Anyone study with the Open University?

[-Savage-]

Hey all, any of you guys have experience with the open university? I'm thinking of doing a MSc course and have one in mind through the OU.
https://www3.open.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/qualification/f12.htm#how-to-register
How does distance learning work out? is there lots of support from academics? What formats are materials given in?
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[Clanger]

I don't study with them per se...I am a support worker for students studying on the OU courses, so I get to see their course materials and everything.

Basically with enrollment, you get a lot of books and study guides with each course and a booklet which outlines the modules you will be taking, you will get a full reading list and suggestions of further publications to read.

Most tutorials are held at a college/university nearby - usually from 7pm weekdays and some on Saturdays. Most courses offer guidance via email and the online forum - so you can have direct contact with your tutor, fellow students and former students.

You will need a decent online connection, as lots of the assignments are to be submitted via the OU website and not written or pdf via email.

Hope this helps??
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[GhostRider]

Don’t have experience with OU myself, but have recently completed an MSc in Clinical Biochemistry to along similar lines. I did mine part-time on the basis of 1 day week at uni and it took 3 years, but it was intensive, always had 6 large assignments/presentations on the go at any one time, and as soon as they were completed it was revision for exams for a straight 2 years, then obviously a research project took up the other year. If it was full-time it would have been hell I imagine. Regardless the point is that even at that steady pace it still took 3 years, with OU unless you were very disciplined I could see it taking longer since it seems it’s up to you when you want to take a module on or not.

But even before that, looking at the modules in that course, it all looks rather generic. I’ve heard it echoed many times that the only point in doing an MSc is if you are specializing in something, otherwise you’re just repeating a BSc essentially. Looking at those modules it’s hard to see exactly what you would be a “master” of, rather a jack of all trades as it were. In addition if you are at all interested in working for the NHS then you’ll want a qualification that is from an accredited institute, otherwise they won’t wipe their arse with it, and I doubt the OU holds that credential.

In addition I don’t believe that such a subject can be taught effectively on a distance-learning basis, I mean sure you attend lectures where you think “I can read this in a book…” but I think having certain concepts explained in person, as well as having immediate feedback on questions or explanations of difficult processes and seemingly contradictory scenarios helps cement the knowledge in place, and I just don’t see how you’re going to get that on a distance learning basis….

Just my tuppence….

GhostRider
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[daemonoid]

I'm doing a BA in maths (really slowly) You need dedication and spare time. I have a bit of the former and not much of the latter. I've only been to a few tutorials, as the first couple of courses were just revision for me.

It's a good way of doing it if you have no other option due to work or similar. Plus employers seem to respect it a lot as it shows a drive to better yourself and work ethic.

The one bit of advice is make sure you really want to do it - either because you have a goal it will help you achieve or you are genuinely interested as a hobby.
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[nop]

[smegballs]

GR dumb question but I take it that was 1 day/week for 3 years on top of a bsc degree? What was your first degree in?

[GhostRider]

Yeah was on top of a 2.1 (hons) in pharmaceutical chemistry. Bear in mind thats while working a 9-5 as well. And like I say it kept you busy - plenty of times I’d do my stint at work, come home, cup of coffee then straight into the spare room to spend 4 hours reading/writing/trying to understand hard shit, the missus would bring some dinner in to me and I’d eat at the keyboard, do that 3-4 times a week for 3 years and it becomes trying.

Of course that’s if you want to do things properly and actually learn something, thing with an MSc is that you either pass, fail or get a distinction, but I doubt anyone takes any notice between the two (actually you can also get a “Merit” which is between a pass and a distinction which is what I got, but as I say, no one cares).

Point being you can scrape through with a “D” in everything and get a pass, but there’s a difference between studying to pass an exam, and studying to actually understand what the fuck it is you’re doing and writing about, and that’s where the difference in grades, and applicable knowledge/ability for real world work, will present itself i.e to say the least, it would be embarrassing to go to an interview/job and be shown to not have a fucking clue as to the underlying dynamics of Cushings Syndrome despite having an MSc in Clinical Biochemistry, for instance.

GhostRider
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I have all the characteristics of a human being: blood, flesh, skin, hair; but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for greed and disgust. Something horrible is happening inside of me and I don't know why. My nightly bloodlust has overflown into my days. I feel lethal, on the verge of frenzy. I think my mask of sanity is about to slip.

[fatpies]

TBH the price difference between the OU and taught courses for MSc/MA level aren't that huge anyway.

I had a poke around and you can do MA courses for about £4000 and they will often stick them in the evenings as well.


Funny enough my degree yonks I managed to keep a full time job at the same time. Almost all the lectures were late 6pm-9pm ones. Three days a week. No sweat and I got a 1st.
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[halucin8]

I'm studying with OU atm, course material comes in books DVDs audio formats if you have some kind of disability they cater for that too, phone tutorials, comb bound books most audio is available as MP3 format, think some of my books were available on eBook format too, they have course forums and cluster group forums but most groups have FB groups as well which aren't monitored by the tutors.. my tutorials are Saturdays in Liverpool and day schools usually a Saturday at Manchester uni. Its the only way i can complete my degree, cant go to a brick uni due to the kids.
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[instigator]

I am on a distance learning course with Brunel University in order to obtain a P.g MSc and thus become a chartered engineer. I've never used the support groups as I've never really needed them. But I will say this, never underestimate quite how much time you need to put in to pass the course. It's not easy.

I spend every weekend in the office, "studying".

P.S Why do you want to do an MSc in "science"? What do you want to get out of it? If you want a job, I'd suggest you rethink and make it more specialised because Science is far too fucking broad a subject in my book. But if for your own interest only, sure, go for it.