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Anyone doing OU courses - how much is it sensible to take on???

Mrs Roo, 14 October, 2008 at 16:30 Posted on Off Topic Posts 0 7

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? Hoping someone with more experience can advise. I've just started my first OU course, a 60-point module. There's quite a few other bits I'd like to take/need to take to get a qualification - as an eg if I was to do a full degree at this rate it'll take me about 5 years to finish! But I work parttime and I have two children, so then again I'm thinking well, that's probably fair enough, if I were to take 3yrs doing it fulltime at uni, and now I'm doing it parttime. But I know from having actually being at uni that it wasn't 'full time' (not for all subjects, anyway!). So far I'm finding the workload ok with the 60-pointer, but it's early days and I'm not sure I want to push my luck by signing up for eg another 30-pointer at the same time/with some overlap. Is there a sort of 'limit' to what's recommended if you're working?

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7 replies

Latest activity by Mrs Roo, 15 October, 2008 at 10:58

Beginner December 2007
Flowery the Grouch · 14 October, 2008 at 16:36
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When i was working full-time 60 points was the most I would be happy to take on. I probably could have done more, but to have any semblance of a life other than work or OU I wouldn't want to.
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Mrs Roo · 14 October, 2008 at 16:48
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Thanks Flowery ?. I know. 60 does seem like a sensible limit. I guess I'm just impatient ?
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Beginner December 2007
Flowery the Grouch · 14 October, 2008 at 16:54
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I think there was a forum on the OU for people taking 120 points at once, and to do any more than that you need special permission.
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Beginner September 2002
Sare · 14 October, 2008 at 17:03
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As someone who has just started a 60 pointer I'd say are you mad??

I'm already tearing my hair out and am really doubting my ability to pass this course.

But with regards to your question, as someone said, the OU suggest 60 points at a time, but they can make exceptions.
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Beginner June 2005
GPENNY · 14 October, 2008 at 18:11
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I'm a total glutton for punishment and started OU in October 2007 and am just finishing off two courses in the next couple of days (30 and 60 point) and have a Certificate in Humanities. Had to get permission to do 150 points.

In November I start two 30 point courses and February a 60 point course. Have plans for a further 30 point course in May 09.

I am really enjoying the courses though but being self employed I can juggle my time to suit. Also, working from home saves me travelling time which is the equivalent of study time for a 30 point course.

Good luck with your course.

Pen x
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Lady Gooner · 15 October, 2008 at 09:49
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When I did my OU degree, which did take me six years, but it didn't seem that long at the time. There were a couple of people who were doing 120 points in a year. I remember asking how they managed it and basically it was a case of 'not having a life'. I think the workload depends on the course, the level 1 courses I think I could have coped with doing more than 60 points, however once I get ot level 3 there was no way I could have taken on more than 60 points, I was working full-time, no children.
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