Cronus wrote:Good luck to all.

(of course we all know exams are too easy these days )

On a slightly serious note, I'm thinking of doing a distance learning degree from September - but no 'Micky-Mouse' degrees, something I can use that will advance job prospects, or even a complete career change.

I'd go for Open University but it seems expensive and many universities now offer distance learning, though they seem to be limited in their range. I know a certain esteemed poster here has something to do with the OU, but does anyone else have any experience of doing this sort of thing?

Rock God X wrote:I'm currently nearing the end of the first year of a physics/astronomy degree with the OU. I'd recommend them quite highly, if you're the sort of person who can study largely unaided. Their course materials are excellent, to the extent that I've never felt the need to attend a tutorial, or even to ring my tutors for advice. Everything you need to know is either in the books or on the website.

Quote:I don't know if they're a lot more expensive than other providers, but they do allow you to spread the cost with their 'student budget account'.

DaveO wrote:As an OU tutor myself (Computer Science) I would agree with you about the OU. It is highly regarded Uni in its own right and not just because of the study materials but because of the support you can get form the likes of me! You should get A LOT of feedback on your assignments which will have been marked by your tutor.

DaveO wrote:The OU fees are now £5000 a year for 120 points worth of study which is equivalent to full-time study. That is a huge increase as you would normally have expected to pay around £1600 or less for that.

As to these increased costs well the OU hierarchy down in Milton Keynes are over the moon about the new fee system because for the first time part time students can apply for a student loan whereas previously they could not.

What they seem to have have overlooked is the cost of the courses is now much greater. How this will affect student numbers I do not know because it's still cheaper than a traditional Uni but I don't see many mature students (the OU's traditional audience) wanting to take on a loan for 30 years later in life.

I first came across the OU as a student myself as my company paid for me to do two courses to refresh my computing education and the cost was about £650 each for two 60 point courses. (The two 30 point courses I tutor were about half that cost but now cost £1250 each) That was really good value and far better than sending me on a weeks course at some training provider at four times the price.

Would my company stump up the increased cost for the new course fees? I have my doubts and I also think it will put a lot of people off who would find getting together £350 or so do-able in a year but would baulk at the idea of taking on £1250 loan of finding that amount of cash for each year of study.

I expect the OU to become an alternative for many students at age 18 due to the price and the fact you could stay at home and save money that way.

If it pans out like that it will be a shame IMO because the whole reason it was created was to give people who had missed out earlier in life a second chance and I am not sure many 18 year olds would have the study discipline and maturity to do the distance learning thing properly anyway. My own son who turned 18 last month probably wouldn't have the study skills to do it and I'd have years of dragging off his PC/xBOX to get him to work!

He has started his A level exams this week and is sitting a Maths exam today and I have to constantly chivvy him on to revise so God knows what he would be like with completely self directed study.

Rock God X wrote:I haven't received that much feedback yet, but then, I've achieved very high marks so far and there's only so much feedback you can give in those circumstances. I couldn't comment on how supportive the tutors are yet, as I've not needed to contact one (sure you're smashing though). I'd imagine that will change when I get onto the level 2 and level 3 courses.

Quote:Spot on. I started my degree because I cocked up my A-levels through lack of effort, and therefore didn't go to uni when I was 18. I've always regretted that lack of application, and the OU gave me a 'second chance' to get the education I've craved since. Thankfully, I started mine before this government came to power and starting dry-humping the poor and needy, so I'll qualify for the OU's transitional arrangements. This means that as long as I finish my degree before Sept 2017 (isn't it?), I'll be able to pay my fees at the old rate. If that hadn't have been the case, I don't think I'd have started my degree at all.

DaveO wrote:I tutor two level 3 courses so even the best students will drop marks occasionally. And anyway even you get stuff right a good tutor will commend you on a good answer.

DaveO wrote:Yes I think its 2017 but don't quote me. We tutors are not supposed to offer study advice any more! I think the fact a lot of current students are on the transitional arrangements is why both my tutor groups are full this year. If you want a Computer Science degree you have to do these two courses so I reckon people are getting them in now.