I have just signed myself up for a one year certificate course via the open uni. I have received the course materials today and now i am panicking!! It looks like i've got so much work to do, althought the course recommends 5 hours a week. Im a bit scared and not sure where to start!!! I do normally get last minute nerves and im hoping this is just that before i start my first assignment.

Just wondered if anyone here had ever done an open uni qulaification?? How did you find it?Were you supported?Did you do more/less work than they recommended?

Thanks
:-)

Hi there, a few years back i did a years course in computing with them and it was great!!  I did more work than they recommended but it was only because i loved it, plus i thought if it would be to easy to slack off, LOL
I found the support really good as well from my tutor but also from the other students on the online forum. 
It was really nerve wracking at first as it had been years since i did any studying, when my course stuff came i nearly gave up there and then but i'm glad i didn't as it was so enjoyable.
Good luck, hope you enjoy it, you've made me think now about maybe doing another course with them ;-)

I am totally addicted to the OU! I started in 1995 with the French Diploma (3 years) loved it and decided to continue on to a degree. I graduated in 2002, receiving my degree from Betty Boothroyd, who was fantastic. Then after a gap, the craving returned, and I'm just about to start my final course in the Diploma in Classical Studies. It's great, studying can be fitted around your life-style - I'm retired now but I did do it when I was working. I find the dead-lines for the assignments really keep me on track. I've usually managed to attend tutorials, but you don't have to, and as already mentioned there is also on-line support. Go for it - enjoy it - you'll never look back. :-)

Hi,

I studied with the OU for 6 years, gaining my BA(Hons) in Economics & Business early last year.

I found the tutor support brilliant from most tutors (one or two seemed a bit disinterested / inexperienced) - I usually communicted with them by email but they made it clear that we could call at certain times too for a chat.

The amount of paperwork they send you does seem daunting doesn't it? The thing that worked best for me was to carefully sit down nd read thorugh it, I found a lot of the leaflets etc were'nt related to the course so they were buried in the cupboard for 'future reference' (They're still in there I think).

I found the OU's estimation of the hours needed was about right once I'd really 'got into' the coursework, for the first couple of assigments I spent quite a bit more time double checking everything, just to make sure I had understood everything correctly.

The physical tutorials are well worth going to if you can (and if you have them on your course) - they really help to bring the textbooks to life.

What course are you studying?

Claire

Feel free to drop me an email/PM if you want to chat or if you want any study support at all - I've always studied in my spare time since leaving college, this is the first year I've had a break :-)

I graduated from the OU in 1989 with a BA and have just competed a BSc(Hons) with them so I've been studying with them for a long time. Its a lot of work, especially when you are working full time as well but their notes are really good and a lot of courses have online forums now too which is good if you get stuck. I'm sure you will enjoy it.

All I can say is well done to all of you - I wouldn't have the self discipline to set study times each day - I'd always find something else to do! :) :)

How exciting.  What course are you taking?

I'm studying with the O.U. at the moment. I'm doing a life science degree.
I can honestly say that the support available is fantastic, much better than when I did my chemistry degree at a normal university many years ago. The course materials are fantastic and normally well written.

I don't find that I normally do as many as the recommended number of hours each week. That said I have exams in 5 weeks and am studying at every available opportunity at the moment.
One piece of advice I have, is go to any tutorials offered if you can, it really helps to touch base with other people on your course occasionally. If you can't or they aren't offered for your course don't worry there is a fantastic on line community and all courses have their own forums.

Don't worry about being nervous, everyone is a little worried when they start something new, I'm sure you'll love it, just be aware that it is very addictive.

Have fun. :-)

Thank you so much everyone. You have made me feel more positive :-)
I am doing a course in Leading Work with Young People. It is only 30 points but i can use it as one of my courses towards making up a degree or i can use it as my entry to a degree course.
I am hoping to have some time over the weekend to have a good look through and digest it.

The official start date isnt until 3rd October but it wouldnt hurt me to start early. Psychologically i need to do well on the first assignement to feel good about completing the rest of the course :-)

Well done Freds mum. Some time ago I did and ou module (learning for all) also 30 points went on to do btec professional certificate in special needs  at collegeand then had intended to complete the degree.
my domestic arrangements that stopped me at the time.
I really enjoyed it you  good luck let us know how you go.
When you pass we will share a some cyber champagne !! LOL

Thank you very much :-)
I will work twice as hard and finish early to enjoy that champagne a wee bit sooner :-) :-) :-)