My Mum got her Maths degree through the O.U., having left school after 'O' levels. The thing she found very difficult was the reduction in support as she went up the levels to the more advanced stuff. She also has problems with arthritis and found herself needing a hip replacement in the middle of one year's course.She ended up with first class honours, but, being my mother, refused to go to her graduation ceremony. We graduated in the same year (me from Sheffield Hallam), but she insisted on me going to my graduation so she could come. (I could only manage a 2:2)