~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Today's the day when we all celebrate even the smallest things going on in our lives. Thanks to VikLit, we have the opportunity to share in each others victories and positivities every week, spreading a little joy as we go.
To check out what everyone else is celebrating head on over to her linky list.
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Today I'd like to celebrate the Open University. It's become such a regular part of my life now that I almost take it for granted that it's there.
I started studying with the OU in 2003, and studied for a BSc (Hons) degree in science. I took a year off to have my daughter and finally graduated in 2011.
I find studying is like an addiction for me though, and it wasn't long before I'd signed up to study something else, this time English Literature and Creative Writing.
If I'm honest with myself, this is what I should have studied in the first place as it's what I enjoy the most. I chose science because I thought it would give me a better chance of finding a good job. It wasn't in vain either, my studies helped me get the job I'm in now, working for a world-leading scientific research institute. I shouldn't grumble really :-)
Having tried studying at a conventional university, the distance learning method of the OU certainly suited me better. I was able to work full time, which meant having money in my pocket to do other things in my life too, buying a house, having a nice car, starting a family. And the best bit by far was that I wasn't in any debt at the end of it!
There are plenty of courses on offer, ranging from short, taster courses to 60 point modules, which can all be counted towards a certificate, diploma or even a degree if you fancy it.
The OU is quite well established in the UK now, and is in the top 5 of all universities across the country. They have also recently launched their website for people outside of the UK and Ireland, so they are spreading their reach to include more people in their teaching methods.
To check out this website head on over - Degrees and courses for international students
And for those in the UK that may be interested - The Open University
For anyone, of any age and interest, I would recommend the Open University as an option if you fancy taking up a new subject, no matter if it's for professional or personal development.
What are you celebrating this week?
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Glad it has worked well for you, I have heard that some of the courses they offer are great.
ReplyDeleteThey have a lot of choice, and sometimes it can be hard deciding what to do next. There's so many I want to do, if only I had the time ...
DeleteLearning is always a great way to spend one's time. Having it pay off with job opportunities is even better. Thanks for sharing such an informative post and your experience with this online education opportunity.
ReplyDeleteMJ, A to Z Challenge Co-Host
Writing Tips
Effectively Human
Lots of Crochet Stitches
I hope it was useful for people, it's certainly been good for me and if I can spread the word I'm happy.
DeleteIt's good it's worked out for you. I did a long-distance writing course a few years back, but I never finished....
ReplyDeleteIt can be hard to keep going, long distance study requires a lot of discipline. It's worth it in the end though. The trick is keeping to the deadlines, but I guess we all know about that ...
DeleteSounds like a great program--I'm glad it worked so well for you! Have a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lara. It's good to have another focus for myself outside of family and work.
DeleteI'm glad this worked out for you, especially since it means you don't have any student debts. I haven't even started paying mine back yet.
ReplyDeleteIt's certainly one of the perks!
DeleteIt's always good to keep learning, not matter at what age. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine I'll ever stop learning, I enjoy it very much. And there's so much to know!
DeleteEducation is so important and it seems you have found a good fit. Stay the course!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon. It's so nice to find a strategy that works.
DeleteWe've got Open Universities (probably slightly different but the same idea) here in Aus. You can study units from various different unis to make up your degree, or at least that's how I understand it to work.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to have the flexibility to study to your own needs. And you can do it however old you are!
DeleteThis is kind of what I did my Wormhole post on last week, the wonders of online education. So glad it has worked so well for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan. It's nice to have the option of working and learning alongside my family life.
DeleteI've thought about it in the past, but never got around to it. Maybe one day.
ReplyDeleteIt's never too late, and I promise you won't regret it when you do it.
DeleteYou should be really proud of everything you've accomplished! You've made smart decisions all the way around, and now you get to study what you really want to. Yay!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lexa, it's only now that I look back at it all that I realise how much I've done. I'll still keep going though :-)
DeleteThat is really great! Science has always fascinated me.
ReplyDeleteScience is amazing, and I'm really lucky to work where I do. Plus I can do my writing too!
DeleteOpen University is a great way to learn. It's so flexible!
ReplyDeleteIt really is, and I'm so grateful for the opportunities I've had because of it, and alongside it.
DeleteAh, I was hoping they'd offer English Literature and Creative Writing in my country too, but apparently not.
ReplyDeleteanna
Deeply Shallow
That's a shame Anna, but there must be somewhere that will offer it. Don't give up the search!
DeleteWhat a great thing to celebrate! Glad you found such interesting courses.
ReplyDeleteLate to this post but I agree whole-heartedly. I did the whole 'brick' university thing for my first degree but I love the freedom I have with the OU. I don't think it works for everyone, but I'm definitely an advocate for them.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with yours, I've got two more essays to do and then I am an official OU graduate!