Overall I loved my experience with the OU. It's not easy and there will always be those who make comments about the OU 'not being a real uni', but the joke's on them - I've graduated with a First Class degree after 5 years of hard work and dedication, and I'm now in the job I've dreamed of for years. If you're thinking about the OU, go for it!

N/A - online/distance learning

Of the six tutors I had during my time with the OU, 5 were absolutely, faultlessly brilliant. I had issues with one tutor in my final year, and after putting in a complaint I was contacted by the head of the Arts faculty, who dealt with the issue personally and moved me to a new tutor (at my request). I cannot fault how my complaint was handled, and the tutor I was moved to was extremely helpful and supportive.

Very useful when I needed advice, although I only needed this once and had no other interaction with OUSA

N/A - online/distance learning

N/A - online/distance learning

I love that my tutors pushed me to work harder and supported me in meeting my potential. I didn't always like the isolation associated with distance learning.

20

The OU is brilliant for developing transferable skills, especially self-motivation and discipline and time management. I worked full time in a stressful job while studying, and have since been promoted on the back of my degree (my employer told me that she was impressed that I successfully juggled work and study commitments for 5 years and that this was a key reason I was considered for my current role).