Thank you so so much for your reply. That is really helpful. By the way, I really want to start doing some preperation for the W100 course now. Would you mind if you send me some of the essay titles that you have done for W100(eg, the first essay title...). and then I can have a look. I saw some of the tips that you have given which is starting reading the materail about the W100 now, are there anything else that I should do to make very good preperation for the course? Sorry about all of these questions, I am just a bit nervourse. I would be very grateful for any advice.
Hello I'm Jennifer and I am starting studying DD101 Introducing the Social Sciences in January 2011 and then Discovering Psychology in May 2011. I am looking to work towards a degree in Criminology and Phychological Studies =) I am a full-time mam to our one year old son and I'm looking forward to studying. And whilst it has only been 3 years since I was in education (I'm 20) I feel so out of experience so any tips would be much appreciated =]
David W - Thu, 02/12/2010 - 13:30
Hi Jennifer,
You won't have long to wait before DD101 starts now, and I hope that you enjoy your studies.
Three links come to mind - you will need you OU Computer Username and password to make full use of some of these resources:
The last of these sites is the companion web site of the Good Study Guide book, which is a set book on some Level 1 courses. It contains great advice on study skills at university level, filling out the advice in the web pages and free downloadable booklets available on the Skills for Study site. There are specialist versions of the Good Study Guide for languages, the arts, the sciences and managers - though the generic book contains a lot of good advice for any discipline.
If you get your study skills sharpened up near the beginning of your OU career, you will find your study time more fulfilling and will get the best out of the time you have available for your studies.
Wishing you all the best with your studies,
David
Sarah Wilkinson - Sun, 18/09/2011 - 23:20
Hello Jennifer, how did the DD101 social studies go? begin Dip HE in combined social sciences in October 2011, begining with DD101. I work for social servies and would like to achieve extra qualifications to hopefully work for the private/volutary sector. My job as a community worker is not safe as I work for local government. Trying to get my head around this type of study. Wish me luck. Sarah
sab668 (not verified) - Thu, 02/12/2010 - 21:42
Thank you David =) I recieved my first package today so gonna start doing the taster activities to get me ready to study!
David W - Fri, 03/12/2010 - 11:18
It seems to be delivery time all round! I received the first shipment for my next course (starting in February) yesterday:
three textbooks totalling 2000 pages (not all of it used on the course, thankfully)
the first half of the manuals (17 weeks of work, 760 pages)
the module guide (general information, the TMA questions, the sample exam paper and associated commentary, 175 pages)
Huge shipments are part of the fun of studying law! I love the subject, not least for the way it makes me examine everyday life from a range of perspectives. I will enjoy getting stuck into that lot next month, trying to get ahead of the course calendar. I can't get properly started until the course web site is available on 4 January, as part of the materials are online.
The sad part of it is that I can't make use of all this paper because of my disabilities - I'll probably finish up selling the textbooks on eBay (no point hanging on to them - most law textbooks are republished every 12-24 months to keep them up to date) and giving away the manuals to whoever can use them. In place of the paper, I received almost all of that shipment in PDF on CD-ROM last week from the OU's excellent Disability Resources Team. Unfortunately, the module guide was not on that CD-ROM - I'm hoping that was because it was an advance copy they made for me ahead of the main shipment and that they can get me that material in PDF also.
It's a great idea to get going with the taster activities and to familiarise yourself with the material before your course starts. If you can get a head start on the course calendar and stay a little ahead, it will help, not least as life doesn't stop throwing unexpected issues your way just because you are studying. It is much harder when you're behind, though if that happens at any point in your OU studies, ask your tutor for help rather than giving up.
sab668 (not verified) - Tue, 07/12/2010 - 22:25
Hi everyone!
I'm completely new to the OU, starting L140 en rumbo in February :) Quite excited/nervous now, but have looked at the materials beforehand so I haven't got quite as much to take in all at once..!
I'm hoping to study for a degree in Modern languages (German and Spanish) as I did some travelling/voluntary teaching work in Central America last year and LOVED learning the language and about the culture. I would love to work with languages and education in the future, so this is my first step with the OU :)
I'm 20 years old, working full time at the minute and live on the Cheshire/Shropshire border. Anyone else from this area studying with the OU..?! Hoping to save up to do some travelling/teaching abroad again after I finish with the OU in a few years (if all goes to plan..!) and then hope to go into teaching and do some higher study too!
If anyone is studying languages or you're studying close by to me feel free to drop me a line!
Hope everyone is well, and have a good xmas before the work starts in Feb!
Cheers
Sam.
sab668 (not verified) - Fri, 17/12/2010 - 14:14
Hi everyone
I've signed up to start studying 'Exploring Science'. I'm hoping this will lead to a degree but will see how I get on first.
I was working in London up until 5 years ago, but decided to come back locally to free up the time (and money) to start studying. It's taken me 5 years to decide what I wanted to study but I finally decided after watching some fascinating documentaries (Brian Cox's 'Wonder of the Solar System being one of them) and reading some interesting books that I wanted to vere towards Astronomy / Cosmology / Geology.
Haven't completely decided yet but as I'm starting at the beginning with basic Science, there is no pressure to make that decision just yet!
Wish me luck!
Scott
sab668 (not verified) - Fri, 04/02/2011 - 19:43
Hi Jack, I am Sammy, I am 24 and live in Oxfordshire. I have just started Planets an Introduction and Introducing astronomy.
As a family my mother, my siblings and I have always had a passion for astronomy and I too was finally inspired (after a good couple of years of umming and aahing) by Prof Brian Cox and his amazing documentaries, and I realised that if I didnt start soon, I never would.
I too am wanting to work towards something to do with Astronomy, but there are so many fields of specialisation, that I am starting with the short courses and will pick and choose as I go along.
I hope you are enjoying your course,
Sammy
sab668 (not verified) - Mon, 27/12/2010 - 14:02
hi everyone, my names Jacqui im 20 and im new to the ou, starting M150 data, computing and information in feb, i had my first ever delivery of course materials just before christmas, it was pretty exciting altho i must admit the amount of books was quiet daunting too. i have had a little look through my course guide and am looking forward to the course starting. i just hope i can keep myself motivated and up to date with the work.
David W - Mon, 27/12/2010 - 15:41
Welcome, Jacqui. That first delivery can always seem daunting, but if you look on it as the beginning of a journey, it helps.
It's well worth acquainting yourself with the materials. It's a good idea to find the module calendar and transfer the deadline dates to your diary. If there's a module guide, read that through a couple of times to familiarise yourself with what is to come.
If you can get going a little early, you build up a cushion against anything unforeseen - study is much easier when you are a little ahead rather than a little behind. There may be some elements of the module not open until the module web site opens, though you shouldn't have long to wait for that.
I hope M150 is the start of a fascinating journey of learning for you.
sab668 (not verified) - Mon, 27/12/2010 - 20:20
thank you :D
i have had a look through the course guide, and did start on a bit of the first book today as i didnt need the module site for it, definatly seems very interesting. i thought i knew a fair bit about computers etc, took the course as a bit of an easy start to ou life but already am learning little bits that i didnt know!
i do have a quick question someone may be able to answer for me - the study calander on the course website sets it in weeks... which im assuming means week 1 will start the date the course is due to start... however it says week one is "prep week" would that start the week the course starts or would that mean week one is the week before the course starts?
David W - Tue, 28/12/2010 - 05:41
I've got two module calendars lying around. One has an introductory week as the first week of the module proper, numbered week 1. The other asks you to do your introductory work before the module starts and lists this introductory work as week 0. However, both are from law modules, so that may not help much.
The calendars I have put a start date against each week. An OU week usually runs from Saturday to the following Friday, not least as assignment deadlines typically fall on a Friday. If your assignment is submitted via the eTMA system, the deadline is midday on the day listed.
If you don't have any further clues, it may be worth e-mailing the module team if you can find their e-mail address (have a hunt through the module guide). If you can't find the module team's details, e-mail your Regional Centre - their contact details should be on your StudentHome page.
sab668 (not verified) - Mon, 27/12/2010 - 18:16
Hi Everyone
Im new to the OU starting the S104 in January so quite excited hopefully working towards a degree in Geosciences,cant wait to start the course :)
sab668 (not verified) - Mon, 27/12/2010 - 18:44
hey up! my name's Robyn and I'm 17, 6th form student
I'm starting my OU course in feb, and am a complete newbie :)
I'm doing a really short course in Shakespeare, because I love English Lit... bit nervous, I only got my pack yesterday and it looks quite hard.
Good luck to everyone with their courses!! xx
sab668 (not verified) - Fri, 31/12/2010 - 02:34
Hi everyone,
My name is Kevin and I am starting A210 Approaching Literature in Feb 2011 and am wondering Is anyone else
starting this course in Feb 2011.
sab668 (not verified) - Sat, 08/01/2011 - 22:24
hi,
im nina im 28 i have five children under six i live in bishops stortford with my five children and my fience,i am lucky to have lots of family support as i am starting my first course soon dd101 introducing the social sciences.
sab668 (not verified) - Sun, 16/01/2011 - 01:07
Hello Everyone!
sab668 (not verified) - Sun, 16/01/2011 - 01:06
Hello Everyone!
I'm Flick, I'm starting my K101 course in Feb, Getting very nervous as i'm new to study, I didn't even take my GCSE's (due to illness not laziness! lol) so im really worried i'm not going to be able to understand it all!
Anyway I send my luck to everyone starting a new course! xx
sab668 (not verified) - Sun, 16/01/2011 - 02:45
Hi, im Lisa, this is my first study for 20 years!!! really daunted but excited to start!. I am starting with DD101. Hope to do my degree in criminology. Im in South Wales, amd am married with 3 children. Good luck everyone with the course they have chosen
sab668 (not verified) - Mon, 17/01/2011 - 12:02
Hi Guys,
I'm starting my Opening Course in Starting with Psychology in March, and then going on to do my degree in Psychology & Criminology. I'm excited but very nervous! Anyone else doing the same course?
Hayley x
sab668 (not verified) - Mon, 17/01/2011 - 13:02
Hi, I'm Pete and am brand new to the OU. It's about 28 years since I left school after my A-levels and haven't done any real studying for over 20 years (prior to which I did some insurance exams for work.)
I'm starting my first module, AA100 The Arts Past & Present on 5th February...wish me luck!
sab668 (not verified) - Tue, 18/01/2011 - 19:17
Hi everyone!
I'm Hannah, from Somerset and I am starting The arts past & present in Feb.
Aiming for a History degree in the long run!
I only left education last year, I am a University dropout so starting with a chip on my shoulder, but have a genuine passion for the subject which I think should pull me through!
Think this way of learning will be the right one for me and really cannot wait to get stuck in!
sab668 (not verified) - Thu, 20/01/2011 - 00:55
Hi... My name is Lee, I'm new to everything!! I am about to sign up to Y162 Maths module with a view to working towards a qualification in engineering. I'm a little confused though about the financial help you can get and wondered if anyone would be able to give me some advice.
As I am really broke and apparently entitled to help I will be applying for it when I register for my first module... Do I apply for financial help when I register for subsequent modules individually?
I apologise for such a dull first question but my desire to learn this subject is thwarted only by a lack of funds and it is important that I can get help throughout the journey!
Any advice would be much appreciated as it all seems very strange and exciting!!
Regards Lee
David W - Thu, 20/01/2011 - 07:26
This answer applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and is correct to the best of my ability. The financial support scheme in Scotland is very different and is more generous in certain ways.
Giving good advice on Financial Support is difficult, because there are likely to be significant changes as part of the ongoing changes in student funding.
There is no Financial Support available for Openings modules such as Y162. I believe that you cannot use Financial Support towards the cost of any short 10 or 15 credit courses, though it can be put towards the cost of residential schools.
Financial Support requires you:
to study towards an bachelors degree or foundation degree
not to have a degree already
to complete your degree within twice the time taken by a full-time student (in practice, this means Financial Support is only available for six years of study towards an honours degree, so you need to study at an average intensity of 60 credits a year)
to undergo an annual means test to establish the amount of support you are entitled to
Each year, you are allowed a certain amount towards module fees. In addition, there is a top up scheme that covers some of the extra costs of one high fee module a year (this mainly applies to the Level 2 and 3 law modules, also some business modules). This means that if you take more than 60 credits a year, you will likely have some module fees to pay.
There is a limited amount of discretionary funding available for students who do not qualify for the statutory financial support.
Unfortunately, there are big changes ahead for student finance in England. It seems certain that fees will rise substantially over the next few years. The Government's current proposals also include the abolition of Financial Support, with the scheme likely to finish in 2012/13.
If Financial Support is abolished, it is unknown at present whether those students who had received Financial Support will be continued to be helped (presumably for a total of six years or until they graduate, whichever comes sooner). It has been suggested that the OU will dog what it can to help all those whose studies are underway when the funding regime changes, though there is no firm information at present.
The proposal is that the new student loans will be available to OU students taking at least 30 credits a year. Those with existing degrees seem likely to be excluded from the loan system, just as they are excluded from Financial Support now.
When the White Paper on student finance is published later this year, things will become somewhat clearer. Unfortunately, the forthcoming changes seem destined to be bad news for current and prospective OU students in England.
I hope this does not dampen your enthusiasm too much, as the OU is a fabulous institution to study with. In any case, there is an argument that you might as well enjoy whatever help you can whilst the currest system stays in place.
sab668 (not verified) - Thu, 20/01/2011 - 16:24
New to OU. Starting W200 Feb 2011. Nervous. Excited. Want to be in touch with as many other students on this module. And yes I am a mummy too.
HELLO TO ALL ON W200 UNDERSTANDING LAW! I have started a forum under this name. And I don't know yet how to do those links like David did in earlier replies.
Have you done W100 already or is this your first module? What do you think so far?
To create a link to another post on Platform you type the text you want to turn into a link. You need to copy the link address to the clipboard - in Firefox you can do this by right clicking over the '# number' towards the right of the top line of the post and 'Copy link address'. Back in the editor, select the text you want to turn into a link with the mouse, then click the link button (the world with the chain on it). Click in the URL box, press Ctrl and V to paste, then click OK.
sab668 (not verified) - Thu, 20/01/2011 - 21:26
Hi I am Clare and start studying aa100 The arts past and present in Feb 2011. It's nervous excitement as it is starting soon. I work full time so going to college is not an option so thought I would try this at home. I just thought I would drop a line to say hi and mingle - meet new people. What I planning to accomplish is a ba humanities with creative writing and a bit of photography with good measure. Fingers crossed. Bye Clare
sab668 (not verified) - Fri, 21/01/2011 - 19:30
Hello
It's I Janine, I shall say zis only vonce (guess the TV show LOL)
I am a newbie to OU but not an newbie to study, I an starting SD805 in Feb 2011 with a view of getting an MSc in Science after like what seems an eternity. I have a BSc in Applied Chemistry (hence the username) but I have battled dyspraxia which seems to screw me up badly in exams, seen the disability of the last uni I was at - he says my marks between continuous assessment and exams are quite bad and I hate exams. Please say there is no exams in this course - I will likely pass out and scream (before I pass out obviously).
When I was at my last uni, I had to suffer the advances of a lecturous lecturer (whilst studying for an MSc) and I escaped the uni with a Pgcert and VERY hacked off. I have been unable to get work and in this current financial climate I am against (excuse my french people) of people who make me slightly pissed off to be frank as I wonder how the heck they managed to get a job and I am left there. I have even had to correct someone doing something basic and he was IN A JOB!
Now after a period of retraining as a holistic therapist, this will be my last chance to get an MSc as I can't get onto a research MSc as I have no flippin honours due to not being able to do well in exams. Continuous work averaging 60-70% and above, exam mark lucky to push 40%.
Hi David
Thank you so so much for your reply. That is really helpful. By the way, I really want to start doing some preperation for the W100 course now. Would you mind if you send me some of the essay titles that you have done for W100(eg, the first essay title...). and then I can have a look. I saw some of the tips that you have given which is starting reading the materail about the W100 now, are there anything else that I should do to make very good preperation for the course? Sorry about all of these questions, I am just a bit nervourse.
I would be very grateful for any advice.
Best wishes
Adele
As this is W100 specific, I've answered in the 'W100 FEB 2011' thread (click).
Hello I'm Jennifer and I am starting studying DD101 Introducing the Social Sciences in January 2011 and then Discovering Psychology in May 2011. I am looking to work towards a degree in Criminology and Phychological Studies =) I am a full-time mam to our one year old son and I'm looking forward to studying. And whilst it has only been 3 years since I was in education (I'm 20) I feel so out of experience so any tips would be much appreciated =]
Hi Jennifer,
You won't have long to wait before DD101 starts now, and I hope that you enjoy your studies.
Three links come to mind - you will need you OU Computer Username and password to make full use of some of these resources:
The last of these sites is the companion web site of the Good Study Guide book, which is a set book on some Level 1 courses. It contains great advice on study skills at university level, filling out the advice in the web pages and free downloadable booklets available on the Skills for Study site. There are specialist versions of the Good Study Guide for languages, the arts, the sciences and managers - though the generic book contains a lot of good advice for any discipline.
If you get your study skills sharpened up near the beginning of your OU career, you will find your study time more fulfilling and will get the best out of the time you have available for your studies.
Wishing you all the best with your studies,
David
Hello Jennifer, how did the DD101 social studies go? begin Dip HE in combined social sciences in October 2011, begining with DD101. I work for social servies and would like to achieve extra qualifications to hopefully work for the private/volutary sector. My job as a community worker is not safe as I work for local government. Trying to get my head around this type of study. Wish me luck. Sarah
Thank you David =) I recieved my first package today so gonna start doing the taster activities to get me ready to study!
It seems to be delivery time all round! I received the first shipment for my next course (starting in February) yesterday:
Huge shipments are part of the fun of studying law! I love the subject, not least for the way it makes me examine everyday life from a range of perspectives. I will enjoy getting stuck into that lot next month, trying to get ahead of the course calendar. I can't get properly started until the course web site is available on 4 January, as part of the materials are online.
The sad part of it is that I can't make use of all this paper because of my disabilities - I'll probably finish up selling the textbooks on eBay (no point hanging on to them - most law textbooks are republished every 12-24 months to keep them up to date) and giving away the manuals to whoever can use them. In place of the paper, I received almost all of that shipment in PDF on CD-ROM last week from the OU's excellent Disability Resources Team. Unfortunately, the module guide was not on that CD-ROM - I'm hoping that was because it was an advance copy they made for me ahead of the main shipment and that they can get me that material in PDF also.
It's a great idea to get going with the taster activities and to familiarise yourself with the material before your course starts. If you can get a head start on the course calendar and stay a little ahead, it will help, not least as life doesn't stop throwing unexpected issues your way just because you are studying. It is much harder when you're behind, though if that happens at any point in your OU studies, ask your tutor for help rather than giving up.
Hi everyone!
I'm completely new to the OU, starting L140 en rumbo in February :) Quite excited/nervous now, but have looked at the materials beforehand so I haven't got quite as much to take in all at once..!
I'm hoping to study for a degree in Modern languages (German and Spanish) as I did some travelling/voluntary teaching work in Central America last year and LOVED learning the language and about the culture. I would love to work with languages and education in the future, so this is my first step with the OU :)
I'm 20 years old, working full time at the minute and live on the Cheshire/Shropshire border. Anyone else from this area studying with the OU..?! Hoping to save up to do some travelling/teaching abroad again after I finish with the OU in a few years (if all goes to plan..!) and then hope to go into teaching and do some higher study too!
If anyone is studying languages or you're studying close by to me feel free to drop me a line!
Hope everyone is well, and have a good xmas before the work starts in Feb!
Cheers
Sam.
Hi everyone
I've signed up to start studying 'Exploring Science'. I'm hoping this will lead to a degree but will see how I get on first.
I was working in London up until 5 years ago, but decided to come back locally to free up the time (and money) to start studying. It's taken me 5 years to decide what I wanted to study but I finally decided after watching some fascinating documentaries (Brian Cox's 'Wonder of the Solar System being one of them) and reading some interesting books that I wanted to vere towards Astronomy / Cosmology / Geology.
Haven't completely decided yet but as I'm starting at the beginning with basic Science, there is no pressure to make that decision just yet!
Wish me luck!
Scott
Hi Jack, I am Sammy, I am 24 and live in Oxfordshire. I have just started Planets an Introduction and Introducing astronomy.
As a family my mother, my siblings and I have always had a passion for astronomy and I too was finally inspired (after a good couple of years of umming and aahing) by Prof Brian Cox and his amazing documentaries, and I realised that if I didnt start soon, I never would.
I too am wanting to work towards something to do with Astronomy, but there are so many fields of specialisation, that I am starting with the short courses and will pick and choose as I go along.
I hope you are enjoying your course,
Sammy
hi everyone, my names Jacqui im 20 and im new to the ou, starting M150 data, computing and information in feb, i had my first ever delivery of course materials just before christmas, it was pretty exciting altho i must admit the amount of books was quiet daunting too. i have had a little look through my course guide and am looking forward to the course starting. i just hope i can keep myself motivated and up to date with the work.
Welcome, Jacqui. That first delivery can always seem daunting, but if you look on it as the beginning of a journey, it helps.
It's well worth acquainting yourself with the materials. It's a good idea to find the module calendar and transfer the deadline dates to your diary. If there's a module guide, read that through a couple of times to familiarise yourself with what is to come.
If you can get going a little early, you build up a cushion against anything unforeseen - study is much easier when you are a little ahead rather than a little behind. There may be some elements of the module not open until the module web site opens, though you shouldn't have long to wait for that.
I hope M150 is the start of a fascinating journey of learning for you.
thank you :D
i have had a look through the course guide, and did start on a bit of the first book today as i didnt need the module site for it, definatly seems very interesting. i thought i knew a fair bit about computers etc, took the course as a bit of an easy start to ou life but already am learning little bits that i didnt know!
i do have a quick question someone may be able to answer for me - the study calander on the course website sets it in weeks... which im assuming means week 1 will start the date the course is due to start... however it says week one is "prep week" would that start the week the course starts or would that mean week one is the week before the course starts?
I've got two module calendars lying around. One has an introductory week as the first week of the module proper, numbered week 1. The other asks you to do your introductory work before the module starts and lists this introductory work as week 0. However, both are from law modules, so that may not help much.
The calendars I have put a start date against each week. An OU week usually runs from Saturday to the following Friday, not least as assignment deadlines typically fall on a Friday. If your assignment is submitted via the eTMA system, the deadline is midday on the day listed.
If you don't have any further clues, it may be worth e-mailing the module team if you can find their e-mail address (have a hunt through the module guide). If you can't find the module team's details, e-mail your Regional Centre - their contact details should be on your StudentHome page.
Hi Everyone
Im new to the OU starting the S104 in January so quite excited hopefully working towards a degree in Geosciences,cant wait to start the course :)
hey up! my name's Robyn and I'm 17, 6th form student
I'm starting my OU course in feb, and am a complete newbie :)
I'm doing a really short course in Shakespeare, because I love English Lit... bit nervous, I only got my pack yesterday and it looks quite hard.
Good luck to everyone with their courses!! xx
Hi everyone,
My name is Kevin and I am starting A210 Approaching Literature in Feb 2011 and am wondering Is anyone else
starting this course in Feb 2011.
hi,
im nina im 28 i have five children under six i live in bishops stortford with my five children and my fience,i am lucky to have lots of family support as i am starting my first course soon dd101 introducing the social sciences.
Hello Everyone!
Hello Everyone!
I'm Flick, I'm starting my K101 course in Feb, Getting very nervous as i'm new to study, I didn't even take my GCSE's (due to illness not laziness! lol) so im really worried i'm not going to be able to understand it all!
Anyway I send my luck to everyone starting a new course! xx
Hi, im Lisa, this is my first study for 20 years!!! really daunted but excited to start!. I am starting with DD101. Hope to do my degree in criminology. Im in South Wales, amd am married with 3 children. Good luck everyone with the course they have chosen
Hi Guys,
I'm starting my Opening Course in Starting with Psychology in March, and then going on to do my degree in Psychology & Criminology. I'm excited but very nervous! Anyone else doing the same course?
Hayley x
Hi, I'm Pete and am brand new to the OU. It's about 28 years since I left school after my A-levels and haven't done any real studying for over 20 years (prior to which I did some insurance exams for work.)
I'm starting my first module, AA100 The Arts Past & Present on 5th February...wish me luck!
Hi everyone!
I'm Hannah, from Somerset and I am starting The arts past & present in Feb.
Aiming for a History degree in the long run!
I only left education last year, I am a University dropout so starting with a chip on my shoulder, but have a genuine passion for the subject which I think should pull me through!
Think this way of learning will be the right one for me and really cannot wait to get stuck in!
Hi... My name is Lee, I'm new to everything!! I am about to sign up to Y162 Maths module with a view to working towards a qualification in engineering. I'm a little confused though about the financial help you can get and wondered if anyone would be able to give me some advice.
As I am really broke and apparently entitled to help I will be applying for it when I register for my first module... Do I apply for financial help when I register for subsequent modules individually?
I apologise for such a dull first question but my desire to learn this subject is thwarted only by a lack of funds and it is important that I can get help throughout the journey!
Any advice would be much appreciated as it all seems very strange and exciting!!
Regards Lee
This answer applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and is correct to the best of my ability. The financial support scheme in Scotland is very different and is more generous in certain ways.
Giving good advice on Financial Support is difficult, because there are likely to be significant changes as part of the ongoing changes in student funding.
There is no Financial Support available for Openings modules such as Y162. I believe that you cannot use Financial Support towards the cost of any short 10 or 15 credit courses, though it can be put towards the cost of residential schools.
Financial Support requires you:
Each year, you are allowed a certain amount towards module fees. In addition, there is a top up scheme that covers some of the extra costs of one high fee module a year (this mainly applies to the Level 2 and 3 law modules, also some business modules). This means that if you take more than 60 credits a year, you will likely have some module fees to pay.
There is a limited amount of discretionary funding available for students who do not qualify for the statutory financial support.
Unfortunately, there are big changes ahead for student finance in England. It seems certain that fees will rise substantially over the next few years. The Government's current proposals also include the abolition of Financial Support, with the scheme likely to finish in 2012/13.
If Financial Support is abolished, it is unknown at present whether those students who had received Financial Support will be continued to be helped (presumably for a total of six years or until they graduate, whichever comes sooner). It has been suggested that the OU will dog what it can to help all those whose studies are underway when the funding regime changes, though there is no firm information at present.
The proposal is that the new student loans will be available to OU students taking at least 30 credits a year. Those with existing degrees seem likely to be excluded from the loan system, just as they are excluded from Financial Support now.
When the White Paper on student finance is published later this year, things will become somewhat clearer. Unfortunately, the forthcoming changes seem destined to be bad news for current and prospective OU students in England.
I hope this does not dampen your enthusiasm too much, as the OU is a fabulous institution to study with. In any case, there is an argument that you might as well enjoy whatever help you can whilst the currest system stays in place.
New to OU. Starting W200 Feb 2011. Nervous. Excited. Want to be in touch with as many other students on this module. And yes I am a mummy too.
HELLO TO ALL ON W200 UNDERSTANDING LAW! I have started a forum under this name. And I don't know yet how to do those links like David did in earlier replies.
Have you done W100 already or is this your first module? What do you think so far?
Am I the only person in Scotland doing W200?
Ang's post on W200 can be found here (click).
To create a link to another post on Platform you type the text you want to turn into a link. You need to copy the link address to the clipboard - in Firefox you can do this by right clicking over the '# number' towards the right of the top line of the post and 'Copy link address'. Back in the editor, select the text you want to turn into a link with the mouse, then click the link button (the world with the chain on it). Click in the URL box, press Ctrl and V to paste, then click OK.
Hi I am Clare and start studying aa100 The arts past and present in Feb 2011. It's nervous excitement as it is starting soon. I work full time so going to college is not an option so thought I would try this at home. I just thought I would drop a line to say hi and mingle - meet new people. What I planning to accomplish is a ba humanities with creative writing and a bit of photography with good measure. Fingers crossed. Bye Clare
Hello
It's I Janine, I shall say zis only vonce (guess the TV show LOL)
I am a newbie to OU but not an newbie to study, I an starting SD805 in Feb 2011 with a view of getting an MSc in Science after like what seems an eternity. I have a BSc in Applied Chemistry (hence the username) but I have battled dyspraxia which seems to screw me up badly in exams, seen the disability of the last uni I was at - he says my marks between continuous assessment and exams are quite bad and I hate exams. Please say there is no exams in this course - I will likely pass out and scream (before I pass out obviously).
When I was at my last uni, I had to suffer the advances of a lecturous lecturer (whilst studying for an MSc) and I escaped the uni with a Pgcert and VERY hacked off. I have been unable to get work and in this current financial climate I am against (excuse my french people) of people who make me slightly pissed off to be frank as I wonder how the heck they managed to get a job and I am left there. I have even had to correct someone doing something basic and he was IN A JOB!
Now after a period of retraining as a holistic therapist, this will be my last chance to get an MSc as I can't get onto a research MSc as I have no flippin honours due to not being able to do well in exams. Continuous work averaging 60-70% and above, exam mark lucky to push 40%.
I have done Samhein early LOL
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