Services FAQs
What happens if I need to attend residential school?
In many cases, residential schools are not compulsory but are an optional component designed to complement the main module. Even when they are not compulsory, it is beneficial for you to attend but it will not affect the outcome of the module or influence your final result if you do not. Residential schools are no longer considered to be linked to service career development so you may need to use annual leave in order to attend. The OU appreciates that there are many reasons why students may not be able to attend a residential school, so where there is a compulsory residential element in a module we do provide an online alternative for students who are not able to attend.
How will the new Fees 2012 affect me?
Like all UK Universities, The Open University has had to review fees in light of the major changes to University funding announced by the UK Government in 2011. If you would like more information on the latest fees announcement, please visit our Fees 2012 FAQs at the following link: css2.open.ac.uk/employers/sponsorhome/faqs/faqs.aspx
Do I receive any special consideration for study problems as a result of operational duties?
You will find the OU very understanding of difficulties which arise from particularly demanding postings. We have made special provision for those posted to Iraq, for example. Most tutors will be very sympathetic of such situations, and allow you extra time to complete any written assignments that may be due.
If, however, you find that you are unable to continue with your studies as a result of being posted to a conflict situation, please contact the Partnerships Team in the Open University Student Registration and Enquiry Service (SRS) on +44(0)1908 652111 for advice on withdrawal options. For further contact details see http://www3.open.ac.uk/contact/.
Should I wear military uniform when I graduate?
We encourage the wearing of military uniform during Open University graduation ceremonies and the MoD supports this view. However, there are no strict rules and you are free to choose to wear academic dress, military uniform, academic dress over your military uniform or civilian clothes.
Can I receive any academic credit for military courses I have studied?
It may indeed be possible for you to receive credit for study you have undertaken within the armed forces. A number of military courses have been approved for this purpose and details of how they can count can be found on the Open University credit transfer website. Students starting their studies from October 2012 must apply for credit transfer before they register on a qualification. Further details and how to apply can be found on the credit transfer website at http://www8.open.ac.uk/credit-transfer.
Is there any discount available if I am in the Forces?
If you studied certain Open University Business School certificate, diploma and MBA courses which started up to and including May 2007, you may be entitled to a 10% discount on your course fees*.
You will need to contact either the OUBS Team, the Corporate Team or the Partnerships Team in the Student Registration & Enquiry Service in Milton Keynes on +44(0)1908 653231 to register your eligibility. You will need to send a letter, from your commanding officer or learning centre manager, confirming your eligibility with your registration agreement and remaining fee payment.
*Please note that this discount will only be available up to 31st December 2011.
I’ve heard about a military sponsorship scheme for the MBA – what are the details?
The Defence Academy College of Management and Technology (DA-CMT) administered a sponsorship scheme called the Modular Masters Programme (MMP). The MMP provided eligible Service personnel with the opportunity to attain a postgraduate management qualification through a combination of accredited military education, training, experience and directed distance learning. It supported professional and personal career development in line with the recommendations of the British Army Review of Officer Career Courses (ROCC), was optional and widely available on a progressive part-time basis.
In Summer 2010 DA-CMT announced that the MMP is no longer open to new students, as a result of changes to funding patterns. DA-CMT, Cranfield University and The Open University have put in place a management programme which will enable those students who have already joined the MMP to complete their MBA qualification with funding.
For further information about the MMP please contact The Open University Modular Masters Programme Coordinator on +44 (0) 1865 486243 or email ss-mmp@open.ac.uk
I am overseas at exam time – can I still sit my exam?
Yes, the University has an arrangement with the MoD that provides for students serving overseas to take their exam at a military establishment. The exam will be organized by your tutor in conjunction with the local service education centre and invigilated by a senior officer.
I am in the Merchant Navy, how does this affect studying?
UK domiciled personnel serving with the Merchant Navy are also accommodated in the MoD relationship with The Open University - your liaison body is The Marine Society, whose details are give below. Members of the scheme will only be liable for UK fees but Service allowances and entitlements will not apply. Tutorials are not obligatory, many courses no longer have a compulsory residential school. Even our Business School courses, which typically require regular access to the internet, can be studied during a long voyage. Full details of all issues which particularly affect you can be found on The Marine Society's website, including ways in which they will support you while you study.
The Marine Society
W: www.marine-society.org
E: education@ms-sc.org
T: 020 7654 7050
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