Mick Dorsett Lecturer - Open University

Graduate at Work

What is Graduate At Work?• A great opportunity for people to study part-

time for a degree with a top class University whilst working and earning

• A great opportunity for organisations to ‘grow their own ‘ graduates by encouraging their development of higher level, work related skills and knowledge in the workplace

What does Study with the OU Involve?• There are no entry qualifications• Most courses start in October or February and

last for 9 months• Qualifications are modular and can be gained

over a number of years • Most students start at Level 1• Most courses are worth 30 or 60 points• 60 points takes roughly 16 hours of study per

week • Around 75% of our students are in full or part

time work

Credits and Levels

• ‘Credits’ depend on how many hours of study is involved (10,15, 30, 60 points)

• ‘Levels’ relate to the level of academic difficulty ( Level 1, 2, and 3)

Modular Qualifications• Certificate – 60points (Level 1)

• Diploma –120/130points (Level 2)

• Foundation Degree - 240points (120 at L2)

• Open Degree (without Honours) – 300points (60 at L3)

• Open Degree or Named Degree (with Honours) – 360 points (120 at L3)

Graduate at work students ….• Are part of a special scheme in which their employer

offers time and a place to study in the workplace• Work with their employer and OU Advisers to identify an

appropriate study pathway which matches the individual’s and organisations needs

• Ideally have a workplace mentor to encourage and support their studies

• Course Choice Events twice yearly in Lincoln

How much will it cost?

Course Fees (Variable but the average cost of an OU Degree in 2008 (Fees only) is £4,000)

Additional expenses…

• Travel to tutorials (Optional)

• Set Texts (required reading for course)

• Computer of an appropriate specification and internet access

• Other equipment TV, Video, DVD, Audio/CD player

Examples of Fees…

• An Introduction to Business studies B120

L1 30points/6months/£340

• An Introduction to the Social Sciences: Understanding Social Change DD100

L1 60points/9months/£610

• Data Computing and Information M150

L1 30points/9months/£380

• Rules, Rights and Justice: An Introduction to Law W100

L1 60points/9months/£785

Types of Financial Support• Help with paying course fees

• Help with paying study expenses

• Help for students with disabilities and specific learning difficulties

Help with Course FeesA student living at home with a personal income

(not based on parental income) of less than £16,090 will receive…

• Fees paid up to £785 if studying 30 – 60 points

• If the course costs more than £785 the differential can be paid in instalments using an OU Budget Account (OUSBA)

Help with Study ExpensesIf a student is receiving a full fee award they are

also eligible for the following...

a course expenditure grant of up to £255 to cover books, equipment, travel to tutorials etc

and a further £245 towards the purchase a PC or PC upgrade (if the course has a compulsory requirement for a PC)

Contact Details

www.open.ac.uk

0845 300 60 90