feel for a course and see if you're better suited to Level 1 or Level 2

FinoBlad · 18-08-2009 4:03pm

Cheers. L1 was recommended.

click_it · 19-08-2009 12:02pm

Their Open day is on the 29th of August from 11am-4pm in the Clarion Hotel in the IFSC

FinoBlad · 20-08-2009 1:34pm

I just discovered the tax relief is only 20% of the course fee. That's fairly miserable imo

rainbowtrout · 20-08-2009 1:58pm

FinoBlad wrote: »

I just discovered the tax relief is only 20% of the course fee. That's fairly miserable imo

It's better than nothing

LauraAK · 24-08-2009 6:31pm

I'm just wondering if anyone knows how long it takes for a credit transfer application to be approved?
I'm just about to apply, and am wondering if there is any chance it would be approved in time for me to apply for a module beginning in October this year, the closing date for registration is the 11th of September.
Will I have time or will I have to wait until next year?

rainbowtrout · 24-08-2009 7:51pm

LauraAK wrote: »

I'm just wondering if anyone knows how long it takes for a credit transfer application to be approved?
I'm just about to apply, and am wondering if there is any chance it would be approved in time for me to apply for a module beginning in October this year, the closing date for registration is the 11th of September.
Will I have time or will I have to wait until next year?

Credit transfer can be done at any time of the year. I got credit transfer done in January, I dropped my documents into the office in Dublin, they photocopied and stamped them there and then and I had the credit transfer in a couple of days. Why do you need the credit transfer to start a module though. You can start a module without the credit transfer, it's independent of the modules you study unless you're looking to get an exemption for a particular module.

LauraAK · 24-08-2009 9:23pm

I have a diploma and am hoping to start studying at level 3. I assume I need the credit transfer approved before I go ahead and start studying at level 3? It's good to know it was quick, I'll bring my documents to the office tomorrow.

rainbowtrout · 24-08-2009 9:57pm

LauraAK wrote: »

I have a diploma and am hoping to start studying at level 3. I assume I need the credit transfer approved before I go ahead and start studying at level 3? It's good to know it was quick, I'll bring my documents to the office tomorrow.

It must be your original transcript and diploma, they are efficient. I think they allow you to study level 3 regardless, with a few exceptions, but handy to have the credit transfer sorted out.

dalkener · 26-08-2009 9:07pm

Lou2713 wrote: »

Just wondering if anyone has any advice in relation to fees for studying with the OU from Ireland.

I was all set to register for my first course at £630 for the module. I calculated this as €686.77 at today's rate. When I went to register, it said that the fee to sign up from Ireland was £1330 which is almost €1500!!
I saw another thread where somebody said that its no longer expensive to study with OU due to the exchange rates but how can they justify this difference? Surely, the only difference would be in postage? It was fair enough when there was a huge gap between sterling and the euro but its rediculous now. Has anyone else queried this?

I would appreciate any information as I was all set but I can't afford to pay more than double!

Curious if anybody knows, looked at some of the other posts relating to this and that the courses are subsidized by the uk government. Wondering would it be possible to have PO box in the north and get away with this???

rainbowtrout · 26-08-2009 9:13pm

dalkener wrote: »

Curious if anybody knows, looked at some of the other posts relating to this and that the courses are subsidized by the uk government. Wondering would it be possible to have PO box in the north and get away with this???

I doubt it because it's obviouly not your home address. Also you would then be put down for tutorials and exams. The money you would save would be spent travelling up and down to Belfast. I'm sure if it was possible everyone would be doing it.

There is tax relief available for doing a degree through OU, I've been claiming my tax back for the last three years. It's pretty straightforward as well.

dalkener · 26-08-2009 9:24pm

Thanks for that, was thinking of a PO box in Newry. The expense of travel wouldn't be a hassle as I regularly work in that area for my present job. Sounds too easy though,as you say.

_Whimsical_ · 01-09-2009 1:29pm

If you do your shopping in Tesco and get clubcard points you can use the vouchers you save towards OU fees.The value of clubcard vouchers is quadrupled if exchanged for OU vouchers eg. €10 of clubcard points will get you €40 of OU vouchers.

It's handy with grocery shopping but it's particularly worthwhile if you're buying electronics.If you need to buy any electronics its well worth watching out for Tesco deals on electronics where they offer 50% of the value of your puchase back in clubcard points. For example I bought a laptop for €500 and got 50% in clubcard points. That €250 in points then can translate into a €1000 voucher for the OU. I apologise if this has already been posted but I found it valuable so it might be worth repeating for someone.

Details are here under the Learning section : http://www.tesco.ie/clubcarddeals/

mickmac76 · 01-10-2009 12:53am

Hi
I've been looking at some of the posts in this forum and the Ou seems highly taught of by students. I'm looking at doing a degree in computing and the OU course seems to generate more positive feedback that the Oscail course I was looking at. Just wondering if anyone has gotten a degree in computing through the OU and have they managed to land a job in the computing field with it. Don't want to go to the trouble of 5 or 6 years studying and have no job at the end. Thanks.
Mick.

hayser · 01-10-2009 2:59pm

Sorry Mickmac76. I don't personally know anyone with a business degree (OU or otherwise) so I can't help you there but I do know the Open University is very well regarded. Students from there are generally very well motivated and dedicated so this is a big bonus to employers when the time comes. My question about the Open University is can I start a Master's with them if my BA is still pending? I'm hoping to finish my BA in Psychology with them in June. However as far as I know the graduation ceremony will be the follwing April. As I want to my Master's with them I'm hoping they'll let me being a Master's next October. Has anyone been able to do this without having all of your BA documents first?

Bobeagleburger · 01-10-2009 3:47pm

Has anyone studied any of the Science courses through OU?

I have just missed the deadline for October for Exploring Science so plan to do a few 10 point courses in Darwin Evolution and Empire of microbes to fill in the time between now and Feb.

Anyone do either of these??

allin-king · 02-10-2009 2:35pm

Anyone doing or done this? I'm about to start and feel daunted and out of my depth. I'm an intelligent person but have never went to Uni and never bothered at school (Young and foolish)...just looked at the course work and I haven't a clue what to do.

Do I have a pen and paper with me and just take notes when I'm required to do an "activity" in the first part (Cleopatra) there are activities on nearly every page, do I treat them like tests? Confused!!

spring21 · 02-10-2009 7:29pm

Hi, has anyone studied with OU Diploma in Geography?
I have a shortfall in my Geo degree and TC suggested me to study this course. Unfortunately this diploma will withdraw next year in Dec so I have to take the two modules together to achieve 120points for my degree to get full recognition.
Maybe some of you could help/explain how OU works? Do I have to go there for lectures? What is the time table for a diploma course?
Please any help will be great cos I really want to work as a teacher here,
Thanks

hayser · 03-10-2009 5:01pm

allin-king wrote: »

Anyone doing or done this? I'm about to start and feel daunted and out of my depth. I'm an intelligent person but have never went to Uni and never bothered at school (Young and foolish)...just looked at the course work and I haven't a clue what to do.

Do I have a pen and paper with me and just take notes when I'm required to do an "activity" in the first part (Cleopatra) there are activities on nearly every page, do I treat them like tests? Confused!!

Hi Allin King. For the activities you just make your own notes on these. If you're pressured for time one week I'd just skip over it and come back to ti if you can. They're just a way for you to revise over the chapter / sections you have studied.

hayser · 03-10-2009 5:06pm

Hi Spring.

The Open University (OU) usually works in that a student chooses a certificate / diploma / degree to study (in your case geography). Once you have chosen and registered for your modules to earn your diploma then you will be able to access your course website. On this you will see if you have tutorials or not. If you do, the site will tell you when and where the tutorials will be held. They are usually within 12 miles of your house although sometimes can be further. If you cannot make it to one or more of your tutorials you should email your tutor in advance. The course website and / or your tutor can advise you on how much study will be needed per week. Good luck

spring21 · 03-10-2009 6:43pm

Thank you. so it is an online diploma? I found out that this diploma has 2 modules 60 credits each, I have to take the two together,because it will be withdrawn next Dec . You dont know how many hrs/wk study will be for 120 credits?
It will be a lot of essay and practical projects on this diploma?

hayser · 03-10-2009 8:50pm

As far as I know it's around 16 hours per week for 60 point courses. If you're doing two 60 point courses then you'd need around 32 hours (around three or four hours per day). Although some weeks if you didn't have a lot of time I'd say for you to concentrate on areas relating to any upcoming essays, etc. The OU might have concerns about you doing two 60 point courses together so if you can reassure them that you'll have the time to study both courses there should be no problem. Also don't forget you're entitled to tax relief on these modules

spring21 · 04-10-2009 9:12pm

Thx, the advisor from OU said that I could take the two modules but will be a lot of study.
Sorry for asking again but how does it work , i will get all the materials from them and study each chapter and then will be a test or I have to prepare the essay?
About the tax do you know how much will I get back from €1550 ?

BuffyBot · 04-10-2009 11:52pm

You will have tests/essays/assignments/exams depending on the course - you get the materials from the OU, and are assigned a tutor who will assist you/hold tutorials online or offline depending on the course.

mimmi · 06-10-2009 11:21am

allin-king wrote: »

Anyone doing or done this? I'm about to start and feel daunted and out of my depth. I'm an intelligent person but have never went to Uni and never bothered at school (Young and foolish)...just looked at the course work and I haven't a clue what to do.

Do I have a pen and paper with me and just take notes when I'm required to do an "activity" in the first part (Cleopatra) there are activities on nearly every page, do I treat them like tests? Confused!!

Ring your tutor, honestly they are so experienced with dealing with new students - they can put your mind at rest and stop you stressing.

AA101 like all Level 1 OU courses are written for new entrants to HE with no previous learning - you just need to find your feet and it's natural to have your feelings.

WexCan · 07-10-2009 2:55am

I know the feeling - I'm starting DD101 (Introducing the social sciences) this year having done part of S104 (Exploring science) at the start of the year. The format is so different, completely different "way of thinking" needed, and the first parts of the course have me baffled.

Hopefully everything will fall into place for both of us.

Definitely get in touch with your tutor if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed. In my experience, OU tutors are all VERY helpful.

Also, have you downloaded the FirstClass software? It will allow you access to your tutor group forum without having to use the website. Get to know your fellow students - they're great for support through the bad bits.

eth0_ · 11-10-2009 11:25am

spring21 wrote: »

Thx, the advisor from OU said that I could take the two modules but will be a lot of study.

If you're working full-time and thinking of doing 120 points in one year, i'd seriously urge you to reconsider. I did this once and while I did well in the TMA's for both courses, I failed one exam and just about passed another as it was so difficult to study for both exams simultaneously. And i've read on FirstClass that many others have made the same mistake.

coylet1 · 29-10-2009 12:29pm

I am considering doing this course, science - an anyone offer advice -
Can it be done in 1 yr?
how tough is it?
Are grants available for open unoversoty courses?
Can a ROI complete this course in NI?
Thanks for any help

mimmi · 30-10-2009 12:45pm

You must be ordinarily resident in the UK, so the answer is No.

dibs101 · 03-11-2009 5:57am

Hi,

Looking to do a level 2 this year coming in pursuit of my hons degree in engineering with the OU.

I am in full time enployment with a technical background, and a one year old son so time really is at a premium. Any advice on some favourable courses that may not need as much time as others from past experiences any 1?

Cheers.....

coylet1 · 03-11-2009 10:18am

Hi,

does anyone know if you are redundant do you qualify for an financial; assistance if doinf a full time open university course PGCE?

Thansk

eth0_ · 04-11-2009 3:42pm

coylet1 wrote: »

Hi,

does anyone know if you are redundant do you qualify for an financial; assistance if doing a full time open university course PGCE?

Thansk

Nope. As it says in the prospectus for that particular course, you must be ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom. You have to do placements in UK schools.

coylet1 · 05-11-2009 12:14pm

If you have a address in teh north you can apply to get placed there so as you are attending a course in NI would that nopt qualify you for finacial assisstance??

Also the course i run thru Dublin open universoty

coylet1 · 05-11-2009 12:27pm

dalkener wrote: »

Thanks for that, was thinking of a PO box in Newry. The expense of travel wouldn't be a hassle as I regularly work in that area for my present job. Sounds too easy though,as you say.

HI, did this work for you using the northern PO box

eth0_ · 05-11-2009 1:24pm

coylet1 wrote: »

If you have a address in teh north you can apply to get placed there so as you are attending a course in NI would that nopt qualify you for finacial assisstance??

Also the course i run thru Dublin open universoty

MOST OU courses can be done in the Republic of Ireland, however the PGCE is *UK ONLY*. You have to be habitually resident in the UK, you have to be based in the UK so you can do the teaching placements, and of course - why would the social welfare pay for you to do a course that only qualifies you to teach in the UK?

Of course you could give a relative/friend's address in the North and but the social welfare won't pay for it, and of course you'd be committing fraud.

At least read the prospectus before commenting - then you won't be giving out inaccurate information!

coylet1 · 05-11-2009 1:34pm

eth0_ wrote: »

MOST OU courses can be done in the Republic of Ireland, however the PGCE is *UK ONLY*. You have to be habitually resident in the UK, you have to be based in the UK so you can do the teaching placements, and of course - why would the social welfare pay for you to do a course that only qualifies you to teach in the UK?

Of course you could give a relative/friend's address in the North and but the social welfare won't pay for it, and of course you'd be committing fraud.

At least read the prospectus before commenting - then you won't be giving out inaccurate information!

actually you are qualified to work in the south - its a PGCE secondary and IS recognised by the TC!!!!!
what I wanted to know was did I NEED and address in teh north in order to study teh NI course?????

eth0_ · 05-11-2009 1:41pm

coylet1 wrote: »

actually you are qualified to work in the south - its a PGCE secondary and IS recognised by the TC!!!!!
what I wanted to know was did I NEED and address in teh north in order to study teh NI course?????

Have you read this thread? Have you read the brochure for that course? :rolleyes:

YES you need to be resident in N.Ireland/UK to study that course with the OU. You will need to do placements in UK schools so you obviously need to have an address there.

eth0_ · 05-11-2009 1:42pm

coylet1 wrote: »

HI, did this work for you using the northern PO box

Sorry I missed this post. No, you cannot use a PO box to defraud the OU into thinking you are a UK resident. You have to use a residential address so they know you are tax resident in the UK.

coylet1 · 05-11-2009 1:43pm

Is there any financial assistance available for doing the fulltime 1 yr PGCE that anyone knows about - been made redundant and need to do somthing

eth0_ · 05-11-2009 1:46pm

coylet1 wrote: »

Is there any financial assistance available for doing the fulltime 1 yr PGCE that anyone knows about - been made redundant and need to do somthing

This board is about distance learning, there is another board about student finances that you should post this question on.

coylet1 · 05-11-2009 1:49pm

eth0_ wrote: »

This board is about distance learning, there is another board about student finances that you should post this question on.

I am looking for soem VALUABLE feedback not knockbacks, so if you ahve nothing valuable to contribute to my q's please don't respond and waste others time thank you!!:mad:

eth0_ · 05-11-2009 4:21pm

coylet1 wrote: »

I am looking for soem VALUABLE feedback not knockbacks, so if you ahve nothing valuable to contribute to my q's please don't respond and waste others time thank you!!:mad:

I *AM* giving you valuable feedback - this thread is about open university courses, not about getting funding for NON OU courses.

SeaFields · 09-11-2009 2:05pm

Hi all,

Think this is the right place for this but feel free to move if it isn't.

Am giving serious consideration to starting some modules with the OU soon but am trying to research it well beforehand. Have heard good things all round tho.

With regard to fees - Has anyone used the Open University Student Budget Accounts system to pay their fees and how exactly does it work?

I have been in contact with the OU with regard to this system and got some info but would still like to hear some first hand experience.

Thanks

BuffyBot · 09-11-2009 4:00pm

Yes I have - If I recall correctly the cost of the course is spread over the duration of the course and taken out monthly. So if a 60 point course costs £1330 and lasts 9 months, you pay approx £147 for each month of the course.

I think from Ireland you have to provide them credit card details for the installments as they can't do direct debits from bank accounts.

kagni · 09-11-2009 6:03pm

Buffybot is spot on. The fee is split into monthly installments over the duration of the course. You give them your Credit Card details and they deduct the monthly payment from your card.
I've just completed a course and paid through the OUSBA and it everything went smoothly.

SeaFields · 10-11-2009 12:13pm

Thanks lads. That was a great help. No doubt there will be more questions to come...:D

Open University Questions and Answers

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