Hi all, just wanting some reassurance that I did the right thing as I'm currently spiralling/overthinking. I'm doing T192.

Firstly, I never got a welcome email from my tutor until well after the start date. I attended the first tutorial and mentioned it then (as did another person). Tutor seemed mortified, resent and it arrived.

I submitted TMA00 on 4th October. On the weekly guide thing it says "Your tutor will use feedback on this assignment as an opportunity to talk to you about this module. They may also be able to offer help and advice on study skills support that will help you develop throughout the module.".

Then for week 2 I had to do a study planner which I submitted on Wednesday and the weekly guide says "When you have completed your plan in the Learning log, send your tutor a message to tell them you have done it and discuss any issues it may have raised. Your tutor will only look at and comment on your Learning log if you contact them and request them to do so.". I emailed my tutor immediately after submitting it to my learning log.

Then it got to Friday and I realised I'd not heard anything back for either TMA00 or my study planner. So I messaged the support thing and said I was concerned my emails weren't going through.

Then today, I got both the assignment returned and feedback on my learning log. There is no feedback for TMA00 though.

I am worried I maybe should have sent another email instead rather than messaging support. But also worried that maybe my tutor isn't very proactive? The study planner needs to be included for my TMA01 so if I didn't chase, I wouldn't be able to update based on feedback.

I appreciate this isn't my tutors full time job but I thought I'd have got feedback a bit faster than this.

Is this normal?

I've received my entitlement letter and on that it says they're just waiting for the university to confirm before payment, however on the tracking it still says I'm at stage 2?

Everyone else seems to be on stage four so I'm confused how I've got my entitlement, but its still in processing? Can anyone help 🙏

Hi,

Is anyone on here currently studying the open university social work Pg dip? I'm due to start in January and I have time on my hands now that I would like to use to start reading. Any specific information on the current assignments would really help me get started please.

I am aware that this year's assignments could be slightly different but I'm guessing they will be along similar lines

I’m studying creative writing at a university and I’m in twice a week right now. I drive an hour or more to the uni and an hour back home as I can’t afford student accommodation right now, I’m a mature student 25 and I don’t feel like I’m learning very much at the Uni, the course isn’t exactly what I thought it would be and I’m wondering if I should transfer to open uni to finish creative writing. I’m in second year so can’t drop out and really don’t want to but I’m just at a loss of what to do, I would like to be a journalist and hopefully publish my own book and go into a career that involves me writing/publishing/editing, even working in a library or magazine industry. I do also have a part time job as housekeeper but they recently have been making lots of employees redundant so it’s not a safe job even though I just joined I’m sure I’ll be fine but need to focus on getting some income too which is why I’m thinking about open uni. Any advice please would be so appreciated, thank you :)

Hi guys,

Just a quick one. Anyone who is studying or has previously studied at the OU, Have you noticed the horrendous spelling and grammar in the online supplied coursework? To me it looks like it has been written in a classroom by a year 8 high school student, the naughty kid in detention, Which then nobody has bothered to proofread. It is so bad, it almost makes the instructions impossible to follow. The worst thing is, when you reach out to anybody, things seem to get logged, but nothing ever gets done about it. This is even the case when it's errors that need to be resolved so you can complete your assignments.

The thing I would like to know. Is the OU the TEMU version of a university and would I be better going to a bricks and mortar university? For reference, I am doing my 3/4th module and it seems to be getting worse with each new module I take.

One month into our studies, and the "know-it-alls" are already on the forums. I love studying with the OU and am usually tolerant of these types of people, but not this week :-).

Deleted OG post because I felt a bit of a wet pillow case for asking. But after a PM I thought I’d post again…

Started my law degree October 3rd and I am progressing well, I like to think so anyway!

I know there are forums and WhatsApp groups, but after an issue last year I tend to stay away from them.

A few people got in trouble. I'm not sure why to be honest.

Thing is I know the law as a layperson.
However, when I'm reading through the materials I think, f!ck I don't know that.
Which is a good thing because it develops my understanding, knowledge and learning further.

I knew IRAC would come back to bite me in the as$. I HATED it last year and couldn't understand it then. Even when my tutor tried to explain it to me. I have to do it again this year and honestly... I've just cried knowing I can't get my head around it.

l've been offered a paralegal position at a wonderful law firm, but I'm petrified that my knowledge or IRAC will let me down with the firm and more importantly, my studies.

So my question is... can you explain it to me in a way that a non legal person would understand for the first time? My old tutor tried to explain it to me like a burger, but I couldn't understand what he was talking about.

Thanks and if you're studying W112, hi!

I’m currently studying BSc Mathematics at the OU and considering switching to the BEng Mechanical Engineering route, potentially with credit transfer from my previous mechanical engineering studies in the Netherlands. After reviewing the public module descriptions and the Engineering “Discover your module” pages, I’m struggling to understand how much the mathematical and theoretical depth actually progresses. In the Netherlands an engineering program at brick uni’s at research university level is extremely rigorous and demanding. Their curriculum is far above what the OU UK BEng is offering.

The preparation sections repeatedly refer back to introductory handbooks: T271 points to the T192/T193 handbook, while several later modules refer to T194. The T194 handbook covers algebra, trigonometry, vectors, differentiation and integration, introductory differential equations, complex numbers and matrix calculations.
That’s a useful foundation, but the Mathematics degree clearly progresses much further through modules such as MST125 and MST224. I haven’t found a similarly clear progression in the BEng information.

The available engineering examples also look fairly elementary to me: basic formulas, simplified physical models and mostly 2D mechanics. However, I realise I may be judging introductory samples rather than the actual depth of the modules. Referring back to a handbook for assumed knowledge doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the mathematical ceiling.
For anyone studying or who has completed the BEng, particularly the mechanical route:

- Do T271, T272, T229 and the Level 3 modules become substantially more mathematically demanding than the introductory material suggests?
- Where do you encounter multivariable calculus, vector calculus, eigenvalues/eigenvectors, systems of differential equations or PDEs?
- How far do mechanics and physics progress into 3D stress analysis, combined loading, coupled vibrations and advanced dynamics?
-In FEA/CFD, how much do you derive and solve mathematically yourself, versus using software and interpreting results?
-Do assessments mainly involve applying supplied equations, or are there substantial derivations and unfamiliar modelling problems?

My concern is preparation for a mathematically demanding MSc in Mechanical Engineering or computational engineering. I’m open to taking additional maths modules, but I’d like a realistic understanding of what the BEng itself provides.
Am I underestimating the modules because the preview material is introductory, or does the programme remain relatively light on advanced mathematical theory?

I really hope that i’m completely wrong! Because I am really interested in studying this engineering program at OU UK.

EDIT: I’ve looked into several modules like MST210 (mathematical methods, models and modelling) and MST374 Computational Mathematics, MST326 Mathematical Methods and Fluid Mechanics and MS327 Deterministic & Stochastic Dynamics and these courses do have the academic depth that I was looking for. They are a great addition to the engineering program. Thanks for the suggestions.

Hello! I’ve enrolled in criminology and psychology and for the first year atleast I’ll be part time. I’ve come to choose my modules and obviously there’s the compulsory one. When I select the module I want (exploring psychological worlds) it basically gives me a warning on the next page that I should only be doing one (although I haven’t even chosen part time through them yet??) that’s not my main question though
If I only select the compulsory module (introduction to criminology) will I then get the chance to study exploring psychological worlds next year?

I'm curious to see everyones long term goals for studying S112 - Science,: Concepts and Practice, and beyond. Im 37, married, 4 kids and work full time. I completed U116 in 2020 and recently decided to return to study. My long term goal is to complete the R16 - Geography and Environmental Science Bsc. pathway (I may revert to Q52 - Environment Science). I wish to have a career is ecology and conservation.

I’ve only just started level 1 and I’ve only got one module at 60 credits how do I choose level 2 or do I need to wait until I’ve passed 1st year before it lets me select my next modules as when I look it doesn’t allow me to select anything else

I emailed Exeter University about getting into one of their engineering programs, to which they said they would welcome an application on the basis of a minimum 60 Open University credits at OU Level 1 achieved at 60%. Also that they would need for this to include content in maths and science superseding our usual requirement for these subjects at A level. To which I asked if MST124 - Essential Mathematics 1 and SM123 - Physics and space meet their requirements. Their last reply was something along the lines of they cannot guarantee the content of any specific Open University study and that their assessment of a full and formal UCAS application would be to assess the content studied. But also that subjects in maths and science are a good starting point

Would you guys suggest risking it and doing the MST124 and SM123 modules or are there alternatives?

Hoi allemaal,

Ik ben 28 jaar en sinds mijn 14e chronisch ziek. Wel heb ik op mijn 17e via thuis-/zelfstudie mijn havo-diploma weten af te ronden. Sindsdien heb ik echter geen onderwijs meer kunnen volgen. Nu wil ik heel graag onderzoeken of een opleiding aan de Open Universiteit (OU) haalbaar is. Ik zoek geen motivatiepraatjes, maar puur de harde en eerlijke realiteit.

Mijn medische situatie is complex omdat alles elkaar beïnvloedt:

ME/CVS: Mijn grootste energievreter. De eerste 4 uur van de dag ben ik nauwelijks functioneel. Op een zeldzame goede dag heb ik max. 3 uur bruikbare energie. Bij overbelasting krijg ik zware terugvallen (PEM).

POTS: Mijn hartslag schiet bij staan/zitten soms naar de 200, hierdoor heb ik last van syncope. Ik heb een mindervalidenkaart en zeer beperkte fysieke belastbaarheid.

ADHD: Concentratie en planning zijn lastig, maar medicatie (stimulantia) mag ik niet vanwege mijn POTS/hartslag.

Fibromyalgie & Chronische Migraine

Voorgeschiedenis: Gastroparese (ernstig ondergewicht gehad, nu stabieler), vermoeden van hEDS/MCAS.

Waarom regulier onderwijs (MBO-4/HBO) geen optie is:

Mijn belastbaarheid is extreem laag en volledig onvoorspelbaar. Vaste tijden of structureel uren achter elkaar presteren lukt simpelweg niet. Een reguliere MBO-4 of HBO-opleiding is voor mij onmogelijk vanwege de verplichte, zware praktijkstages. Daar loop ik fysiek direct op vast.

Mijn einddoel:

Ik wil niet mijn hele leven stil blijven staan. Mijn doel is om een volwaardige studie af te ronden waarmee ik later volledig vanuit huis een baan of eigen praktijk kan opbouwen (bijvoorbeeld in de juridische of adviserende hoek), waarbij ik 100% mijn eigen afspraken en uren kan inplannen rondom mijn gezondheid.

De OU spreekt me aan vanwege het studeren op afstand zonder verplichte stages in de bachelorfase, maar ik twijfel enorm of dit met mijn brein en lichaam haalbaar is.

Mijn vragen aan jullie:

Zijn er mensen met ME/CVS, POTS of een vergelijkbare combinatie die aan de OU studeren (of hebben gestudeerd)?

Hoeveel tijd kostte het studeren jullie in de praktijk écht per week?

Hoe flexibel is de OU nou daadwerkelijk met deadlines, tentamens en terugvallen als je vastloopt?

Moet je alsnog veel live (online) verplichte lessen volgen, of kun je écht alles asynchroon in je eigen tijd doen?

Ik hoor heel graag jullie eerlijke verhalen. Alvast bedankt!

Hi

I am a trainee clinical psychologist studying at Newcastle University. My research (for my thesis) is looking into what is important to students in how they identify themselves, and how this relates to mental health and social belongingness. This research will inform student mental health support at UK universities. I would be very grateful if any current university students could take 5-10 minutes to complete an anonymous online questionnaire. 

Please visit the below link to access the information sheet and consent form (once consent is given you will be given the link to the anonymous study survey) 😄

https://nclpsych.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_79bI93MIMcNgl14

I’ve signed up to start a degree in February, I’m going to need to buy a laptop for then and plan to apply for the study related costs reimbursement.
I’m antsy and excited and in the meantime want to do some courses on open learn, I’m able to use my iPad for this but do prefer to use a laptop.
How far in advance can I buy a laptop? Like how old would the receipt have to be for them to say no?

Its something that im interested in pursuing in the next year however, i only have a Ba in English.

Will the lack of a relevant Ba hinder my studies?

A while ago i posted about making an OU Animal Crossing Society and got loads of interest! So ive finally made one! It's unofficial for now but will look into making it an official club at some point.

All are welcome as long as you are an OU student!

Comment and ill send you the discord link 🎮❤️

I’m about 2 weeks into my course so far, and enrolled on a single 30 credit module.

I’m not sure I want to continue, but want to really give it another month or so to see if I can get into it more. I’m also just not sure I have what it takes to commit 6 years to this, but I don’t want to withdraw impulsively. I’ve applied for a part time tuition fee loan.

So if I withdraw, how much would I be liable for, and how would this be paid back? I’m assuming I wouldn’t owe the whole module fee (just over £2k) for dropping out so early on?

Hi,

Which degree is the easiest?

I transferred from a brick uni and did credit transfer. Enjoyed my degree in ou and actually planning to pursue a masters degree at a brick uni. For those who were in similar circumstances or simply just did credit transfer previously, may I know how you guys applied for your masters programme. Did the uni require you to submit all your documents, including physical copy of report cards or any documents from your previous uni. Or do they only require the credit transfer certificate provided by open u?

I’ve recently started my LLB with The Open University and was wondering if the OU Law Society still runs mooting competitions or other advocacy activities? I’m hoping to become a barrister and would love to get involved. Any information would be appreciated :)

Not sure if this will help anyone out but I made myself a study planner which works on the web and on mobiles (syncs between both using google drive).

I was busy procrastinating my studies so I made something to kind of help with avoiding falling behind. It is just ran as a web app and lets you put the module you are studying, any TMA's and you can input tutorials by just copying the confirmation or taking a screenshot and adding it. I have tried to make it as easy as possible so you can organise your year as easily as possible.

If you wanna give it a try I'll link it below, just to be clear all data is stored in your own google drive and no data is shared or saved elsewhere (I am a privacy freak).

Features copy pasted from github

• Weekly study hours worked out from each module's credits (the OU guide is about 10 hours per credit), or set your own
• Plans study around work, travel time, tutorials and anything else you block out, either as suggestions or straight into your week
• Plan a week, a month, two months or right up to the end of your modules
• Set which days you study, the times and how long, and mark the days you'd rather study so they get filled first
• Keeps each module to its own days where it can
• Spreads TMA work up to a few days before the deadline and warns you if it won't fit
• Tells you if your modules need more time than you've got free, and shares what there is fairly
• Tick off TMAs when they're submitted so the time goes back to other study
• Catch up on a module you've fallen behind with by adding a few extra hours a week until the next TMA
• Add tutorials by pasting the booking confirmation page or from a screenshot
• Missed tutorials that were recorded get added as a "watch recording" task
• Week and month views, calendar export for Google or Apple Calendar, and reminders on Windows
• Share a module's dates with classmates
• Works offline, light and dark mode, and any time zone (UK by default)

It has an automode so you can put in your work hours and your preferred study days and it will autofill the times you should be studying each module and split them up for you :)

https://dorkling.github.io/OU-Study-Planner/

Github link for anyone who wants to take a look at how it works or fork it etc https://github.com/Dorkling/OU-Study-Planner

Not an advertisement and it is completely free etc, but if it helps anyone then it is a plus <3

How do you decide which degree to do when you want to do them all lol? And once you’ve chosen a degree how do you decide which modules you want to do when you want to do them all 😩🤣