{"id":10315,"date":"2018-08-14T13:09:33","date_gmt":"2018-08-14T12:09:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ounews.co\/?p=10315"},"modified":"2018-08-14T13:09:33","modified_gmt":"2018-08-14T12:09:33","slug":"clearing-2018-why-choosing-the-ou-might-be-the-best-decision-you-ever-make","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/news\/around-ou\/university-news\/clearing-2018-why-choosing-the-ou-might-be-the-best-decision-you-ever-make\/","title":{"rendered":"Clearing 2018: Why choosing the OU could be the best decision you ever make"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the top 20 UK Universities for student satisfaction<\/a>, rated highly for its teaching and with a flexible model that means you can earn and learn, The Open University (OU) is an increasingly attractive choice for young people. Over a quarter of new entrants to the OU are now aged 23 and under, and the OU offers open entry for anyone wishing to study, regardless of your A-Level results.<\/p>\n

Almost 14,000 of our students are 21 and under*<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Most students at the OU work while they are learning, progressing their careers at the same time as gaining new skills. For many, it\u2019s a cost-effective way to study \u2013 fees in England** are \u00a35,856 a year for full time study \u2013 so a complete degree in England would cost just under \u00a318,000. You can pay for each module separately and can access a part-time tuition fee loan \u2013 find out more on our fees and funding<\/a> website.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s completely flexible and can fit in with your life<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

19-year-old Fanni Zombor from London is currently studying for a Business Degree with the OU.\u00a0She\u2019d studied science in sixth form but didn\u2019t want to continue this subject at university level, so took a gap year before deciding to sign up with the OU.\u00a0Working full-time as a Hungarian-English interpreter, Fanni has opted to study the equivalent of full-time too.<\/p>\n

She\u2019s fitting in up to 35 hours of study each week alongside her job and horse riding hobby, and is aiming to finish her degree in three years \u2013 the same time as her friends who are going to traditional ‘brick’ universities.\u00a0She says:<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you set your mind to something, you can achieve it. The OU has made me realise I can be who I want to be, and it has already opened a lot of doors for me I didn\u2019t even know were there before.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\nhttps:\/\/ounews.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Clearing_Fanni_1080p.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n

You can achieve a degree with zero debt<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Zoe

Zoe Biggs graduated with zero debt<\/p><\/div>\n

Zoe Biggs<\/a>, who plays bass guitar for The Franklys<\/em>, wasn\u2019t sure what to study after her A-Levels.\u00a0 She decided to take a few short courses to see if the OU suited her, and this grew to an Open Degree with a focus on biology subjects.<\/p>\n

Zoe graduated in 2016 and says: \u201cI have come out with a degree and with zero debt, unlike all of my friends who went to traditional universities and are now having to start slowly paying back that dreaded student loan. All of my friends were very encouraging of the OU; it was never seen as a \u2018lesser choice\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

You can step up the career ladder at the same time<\/strong><\/h2>\n

76% of our students work while they are learning, and this makes them very attractive to employers as they can easily demonstrate determination, motivation, and organisation skills.<\/p>\n

\"Steph

Steph Lee is forging a career in Engineering<\/p><\/div>\n

Steph Lee,<\/a> 27, was a high achiever at school but wanted to earn a wage rather than go to a traditional university. She started her Engineering Degree with the OU six years ago and has gone from an administrator in an oil and gas company to work in construction and, more recently, in marine and ship management. She says:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe OU has been great and I\u2019ve encouraged several people to enrol on its courses; it opens so many doors and gives you the edge in interviews, showing both dedication and determination to work and study simultaneously.<\/p>\n

“If you are considering distance learning, then I have two words for you: Do it! You\u2019ve got nothing to lose.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Be part of the OU Community<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Fanni was keen to become part of the OU community and swiftly took on a volunteering role<\/a> with the OU Students Association<\/a> (OUSA), building a network of student friends alongside those in her tutor groups. She says: \u201cBecause I\u2019m a confident person, it\u2019s easy to step forward and make connections. I\u2019ve met a lot of young OU students over social media and forums; and many people studying who are like-minded.\u201d<\/p>\n

An unconditional offer from The Open University<\/h2>\n

Chris Rooke, Director, Academic Services at the OU, said: “The Open University is open to everyone, and extends an unconditional offer at Clearing. The OU\u2019s offer is an alternative route to a high-quality degree which is flexible enough to fit in with the rest of your life.”<\/p>\n

\u201cMore students study with the OU than with any other university in the UK, thanks to our quality and excellent support. Approaching our 50th<\/sup> anniversary next year, we are proud of our history, our commitment to keep innovating, and our excellent academic offering.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Flexible ways into study<\/h2>\n

There are a number of ways you can start your studies with The Open University:<\/p>\n