Single hen

[hillfamily]

The time has come for me to start to consider my future and my return to work

 

I have loved being in the very privileged position (although as a result of very sad circumstances) to have been able to be a stay at home mum and raise my DS and DD who are now 17 (almost) and 15 :D

 

I've never been one for doing nothing so over the years have been a volunteer Portage Home Visitor (same as the qualified ones.....just don't get paid ) a School Governor, including being the SEN Governor, Link Governor and finally the Chairman. I have Chaired the school PTA, been a fundraiser for our local pre school, been part of the team who ran the local Mums and Toddler group, and taught music and movement classes to preschoolers :D

 

But the time has come to go out the big wide world and get a paid job......still got just a little while longer.......so I'm looking at consolidating all the above and doing an OU course in the hope that some recognised qualifications will help when applying for jobs

 

As it's be so long since I've experienced any education, I'm considering starting with an introductory course, to get back into the whole studying thing and then moving on through the levels :D

 

This is where I need some advice from people who have experience of the OU.....what are your experiences How have you found the support, the tutors, finding the time to do the coursework etc

[poachedegg]

Can't advise I'm afraid - however I am in a similar position (not having to find paid employment), but in staying at home and keeping very, very busy with being a governor, school helper, church groups etc etc - so just wanted to say good luck!

[Willow]

I've heard only positive comments about the OU.

 

One of my sisters did an MBA with the OU and was very positive about the thing. She was working full-time, commuting and family so must have found them supportive.

 

A good friend (who keeps chickens) is just completing a PhD with them and again very positive and looking to continue as a researcher.

 

Another friend tutors for them remotely (from Greece and China) and whilst I don't think they pay much she has been positive about them from the lecturer/tutor side. She is probably the cleverest person I know and she is highly qualified (2 PhD's in different disciplines ) so I'm sure could have had her pick of places to work for.

[Chicken Licken]

I spent 4 years completing my OU MA in Education and would recommend it to anyone. The materials are really good for distance learning -well written module folders and essential textbooks included in the course fee and access to all the articles and research you would have traditionally done in a library on line.

It is not as flexible as I first thought it would be - there are deadlines (for education courses they mostly fit to half terms and holidays ). I think how you get on with your tutor is variable - I would sing the praises of 3 out of 4 of mine and they did a good job. I worked full time whilst studying as did nearly everyone else on my course. The sense of achievement when 3 of us graduated together was great - the world is your oyster!!

[Purplemaniacs]

I have done two courses with the OU not degrees but part of their degree programme, the materials were very good support in one was excellent the other I felt was poor.

 

I have also done one of their short courses on a web design and that was brilliant.

 

Chrissie

[hillfamily]

Thanks for all the feedback........much appreciated :D

 

The more I think about it, the more I'm sure it's what I want to do :D

 

Now I've just got to decide which start date to chose

[Clash City Rocker]

Hi, Mrs CCR completed BSC Honours over six years, while working full-time in her own business. Studied with both the business school and Health & Social care dept and followed this by becoming a assosciate lecturer (Tutor) for the OU (5 years ago). Currently tutor for two courses this year.

Will pm you contact details as she would be happy to chat to you.

[wiblick]

I could wax lyrical about the OU for Ireland, it is a wonderful institution and a great way of learning, I cannot praise it enough.

 

Circumstance have meant I've done a hodge podge of courses rather than completing a degree. But the OU is very near to my heart.

 

Naturally some of the courses might not appeal to you even if you do need them for your chosen degree but overall it is a marvellous experience.

 

Cannot recommend it enough.

[hillfamily]

It's great to hear so many positive reports about OU :D

 

Thank you :D .......you have all confirmed for me that, what I was thinking and feeling about OU was and is right

[carrie]

in dec i completed ba early years with ou it's been hard work but brilliant would recommend it highly. fantastic course materials which i still refer back to on a regular basis.

go for it

sorry about all lower case message but my shift key won't work

[Redwing]

The company I work for encourages its employees to do a degree and they will fund it all which is lovely, a few of my colleagues do OU degrees and are really enjoying them

 

Go for it and good luck