Student and tutor module reviews

After completing this Access module last year and gaining a Distinction, learning new skills has helped build my confidence enormously. I had been very hesitant previously, having little faith in myself and now I have proved that I can do it and so can anyone else. I highly recommend undertaking an Access module. I am now working towards an Open Honours degree.

Debbie Lloyd-Hughes

Course starting: February 2022

Review posted: February 2023

I really enjoyed this module and found it interesting, thought provoking, well structured and a really useful stepping stone for anyone worried about getting back into education; it is never too late! I was a complete beginner having not done any learning for at least twenty years but the module was more than manageable and the course materials were well structured and organised. I will use this module to take me forwards to OU level 1, having now signed up for A111.

Karen Smith

Course starting: October 2021

Review posted: September 2022

Y031 was a great introduction to the arts, languages and university study. It was interesting - opening up new avenues of learning and subjects I hadn't considered.
I had an excellent tutor who supported my progress, helping me to get the best out of my studies. It was vital to ask for as much help as I needed without being shy or afraid of looking foolish.
I am pleased with my progress. I lacked confidence, which I steadily gained, trusting in my abilities as a student. I read the instructions carefully, trusted my tutor and learned from my mistakes. Staying curious and open-minded and not afraid of making mistakes - growing from them with humility was the best approach. The self-reflection exercises and learning how to plan my studies were invaluable. I did exceptionally well by applying myself and working hard.
The OU provides the information, activities and access to resources, with ample support available. It's up to the student to get as much as possible from the module and ask for help. The module promoted skills like independent study, needing qualities of self-discipline and self-motivation.
Studying in a comfortable environment at home suited me - I loved it, studying hygge-style! I learned to write succinctly, using academic English. Very happy!

Course starting: October 2021

Review posted: September 2022

I have nothing but the highest praise for the module in general. It was the ideal reintroduction to study after many years away. Apart from refreshing my own study skills, the module helped me improve on them as well. It was also an excellent introduction to various aspects of arts and languages that I haven't studied before or have long since forgotten about. Not too difficult as not to put me off, but also a challenge in trying to understand them fully. Finally, my tutor was extremely helpful, supportive and friendly. She helped put me at ease and was very thorough in helping me understand what was expected of me with the assessments. Without her help, I wouldn't have got a distinction which I am very proud of.

Course starting: October 2021

Review posted: September 2022

Excellent as a way to build confidence and refresh skills. Course materials were clear and easy to use with space to focus on study skills as well as subject content. Particularly enjoyed the phone tutorials which gave me renewed enthusiasm to carry on and confidence that I was on the right track. The webinars prior to submission of tutor-marked assignments were both enormously helpful (in the subject matter input) and stressful (as other students seemed so much more on top of the materials). Hadn't expected the access to the library, careers advice, etc which was an added bonus. Disappointed that the cost of progressing to level one is prohibitive in the current economic climate for someone who is not eligible for a student loan.

Nina Ennis

Course starting: October 2021

Review posted: August 2022

A very interesting and eye-opening introduction to studying with The Open University. I began learning about the significance of banners used in protests over the years, before moving on to learning about The Chartists and their impact on modern democracy, and then learning about musical styles and graffiti. My tutor was very helpful and supportive and guided me through it very well. I now look forward to moving on to the next stage of my studies.

David Graham

Course starting: October 2021

Review posted: August 2022

I found the module provided me with an introduction to the skills needed to advance my learning. Initially, I was worried that some parts of the module would not be my cup of tea, but once involved I did enjoy it. the tutor's comments and advice were invaluable.
Having not done any formal education for over 40 years, at the start I found it more time-consuming because I was on a steep learning curve (mainly self-teaching computer use). Breaks in the module allowed catch-up time. This module has given me the confidence to go on and tackle a degree.

John Brook

Course starting: October 2021

Review posted: August 2022

This was a great module. The pace was just right. I think we could have had more on academic writing and referencing to give us more confidence with which to go into OU level 1. The subject of Protest as the thread through the Module was good as it was an umbrella for Art, Poetry, History and all areas of Humanity.
The tutor was great and gave me lots of support, and it was great to share ideas with her, also if I was stuck on something she opened it out for me to explore it more.

Course starting: October 2021

Review posted: August 2022

I really enjoyed the module, the subjects I had heard of before but found the in-depth knowledge that I gained on the subjects was really inspiring.

The main reason for doing the Access module was to learn how to learn, as it was a lot of years since I was at school. Now I have the confidence to start a degree in the Arts. If I had not completed the Access module I would not feel like I do now.

Course starting: October 2021

Review posted: August 2022

This was the first time I had met the OU style of training material delivered via the Internet. Overall I felt it was well written, with plenty of hints as to where to seek additional information if I did not understand any facet.
The pace of study was right for me - I am retired from work and therefore could manage time easily within my domestic commitments. The Options weeks were ideal as I could relax a little and catch up if necessary but also dabble in other material.
The essays I had to write were challenging - trying to keep to the required word count was hard, but this forced me to use my language skills better.
I submitted the multiple choice internet answers simply to gain marks, but felt the questions were too easy for the module - I'm not sure I gained anything from them.
I hope the Access module has prepared me for OU level 1 which I am starting in October - passing with distinction (much to my astonishment) has given me the push to keep studying. I am now aware of how the OU delivers its material so do not have to go through that learning curve once again but am sure there will be other challenges along the way.

Alison Barrett

Course starting: October 2021

Review posted: August 2022

I found this module incredibly helpful in giving me the confidence I need to pursue further education.

While the topics we covered weren't particularly complex, it gave me valuable experience writing academically and exploring different texts.

My tutor was friendly and approachable, I never felt worried about going to them if I was unsure about something and she encouraged us to pursue topics further if something had piqued our interest.

I would really recommend this module to anyone who wants to continue higher education but needs a confidence boost to get them started.

Course starting: October 2021

Review posted: August 2022

I approached this module with a certain degree of ambivalence. I left education many years ago and honestly did not know whether I would be able to cope. However, the module is structured in such a way that you only take baby steps and what feels challenging at the beginning very quickly becomes doable and enjoyable. Time management is a key component and you are given support and encouragement all the way.

I had a lovely tutor who was very encouraging, and of whom I could ask questions pretty much whenever they occurred to me.

The bottom line is - if you haven't been in education for a while, YO31 is a fantastic introduction, taking you from the basics to university capable in just a year. Do it - you won't regret it!

Lesley Karran-Seaton

Course starting: October 2021

Review posted: August 2022

I decided to take an Access module to ensure I was ready for OU degree-level study. I really enjoyed the module and thought the module materials were excellent. I would have preferred to have a better balance between book-based and online learning. My module was one-third book-based and the rest online. That said, the online resources and support were very good. I found the pace of study entirely manageable. Information was presented well and in a variety of ways (video, audio, text), with key points repeated and important terms highlighted. Some elements were challenging, but there were plenty of opportunities given to practise, and support was provided by both the tutor and fellow students.
I was awarded a distinction for the module, so feel confident in moving on to OU level 1 modules.

Janice Teague

Course starting: October 2021

Review posted: August 2022