open university

[samzi]

Hi has anyone studied with open university or does anyone know how to get into university course as a mature student with very little qualifications. I am a single parent and cannot afford to go out to work until toddler is ready for nursery as childcare is so expensive wod like to get qualifications whilst at home so can look for better paid job also how does it affect income support and housing benefit grateful for any advice thank you

[pastafreak]

Go for it-I studied with the OU for 4 years. I am currently taking a break-but hope to go back to it next year.
You do not need any qualifications to study with the OU....just the willingness to work hard...which you will do. Most people think it is an easy option,but it is far from that,as you must be focused and disciplined.
There are short indroductory courses that will allow you to 'test the waters'...give it a go.
Also...there's quite generous financial assistance available....if you are on benefits,you would most likely be eligible to have all your fees,and possibly other expenses paid in full.

[saxy_jag]

I studied with the OU in the 1990s and was able to use my credits in lieu of qualifications for full time university. After I'd graduated, I went back to the OU to get Diploma in Music and I'm now on my way to a second degree.

The range of courses on offer now is astounding, with a wide variety of short and taster courses to get you started. They start at around the �120 mark, but you can pay on a month by month basis and as pastafreak says, benefits may entitle you to some fee remission.

Traditional universities will require you to take, as a minimum, one of their access courses, which can often be virtually full time and with very little financial support.

Also, if you decide to take a full time university course, then your benefits could well be affected. Whereas taking OU courses won't affect your benefits at all.

Good luck.

[pastafreak]

This is assumingthat you live in England or Northern Ireland...
http://www3.open.ac.uk/studyatou/apply/eng-and -ni.shtml

[samzi]

thank you to pastafreak and saxy jag 4 taking the time to answer my questions. You have both encouraged me to apply for an openings course to see how it goes before I would commit myself to doing an open degree. I want to be prepared for when my son goes to nursery. I dont want to be on benefits but at min working at minimum wage is all i would get. I am prepared to give it my all and hopefully it wont affect my benefits thanks again

[Annie 2]

OU is very flexible and you can get advice from their Admissions Office. I got my degree this way a few years ago. You can help to fund some of the courses fees using Tesco vouchers.

For example �10 of vouchers = �40 fees, �20 = �80 etc.

You may also qualify for for reduced fees if you get benefits and the OU also have a scheme where past students offer financial help to new students. Again ask the Admissions Office staff.

[samzi]

thanks annie 2 appreciate you all taking the time to give me some advice I have asked for prospectus to look at and there is an open night in my local library in the middle of may. I just hope I will be up to it.