Open University Questions and Answers

toby2111 · 26-04-2010 9:28pm

Hi,
Quick question-interested in doing a Masters in Education through the OU.3 modules cost £1800 each.However if you are resident in the north its only £1080.I've a mate living in Newry so could I get all course materials etc sent to his address?It would save me over £2100!!!Or would they refuse seeing as I'm resident here in the Republic?
Also are OU masters recognised here?

hayser · 27-04-2010 5:52pm

toby2111 wrote: »

Hi,
Quick question-interested in doing a Masters in Education through the OU.3 modules cost £1800 each.However if you are resident in the north its only £1080.I've a mate living in Newry so could I get all course materials etc sent to his address?It would save me over £2100!!!Or would they refuse seeing as I'm resident here in the Republic?
Also are OU masters recognised here?

I'm not sure about your 1st question but I do know OU masters are recognised here

Monotype · 01-05-2010 2:00pm

I read that a first requires 85%. Is this an average across all the modules and weighted by the credits?

SeaFields · 12-05-2010 3:45pm

ronaldoshaky wrote: »

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.

Only saw this reply now...thanks for that ronaldoshaky.

hayser · 04-07-2010 4:08pm

Does anyone know when someone completes all of the courses necessary for their OU degree, should they get in touch with the OU or will the OU get in touch to say they are now eligible to receive their degree? Thanks in advance.

nibtrix · 04-08-2010 1:50pm

hayser wrote: »

Does anyone know when someone completes all of the courses necessary for their OU degree, should they get in touch with the OU or will the OU get in touch to say they are now eligible to receive their degree? Thanks in advance.

From the OU FAQs:

OU wrote:

When should I expect to receive confirmation of my qualification?

Provided that you have completed the correct courses, and they are all linked to the qualification, you should expect to see either an award offer, or confirmation of the award, to appear on your Qualifications page on StudentHome within 5 working days of your final course result being released.

and if you want to receive your degree at a ceremony:

OU wrote:

When and how can I book a ceremony place?

You can be presented at a degree ceremony if you have completed a research degree, a taught Doctorate, a Masters degree, a Bachelors degree, a Foundation Degree, a PGCE or a Diploma of Higher Education.
Provided that you have completed the correct courses, and they are all linked to the qualification, you should expect to see either an award offer, or confirmation of the award, to appear on StudentHome within five working days of your final course result being released. You will be then be given all the information you need to book a ceremony either online or via telephone. Further information is available at the ceremonies website.

Hope that helps!

didntgotoplan · 07-08-2010 3:24pm

I'm starting the course Using Mathematics (MST121) in October, and hope to start Exploring Mathematics (MS221) in February 2011. I hope to go on to getting Maths to degree level. I'll be paying for both myself so I was wondering if anyone has information on if there is any tax relief available for both of these courses. Thanks.

Monotype · 07-08-2010 4:40pm

didntgotoplan wrote: »

I'm starting the course Using Mathematics (MST121) in October, and hope to start Exploring Mathematics (MS221) in February 2011. I hope to go on to getting Maths to degree level. I'll be paying for both myself so I was wondering if anyone has information on if there is any tax relief available for both of these courses. Thanks.

I don't think that you can get tax relief on individual courses, but I believe that you can get tax relief if you show that you're aiming for a degree.
The Open University is listed with "Bachelor of Science" on the list approved colleges for undergraduate tax relief.

I assume Bachelor of Science is a generality and would entitle you to tax relief. You should be entitled to 20% of fees to a maximum of €1000 per annum. So if your fees are €8,000, you get €1000 back and if your fees are €4000, you get €800.

I think that open university degrees are also eligible for HEA grant, if you haven't applied before (dependent on income limits and other circumstances). Maybe it only applies if you're at the open university full time but you'd need to check that out fast as closing dates are soon.

monkeypants · 19-08-2010 9:50am

I'm currently unemployed for a year. After job seeking, walking the dog, grocery shopping, cooking and running, I still have some free time. I have a leaving cert, but I've never finished a degree. Did a Diploma in Project Management in DBS two years ago and enjoyed it. Most employers are looking for a degree nowadays, so...

I'm been looking at the OU website and this looks interesting in terms of a degree - BSc (Honours) Information and Communication Technologies (B38)

There are eleven IT degrees listed if including the open one. The first two level one modules in about five of them are Data, computing and information (M150) and Networked living: exploring information and communication technologies (T175). Both are 30 point courses and are compulsory for my degree. Once these two are done, I should be able to claim a Certificate in Information Technology and Computing (C47).

There are two optional 30 point level one modules in the degree, of which I'll have to do one. They are Discovering Mathematics (MU123) and Using Mathematics (MST121). After this, I'll be able to claim a Certificate in Computing and Mathematics (C50).

I'm thinking that I should be able to manage two 30 point modules at any one time. Does that seem reasonable?
For the C50 cert, it states "You must include at least 20 credits from OU or collaborative scheme modules that have not been counted in any other OU certificate, diploma or first degree you may have been awarded." M150 would have been counted towards the first cert, but either of the two mathematics modules would not have been linked to anything yet, although I do want to use them for the degree. Would I still be able to get the cert or would I have to do the second mathematics module?

One point to add regarding claiming tax relief on fees; the course has to be a minimum of two years in duration. So rather than claiming for modules, you'd have to claim for the degree as a whole maybe.

brownmini · 19-08-2010 8:46pm

didntgotoplan wrote: »

I'm starting the course Using Mathematics paying for both myself so I was wondering if anyone has information on if there is any tax relief available for both of these courses. Thanks.

The OU is approved by the Taxman.
You fill out a one page sheet staple some sort of receipt to it.
This can be anything that clearly demonstrates that you paid the fees.

A few months later...a nice cheque wll appear or you can nominate a bank account to have your refund paid to.
Its very simple process.
Remember, you can only go back 4 years in claiming these fees.

Oh and you can only claim for one college per year.
e.g. if you are climing for the OU and then decide to do a 4 year diploma with NUI, you will only be allowed a tax-back on one lump not two.

brownmini · 20-08-2010 9:28pm

coup1917 wrote: »

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...!!)..

M150 - good course .
T320 didnt do it ,.. did T324 instead - expected it to be half of the old T305 but it wasnt.
T325 looks nice though but might do some 10 pointers for a change.
T224, T263 are good.
MT262 was great!!

Suggest that you make up an excel spreadsheet of the fixed syllabi for
each named degree.
Identify the common subjects of the degrees that interest you and do
them.
Identify the final-year for each course too.
You may find that a course you want to do in two years time is scheduled
to be scrapped next year. This can affect your path.
Plan ahead. See if one course is the '2nd year' of another.

Eventually - you can then choose which branch you need to fill-in
when it comes to choosing the courses that arent common.
If at the end you choose to do a project and get a named degree thats
fine or just collect enough points and collect the OPEN one instead.

Just remembr that you can only use each course twice when it comes to obtaining a qualification.
i.e. You cant use each course to get a Cert, Diploma and then a Degree.

Happy studying ...

monkeypants · 23-08-2010 12:51pm

brownmini wrote: »

Just remembr that you can only use each course twice when it comes to obtaining a qualification.
i.e. You cant use each course to get a Cert, Diploma and then a Degree.

How do you then get the qualifications? Do you have to repeat the module(s)?

brownmini · 23-08-2010 7:44pm

monkeypants wrote: »

How do you then get the qualifications? Do you have to repeat the module(s)?

If you do the course for example Z999 and it's part of the required courses for several degrees/certs/diplomas... you can only use it and its points to gain two of those qualifications.
So if you want to get a degree using each course then only use it once for something else.

monkeypants · 24-08-2010 12:05pm

Okay, let me see if I can post up a specific example.

Module M50 seems to be a common level 1 module for a whole bunch of courses. So is Module T175.

I want to do both of them to get Degree B38. Module M123 is also a part of this.

That's three modules so far. Two of them are compulsory, the third isn't. I could do MST121 instead.

Once I've done M50 and T175, I can collect Certificate C47. When I complete M123 or MST121, I should also be able to collect Certificate C50.

Am I able to collect both certificates and still collect the degree? Or do I have to do one of the modules a second time?

30-08-2010 2:15pm

monkeypants wrote: »

Am I able to collect both certificates and still collect the degree? Or do I have to do one of the modules a second time?

I don't know but it sounds like if you want to get the degree at the end you would have to potentially not claim the intermediate certificates?

didntgotoplan · 30-08-2010 2:26pm

I know when I registered for the courses, they asked me to link the course to one qualification or more, with the possibility of adding/changing more qualifications at another stage.

For example, I'm doing the MST121 and MS221 this year which I linked to the Certificate in Mathematics. I will probably be aiming for the Bsc in Mathematics and Statistics, if I enjoy the OU experience this year.

brownmini · 30-08-2010 9:55pm

monkeypants wrote: »

Am I able to collect both certificates and still collect the degree? Or do I have to do one of the modules a second time?

The way I understand it - yes because you aren't
using the same course more than twice.

Use each course once for the Certs and hold the second use for the degree.

brownmini · 30-08-2010 9:59pm

didntgotoplan wrote: »

For example, I'm doing the MST121 and MS221 this year which I linked to the

These two courses usually fit nicely.

monkeypants · 31-08-2010 9:40am

brownmini wrote: »

The way I understand it - yes because you aren't
using the same course more than twice.

If I collect both certs and the degree, I'd have used the M150 module three times. Suppose I do want to collect all three? I've done the work, why not? The only other option would be to do M150 a second time, which makes money for the OU and nothing else.

31-08-2010 2:24pm

monkeypants wrote: »

If I collect both certs and the degree, I'd have used the M150 module three times. Suppose I do want to collect all three? I've done the work, why not? The only other option would be to do M150 a second time, which makes money for the OU and nothing else.

I don't see why they would let you do a course a second time - you aren't learning anything new. You would probably have to do a different course to make up the points.

kagni · 31-08-2010 2:54pm

brownmini wrote: »

Just remembr that you can only use each course twice when it comes to obtaining a qualification.
i.e. You cant use each course to get a Cert, Diploma and then a Degree.

Happy studying ...

Thanks brownmini - I wasn't aware of this. Can you post a link to this info please.
I have only seen restrictions on the amount of unique study required for each qualification.
It doesn't affect me but I am surprised it isn't more clearly detailed on the OU site.

monkeypants · 01-09-2010 8:41am

I spoke to someone at the OU and they seemed to think that I could collect both certs. Meh. I have to do all three modules anyway, so I'll just go and do that and call the OU in two years when I'm done with them.

didntgotoplan · 01-09-2010 3:06pm

I was wondering about student benefits in relation to bus passes.

I will be working full time when doing the course and will be using buses to get around everyday, so I was wondering do we get student discounts for travel passes?
Will we get an Open University student card or is there another way to show them you are a student of OU?

I already was in college and I needed to show my student ID more or less every time I went in to get a monthly pass at the bus station.

BuffyBot · 01-09-2010 4:51pm

You can get an OU student ID, which Bus Eireann accept for student bus tickets.

monkeypants · 02-09-2010 1:12pm

BuffyBot wrote: »

You can get an OU student ID, which Bus Eireann accept for student bus tickets.

That might be useful all right.

Christ, I'm really going to be a student again!

didntgotoplan · 02-09-2010 10:30pm

Thanks! Any idea how I can get one from Open University? or will I just email them and ask?

A few other questions...
How long does it normal take for OU to sent stuff by post to Ireland?

Also, I'm looking to see which degree is nicer to do from anyone who has done them- the Mathematics and Statistics one or just the Mathematics? Reason being as they are both recognised degree's for the secondary teaching!

I know the Mathematics has a residential school, which doesn't bother me at the moment. Modules wise which one would people recommend is the least difficult to learn and understand?

I touched on Statistics in my first degree and thought it was a nice subject and I also enjoyed maths as a subject in the leaving.

hayser · 03-09-2010 7:51pm

didntgotoplan wrote: »

Thanks! Any idea how I can get one from Open University? or will I just email them and ask?

A few other questions...
How long does it normal take for OU to sent stuff by post to Ireland?

.

If you go to www.nus.com that is where you apply for an OU student card. You'll need to upload a photo of yourself and have a credit card to pay the 12 Euro fee. I think it's 15 if you want to add USIT to the card. It takes about 2 weeks altogether to have it processed and sent out.

Bobeagleburger · 04-09-2010 2:26pm

you also get a FREE student card from OU.

It works as a discount card too

bearhugs · 22-09-2010 7:48pm

Hi, just wondering if anyone can help me. I have an Arts degree and a HDip Ed. Am trying to apply for credit transfer in the Open University and got a letter from them today saying they need more information on the HDip, as in how many credits it is, level of course etc. Has anyone been in a similar position? What was the outcome? Obviously Ill get in touch with the awarding body of the qualifiactions but Id love to hear from anyone who already sorted their situation out? Thanks

monkeypants · 23-09-2010 4:12pm

hayser wrote: »

If you go to www.nus.com that is where you apply for an OU student card. You'll need to upload a photo of yourself and have a credit card to pay the 12 Euro fee. I think it's 15 if you want to add USIT to the card. It takes about 2 weeks altogether to have it processed and sent out.

You sure about the URL? I'm getting an american company website.

kagni · 23-09-2010 11:12pm

monkeypants wrote: »

You sure about the URL? I'm getting an american company website.

Try here - http://www.nus.org.uk/

monkeypants · 24-09-2010 7:55am

rarnes1 wrote: »

you also get a FREE student card from OU.

It works as a discount card too

When do you get this? I've received all my materials and there's no card included. Do I have to apply for it?

Bobeagleburger · 26-09-2010 5:10pm

monkeypants wrote: »

When do you get this? I've received all my materials and there's no card included. Do I have to apply for it?

Yeah, you need a small cover letter, stating your course and course code/ PI number and a couple of passport photos.

Afaik, you need a stamped address envelope too.

Student card

If you want an OUSA membership card, ask the Research School for a certificate of registration, then send that, a passport-sized photograph and a postage stamp (if you use an off campus address) with a covering letter to OUSA.

http://www3.open.ac.uk/rdse-handbook/p2_5.shtml

SeaFields · 22-10-2010 11:38am

Have every intention of starting a OU course early next year. However, the prospectus, its like a nerds wet dream!

I dunno what to do. Continue in my area of expertise from my other postgrad study and do a postgrad course or start from scratch and do something completely different.

:(

Anyone else face similar difficulties? How did you solve it? Possible a question that I can only answer myself.

Oh the stress!

DON_08 · 01-11-2010 7:57pm

I wish to do a Bsc in Maths and was looking at the details on this. Well I really want to do a full-time masters - but can't get accepted onto a course without a pure maths degree so see this as an option.

I already have an Hons degree in Actuarial Maths and Statistics - but from the blurb on the website I can only use that for 80 credits and only 30 for the compulsory level 1 maths module. I have also done the Actuarial exams by distance learning - so familiar with the study way.

I have looked through the syllabus of the compulsory level 2 modules, and I have covered most if not all of the topics. I'm afraid to start this as it might end up boring the pants off me - and seems a waste.

I would love to do more modules on the level 3 options - rather than use the extra 50 credits from the previous degree.

Has anyone ever come up with the same problem and were OU anyway flexible on this?

Duff Man Jr. · 30-11-2010 4:03am

I just registered and paid for my first module(S104). I want to reg for another, should I wait untill they post out the confirmation first? Because I haven't got my OU Personal Identifier yes there might be two copies of me in their system. Deadline is 3 weeks away, so no need for panic stations just yet.

Thanks

mbiking123 · 23-12-2010 6:43pm

For anybody interested in M364 or M366, I have posted the course results. M364 is a relatively easy course yet 24% failed.

M366 is a difficult course, had a much lower failure rate. It appears a number of students (overall) did not bother to even turn up for exam

Some subject can be more difficult than others, M364 and M366 are both 30 credit course but the time required was substantially different

BaronVon · 25-04-2011 5:02pm

Hi all,

Looking to start Using mathematics (MST121) in October. The course consists of 5 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and 3 Computer-marked assignments (CMAs). It ends in June. There is no exam.

Problem is, I'm getting married at the end of May and intend to be honeymooning for most, if not all, of June.

Do people know if I could finish the course earlier? Are students informed of all the assignments at the start?

Any help much appreciated.

BuffyBot · 26-04-2011 11:44am

Yes, generally you receive all the assignments at the start and there should be no problem having them completed early.

aphex™ · 26-04-2011 1:17pm

My experience is the opposite to Buffybot. For example, on the course websites for the two courses I'm currently doing I cannot see any TMA 04.

However I have no doubt that with some careful planning and work you could easily take a month off study.

didntgotoplan · 26-04-2011 8:38pm

infacteh wrote: »

Hi all,

Looking to start Using mathematics (MST121) in October. The course consists of 5 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and 3 Computer-marked assignments (CMAs). It ends in June. There is no exam.

Problem is, I'm getting married at the end of May and intend to be honeymooning for most, if not all, of June.

Do people know if I could finish the course earlier? Are students informed of all the assignments at the start?

Any help much appreciated.

I'm doing this course now and we got the majority of the assignments at the beginning and the last two assignments in February I think. It was early during the year. They are due in June. We have been able to submit the computer based assignments at the beginning of this month.

I know others that are doing the course with other courses and they have finished the assignments.There should be no probably submitting the assignments earlier either!

If you want to know anything about the course in any way, send me a message and I'll help the best I can.

brownmini · 26-04-2011 11:20pm

infacteh wrote: »

Hi all,
Looking to start Using mathematics (MST121) in October.
The course consists of 5 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
and 3 Computer-marked assignments (CMAs). It ends in June.
There is no exam.

Problem is, I'm getting married at the end of May and intend
to be honeymooning for most, if not all, of June.

Do people know if I could finish the course earlier?
Are students informed of all the assignments at the start?

Talk to your tutor ASAP.
Else contact Belfast and explain why youre rining them before
they put you through to someone you dont need.

I think you'll get most of the assignments but I doubt you'll
get them all.
Also, I think you'll be told- Yes submit as early as you
like but they early ones won't be marked until after the applicable
closing date.

Your tutor will either know the official answers or will know exactly
who to ask for the official answer.
One things for sure, the OU wont just say no, they will try to accomodate
you. I doubt that youre the first student to have this happen.

Failing all that... just tell the other half that the wedding is on hold until
TMA05 is submitted.
That should liven things up for you !!!

Ahhh I can see it now-

Nice romantic walk along the beach...suddenly you realise...
tomorrow mid-day (UK time) is handup time...
Suddenly run back to hotel to dialup and submit.

BaronVon · 27-04-2011 12:27am

Yeah, thanks lads. There's an open day thing on Thursday, I'll pop into that. Sounds like it's possible.

BaronVon · 27-04-2011 12:29am

didntgotoplan wrote: »

I'm doing this course now and we got the majority of the assignments at the beginning and the last two assignments in February I think. It was early during the year. They are due in June. We have been able to submit the computer based assignments at the beginning of this month.

I know others that are doing the course with other courses and they have finished the assignments.There should be no probably submitting the assignments earlier either!

If you want to know anything about the course in any way, send me a message and I'll help the best I can.

How do you find the course? Is it more of a case of revision or does it take alot of work?

didntgotoplan · 27-04-2011 11:13pm

infacteh wrote: »

How do you find the course? Is it more of a case of revision or does it take alot of work?

I found it quite harder than I initially thought. I even heard others that did the course before it to find it a big step up from the first course.

I thought it would mainly be revision however there are some sections (including the MathCad stuff) that are a bit mind boggling! Luckily we are at the final statistics part, which I like the best so it's coming to an end soon.

The videos and audio along the course are great but the best thing is the support you get from your tutor. My one is great at explaining stuff that is difficult to understand from the text. At the last session, he gave us past questions and answers to help us understand the questions further.

Coriolanus · 14-05-2011 4:23am

I'd been thinking of applying for a OU course or two.

Was poking around on the website and checked the "Science starts here" course and was surprised that the 130 pound fees shot up to 320 for students from the Republic.

Does anyone know why? Is it just a case that the courses for UK students are subsidised?

BuffyBot · 14-05-2011 11:03am

Simply, yes, it is.

theglobe · 06-07-2011 8:28pm

Hi, just wondering is it possible to do a subject in the open university and use it as your primary subject for a hdip in education for secondary school teaching? Currently I only have business subjects and the quota is making it impossible for me.

Monotype · 06-07-2011 9:13pm

You'd need more than one module. To teach a subject, they say that you need 30% of your degree each year to be in that subject. I've heard of people using OU modules to make up this quota, but I'm not sure if you'd get away with just studying 1/3 of a degree. Did you take any languages as part of your degree that you could add to?

L1011 · 03-10-2011 8:45pm

Has anyone on here done (I don't think its old enough for there to be many who have finished it yet, mind) the G23 Foundation Degree, Computing & IT Practice?

Seeing as I'm working in IT, have been for some time, and have basically exhausted professional certification in what I'm working in / have any interest in, it looks like a decent, cheap (I'm going to assume any chance of it looking easy from the course specs are deceptive!) way to get a degree. I've no problem with self studying, I didn't do any training for my WinServer/SQL/Cisco certs and I spend numerous nights stuck in hotel rooms for work with absolutely nothing to do anyway...

However I'd still like to know what someone else already doing it thinks of it before I commit to it.

additionally, seeing as there are no requirements for any of the modules I've looked at, are you allowed do a Level 2 module before completing Level 1? I've missed the October registration for a number of modules and it'd be a way to get a little ahead before starting 'properly' again next October.

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