Is the OU now an option for more young adults?
For more on the changing face of the Open University, read on…
The following information may dispel a number of outdated ideas about the Open University and the age range and background of its students…
- There are 13 Regional Centres in the UK not just one national centre at Milton Keynes.
- The average age of OU students is currently 35 and dropping fast with applications from 18 to 25 year olds increasing rapidly because:
- Most students are eligible for financial support towards their fees
- Students can work and get a degree simultaneously
- The profile of students is no longer, as in the early days, based on teachers and nurses who wanted/needed to convert their existing qualification into a degree.
- There is a 72% completion rate i.e. 72% who start do end up with a degree. This can be regarded as good bearing in mind that all Universities suffer from dropouts (albeit not at this level) and Open University students often have non-traditional qualifications.
- The Open University is rated in the top 5 Universities nationally in terms of the quality of its courses and teaching.
- However the Open University degree courses are NOT an easy option and those who complete need to show perseverance and stamina!
Action – keep the OU in mind!!
Open University courses “may” be an option, either immediate or medium term, for young people!
For more information visit: www.open.ac.uk
Information gathered at an Adult and Community Learning Meeting held at the Open University East Midlands Regional Office, Clumber Avenue. Nottingham (next door to New College Nottingham’s Clarendon site)
Supplied by Paul Hodgkins, Connexions Nottinghamshire, 25/05/05
