Economics and Mathematical Sciences (Q15)

Open University

My studies fit in around my work and social life; I study when it's convenient for me and the tutor support and student community in the online forums is wonderful.

I can study at home while caring for my kids, without having to worry about childcare, etc. I can study when it suits me to do so, and at my own pace, within reason. The student social life is almost non existent.

Clearly it is somewhat difficult to evaluate the facilities, location and campus of a long-distance institution such as the OU (though tbh they do have a pretty campus in Milton Keynes). For me the location, i.e. anywhere you wish, is great and has perfectly fit my busy life while studying. Same goes for the facilities: their online library is top class and will grant you passage through any editorial paywall on the Web. The student support, in my case, has been outstanding. Staff have gone above and beyond when I had to register a little late for a module, when I needed customised references for postgraduate study, even when I needed to briefly interrupt a module due to unforseen financial issues. Getting a personal tutor for each module that you're studying, who you can email your questions to, is priceless and just does not happen at any other uni (the 'personal tutor' at other unis is just one overall ad cannot be knowledgable in every single subject obviously). Having studied both at the OU and at a top brick uni, I would rate the OU much higher, hands down. People underestimate how disorganised brick unis can be. Also, people who complain in their reviews that the OU only 'a bunch of books', or that there isn't enough support, are making zero effort in their studies and overall experience IMHO. Even though of course my impressive brick uni degree is what probably stands out the most to employers now, I have got questions and expressions of admiration at interviews about the fact that I managed an OU degree while working. And of course, it was only thanks to my degree at the OU and my grades that I got into a top brick uni in the first place.

Like most universities, you'll get out what you put in. If you just read the books and don't take part in the forums, the societies, the meetups, the careers service, the online activities, or any of the other stuff then no, it won't feel worth it. If you don't spend time on the tutor forums discussing the material further in the lead up to the online tutorials, then no, there won't be anything extra to cover. If you think that it's going to be easy because it's an online degree and all you'll need to do is read a pdf for a couple of hours a week, then you're in for an absolute reckoning. But if you work hard, meet new people, and fully engage with everything the OU has to offer? It's an incredibly enriching experience. The flexibility and support for those of us in full-time work is phenomenal. The modules I've done so far have all had lively online communities behind them and amazing personal support from my tutors. It's not going to be the same experience as a brick university, but that's why I've enjoyed it so much. I had such a good experience that I'm returning to do a second degree once I finish my ACA. For fun. :)