Open University - Last Chance before Fees Riseby Stuart Holttum, Assistant Branch Secretary
Unfortunately, the OU is not immune to the withdrawal of government funding that has caused fees to rise, and effective from September next year will be putting their fees up to the equivalent of £5,000 per academic year. What this means in practice is as follows.... An "honours" degree is made up of 360 points. Points are gained at the OU by studying various modules, mostly worth either 30 or 60 points depending on the intensity of the subject. At the moment, 30 and 60 point modules cost around £400 and £700 respectively. So up to now, you could gain the 360 points for a degree at a cost of about £5,000. Following the change in fees, however, the modules will cost £1,250 and £2,500 respectively, a significant increase. However, there is good news! Anyone who is already studying with the OU, or who begins studying in the next academic year, will have their fees fixed at the current rates - so you will be able to complete your degree at the older, lower prices. This offer lasts until August 2017: to qualify for the scheme, you must: Complete a module between September 2010 and end of August this year
(obviously only current students will meet this criteria!), AND |
Provided you then continue to study at least one module every academic year, your fees will remain at the current level until August 2017. So, if you have ever fancied studying for a degree - or you have been studying but taken a break - or you are nearly there......then now is the time to book your next course! I've been studying with the OU since 1999, and am now only a couple of modules away from my degree. During that time I've studied such varying courses as....
...which should give you a flavour of the wide range of courses that are available! If you'd like some support or advice in becoming a student, choosing a course, or applying for time off for exams, then please get in touch with one of the Branch's Union Learning Reps - their names can be found on the PCS noticeboards in the lift lobbies, and on the back page of every issue of No Limits - alternatively, give the PCS office a ring and Darrell, Martyn or myself will be glad to have a chat. Happy studying! Stu
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For
decades, the Open University has been one of the best Further Education
providers in the country, with hundreds of thousands of people choosing
to study towards a degree - or just out of interest!