Alumni represenative on Senate, Dr Petrina Stevens reports on what will be discussed in the next meeting and welcomes your views....
Postgraduate study
Having previously addressed the issue of postgraduate study and reasons for most OU graduates deciding to do their postgraduate studies elsewhere, I notice that the final Postgraduate Review will be presented to the next Senate after much consultation and research into Postgraduate choice of university.
Unsurprisingly fee levels are a consideration when thinking of embarking on further study and many graduates can only afford this if support by an employer or sponsor. The main reason for employers not sponsoring students through the OU is that the employees have not requested it. Employers show no preference for choice of qualification until it is negotiated by the employee, so it is up to the employee to present the OU as a choice.
Research commissioned by the OU has shown that prospective and current students also consider tutor/student interaction and student/student interaction to be of vital importance. This focuses on e-mail communication, telephone tutorials and face to face interaction versus virtual sessions.
Is OU flexible study appealing?
The UK Market Strategy work conducted by external consultants in conjunction with the Strategy Office, has shown that the target group (employed individuals aged 24-49 who have an undergraduate degree but no experience of the OU), feels that high quality provision is essential, as well as a qualification which is highly regarded by employers. They also like the idea of full Masters Degrees, together with flexibility in progress so the pace of study can be changed to fit around work and family demands. The competitive fee structure the OU offers is also an attraction.
What is your perception of the OU?
One area which did not score well with this group was their perception of the OU in the following categories: ‘Strong Academic Reputation’, ‘Recognised Degrees/Qualifications’ and qualification that are ‘Well Regarded by Employers’ (Study 2011). You may have your own opinions as to why they have this perception and how it can be changed. As an OU graduate and/or as an employer, what is your experience of this perception?
Is interaction important to study?
Interaction with other students is also an important preference and the OU has little choice but to falter in this. As the OU mainly offers part-time, distance learning postgraduate courses to busy, working people it is difficult for student interaction to be greater. I must note here that the OU also offers full-time postgraduate posts where interaction with other students and tutors is similar to that of other universities.
Despite the desire for greater student interaction, I have heard from some current undergraduate students that some tutorial groups are small due to students choosing not to attend. We may have an anomaly here as it is often through meeting people in tutorials that further social interaction can develop. However an OU student may be older than most undergraduates and have a social life already in place, which would inhibit this development.
The recommendation is that we need to present a postgraduate offer which differs in presentation from the undergraduate offer. Your comments on how the two approaches may contrast, and on any other issue are very welcome.
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