Open University Courses

[barakta]

I'm seriously considering doing some OU courses while I'm stuck at home bored of my balance. The two courses I am considering are Breakthrough to Mathematics Science and Technology and Another Breakthrough to Mathematics, Science and TechnologyI'm going to email the financial people and see if I'm entitled to financial support cos I'm on Income

Comments

[englishdude]

Ye gods. Maths! *Runs and hides behind sofa*

Good on you tho!

[barakta]

Yeah scary innit. But I'm always going to come up against maths. Everything I've ever been into has had maths as a component. I'd take maths over management any day!

This has to be better than getting depressed cos I'm sat on my fattening arse doing bugger all. I also don't want to be stuck with Sheffield Library service when my balance is improved.

[englishdude]

Mmmm cute arse.... err *cough*... yeah know exactly what you mean. Maths is cool - tho if you know how to do it. But it's good to see you wanting to do *something* - OU should be good as you can do stuff at home and in your own time without faffing around with buses and stuff too much.

[barakta]

Oh Behave! :)

Indeed no buses is a big plus. Hate hate hate buses... car++;

Also own time == nocturnality!

[kimble]

Ye gods. Compost heaps! *Runs and hides behind englishdude*

[barakta]

Compost Heaps? Eh?

[kimble]

This module offers new ways of thinking about issues that you may have come across before, and helps you to develop your writing skills so that you can record those thoughts. At first it encourages you to think about your feelings about the environment, and shows how scientists might write about various topics. Then you’ll see how science describes the relationships between plants and animals in a variety of environments: ponds, woodlands and compost heaps.

Be afraid, be very afraid.

[morti]

Well, my mum seemed to like it. She did an MA in Education with them. If you have any specific questions I can pass on then go for it.

[barakta]

Thanks. I'm emailling them about disability and financial support directly as everyone's situation differs. I'm also annoying cos I'm doing an undergrad course even though I already hold an undergraduate degree. I'll keep your mum in mind if I come up with any specific questions.

[parallelgirl]

I did my MSc with them, and have nothing but praise for them. It was an excellent, well structured, vocationally-focussed course. I know several others who've done OU courses, and I've never heard a bad word from them, either.

[barakta]

What was your MSc in and how long did it take you to complete it?

[parallelgirl]

Social Research Methods, about 3 1/2 years (part-time, obviously!)

[barakta]

*nods*

I don't know whether I'll look at postgrad stuff for the future, or get myself more undergrad stuff. I think I'll decide when I've done these two courses and seen if the OU way of things works for me.

[hieroglyphe]

bathtubgingirl is doing a first degree with them ATM - she was on benefits until recently so she might have an idea about assistance. I should be seeing her tonight so can ask then.

I've considered doing postgrad stuff with OU, but it looks so prohibitively expensive :-(

[barakta]

All university is expensive these days. I reckon OU isn't that much more expensive for UG stuff, but yes the PG stuff can add up. I like the idea of distance learning without pointless lectures and the physical stress of too-ing and fro-ing to university. Hopefully I can save what physical stamina I have for the learning and not the farting about on campus ;)

I will probably do these two courses with or without financial assistance. I can afford the fees for them both having got Xmas money which I didn't expect. I figure it's a small price to pay for stopping myself getting more boredom related depression than I've already got :)

I've emailled the regional office to ask about financial and disability support. OU is closed till 3rd Jan 2006, so I won't get a reply until some point after that.