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ORIGINAL: elab49

I broadly enjoyed doing a second degree with the OU. Apart from maybe one tutor the quality was quite high and they engaged with the work in a way I don't recall from the first time around. I do think it's a bit different if you're older going into it as there can be some silly stuff that seems a bit pointless - getting marked on self-assessing your learning progress on an academic course seems wholly redundant to me eg.

In terms of course I guess it's down to what you're interested in. Perhaps given the massive price rises (unless you're in Scotland?) you could try one of the 10 pointers first just to get a feel for things? It's what I did.

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ORIGINAL: Brooksy84

Thanks for the replies guys, all helpful stuff.
Well I decided to go for it, and I've applied to study law starting in February. Waiting to hear back from them, something about duplicate records on their database or something, so hopefully in the next couple of days I'll know whether I'm in or not.
I work part time at the moment and look after my daughter at home, and I couldn't bear the thought of letting all that spare time go to waste, and the idea of her starting school in 3/4 years and me having not made any inroads into a new career scared me. I can't imagine she'll be letting me get much done during the day so will have to use my time well at weekends and evenings. Actually really looking forward to it.

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ORIGINAL: Erlenmeyer Flask

Have you any previous experience of studying those subjects? If you're thinking of becoming a clinical or counselling psychologist, it can take 8-10 years to finish training due to the requirements and how competitive the field is. That said, there are probably other options if you want to be a therapist - just make sure your course is accredited.

I'd encourage anyone who is interested and willing to put in the effort to do a distance learning degree. It doesn't suit everyone. I haven't gone through the OU system, but did my MA with a major UK university over two years. Good admin, and tutors. Hard work, lots of long hours and reading, but I really enjoyed it. It's not easy when you're also working. You do need a routine and have to be able to set aside a few hours to cover the work you're set. Personally, I could not have managed it without access to a quiet library space.

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ORIGINAL: BatFan

You're just a cunt. If i'm gonna get a ban then fine. Ever since I joined this forum I thought you were a massive cunt. Feels good to say it.

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ORIGINAL: Sumintelligentguy

How goes the OU's online community work?

Is it like a forum where you get to interact with other students as well as academics? Or does contacting the latter just involve using email?

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ORIGINAL: BatFan

You're just a cunt. If i'm gonna get a ban then fine. Ever since I joined this forum I thought you were a massive cunt. Feels good to say it.

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ORIGINAL: Lazy wolf eyes

quote:

ORIGINAL: elab49

I broadly enjoyed doing a second degree with the OU. Apart from maybe one tutor the quality was quite high and they engaged with the work in a way I don't recall from the first time around. I do think it's a bit different if you're older going into it as there can be some silly stuff that seems a bit pointless - getting marked on self-assessing your learning progress on an academic course seems wholly redundant to me eg.

In terms of course I guess it's down to what you're interested in. Perhaps given the massive price rises (unless you're in Scotland?) you could try one of the 10 pointers first just to get a feel for things? It's what I did.

Yes, I really don't like that aspect (and that may be partly because I'm waiting for my mark back on that one!)

I'm doing a second degree at the moment with the OU. I started in October and so far really enjoying it. I'm doing Art History. The only thing is the first year is a broad based module, so it covers various topics including English Literature which I've already got a degree in.

Anyway, seeing as I've only started myself, I have very little advice to offer however I will say that I find going to as many tutorials and day schools is incredibly helpful, so try and make those if you can. (although there are online tutorials and the online community is fantastic for getting in touch with others who are muddling through). I've had some great tips from the forums.

Time management is tricky especially if you're working, but what I do is make a plan for each week and work out where I can fit in some studying. You're told how many hours you should be studying a week when you start so I've found it helpful to plan my week and see where I can fit in study hours.

Anyway, good luck!