Anyone else studying?

[CoolGirl]

Start my MBA next week (part time, on top of work and parenting). First time at school for 20 years, since I finished my A levels.

Finally got my course material through, which had been stuck in the post for 2 weeks, and been able to log on to my student forum and start to get my head around the whole thing.

A bit scary, but quite exciting as well!

[kitkat]

did open university last year and found it really really hard. now have a 6th of a degree.

this year i am doing british sign language at college at night. its great. going to attempt open university again next year. hoping to work up to a full degree at some point.

good luck CG

[kwak zzr]

good on you both and good luck with it! its never too late to learn:)

[K]

Yup - I also have taken a 'gap year' of two decades! ;)

Three weeks into my Equine Management Degree course - though I have been lucky enough to be able to take the plunge and do a full time course.

It is scarily cool - a bit like a car crash really - frightening at points but you still get sucked in. ;)

I've got to do work experience after Xmas break - for three weeks. I last did that when I was 16!

The main piece of advice that I found useful was find somewhere at home to study, and if you can, try to have as little 'pollution' from the rest of your life there as possible.
Easy to say, strangely hard to do - espescially if you got kids etc. It's sooo tempting to sit and re-work lecture notes whilst half watching the TV. :roll:

Oh, and I was told to try to set a routine and get others to help you stick to it. My first half hour when I get in is dedicated to a cuppa, my day's notes and my laptop. I type everything up, print it and file it. It's strange how much seems to have sunk in just from re-working notes. The door is closed and everyone (mostly the phone) gets ignored until I'm done.

You may also surprise yourself with how much comes sneaking back in from days of old. Ask me what I did in school biology lessons and I'm stumped, but during a lecture stuff that I thought would be difficult is often actually making sense. ;)

After all that, what are you studying?

[stewie]

I think its brilliant that you,ve all returned to education, despite your advancing years ;), actually my wife did a degree in buisness studies some years back, two night,s a week in either Manchester or Salford typically plus a 70 mile commute to Cannock for work every day plus two kids and me to look after as well. Took her 4 yrs of hard graft to get her 2.1 but I was so proud of her when she went up to collect her scroll, had lump in me throat and a tear in me eye. So basically good luck with it all to all of you.

[ArtyLady]

Start my MBA next week (part time, on top of work and parenting). First time at school for 20 years, since I finished my A levels.

Finally got my course material through, which had been stuck in the post for 2 weeks, and been able to log on to my student forum and start to get my head around the whole thing.

A bit scary, but quite exciting as well!

CG - are you studying with Open University? Ive just finished Creative Writing and am now doing Humanties - aiming for an Open Uni BA Open Degree :D (Im choosing all the courses without exams :lol:)

I love it - keeps the old grey matter working ;)

[Ceri JC]

Best of luck coolgirl, I am just coming to the end of studying for an MSc part time (only have my thesis viva left to do). Hard work (even without kids), but well worth it. If I could go back in time and give myself one tip when I was starting, it'd be this: Get up early and do your coursework before work; in the morning (4am worked well for me).

I found doing it in the evening/weekends takes twice as long (IE for every 2 hours sat there, you only do 1 hours actual work) as you're more likely to be worn out/distracted.

[ASM-Forever]

Start my MBA next week (part time, on top of work and parenting). First time at school for 20 years, since I finished my A levels.

School boy error, now we know how old you are. :p

[Ol Boc]

School boy error, now we know how old you are. :p

Suggest you retake biology.......

[hoodlum]

Just finished two years of a part time MSc in logistics - just the dissertation to do. Parent to a set of 4 year old twins, both of us work and we have an 8 month old daughter.

It;s hard work, but I'm hoping it's worth it in the end!

[grh1904]

Trying to study for my Sergeants exams, it's in March, and those that have done it beofr me suggest about 8-10 hours per week starting in the October.

I took them up on their advice an logged onto the computer about 3 hours ago, so far I've managed to navigate onto the sv650.org site........:D,


now, what did I log on for again....................................

[Alpinestarhero]

Im studying chemistry, integraed undegraduate masters - my final year this academic year, so they are letting me loose in the labs with little supervision...

Matt

[laMon]

and me.....:p, i tried to enroll for psychology in the OU but it was fully booked so can start in March next year. i think the 4am start is a good idea, can't sleep anyway.

anyone wants to join me on a "little" holiday whilst on holiday from studying?;)
http://www.kuduexpeditions.com/expeditions2.htm

:cool:

[ASM-Forever]

Suggest you retake biology.......

I think you will agree that school girl error sounds crap. Jeez....its not really even a phrase.

[TheDangerousQuietOne]

I'm a full-time leech on your taxes, studying mining engineering, is getting a bit serious now that this year counts towards my degree...

[Sudoxe]

and me.....:p, i tried to enroll for psychology in the OU but it was fully booked so can start in March next year. i think the 4am start is a good idea, can't sleep anyway.

anyone wants to join me on a "little" holiday whilst on holiday from studying?;)
http://www.kuduexpeditions.com/expeditions2.htm

:cool:

You do realise you can get a video recorder :cool:

Im studying with Berklee music online at the moment, thats hard. Im also studyingfor a cisco exam for work.

Dan

[Stingo]

Prince2 right now, about to start BTEC in management...:shaking2: Intending to do Facilities management and possibly NEBOSH next year....if I can figure out time management first!!:smt046

[metalmonkey]

Trying to study for my Sergeants exams, it's in March, and those that have done it beofr me suggest about 8-10 hours per week starting in the October.

I took them up on their advice an logged onto the computer about 3 hours ago, so far I've managed to navigate onto the sv650.org site........:D,


now, what did I log on for again....................................

Yeah I'm doing exams as well for the job sigh, I just printed of half a rain forest for the second week of it, after this 2 weeks to go, on top of all the paper work I have get done before the end of year oh yes there is lots of it! My partner is studying for the adavnced car, another for the sergeants! I'll be on the pdr next year, I'll filled with deep joy about that:rolleyes:

[laMon]

and me.....:p, i tried to enroll for psychology in the OU but it was fully booked so can start in March next year. i think the 4am start is a good idea, can't sleep anyway.

anyone wants to join me on a "little" holiday whilst on holiday from studying?;)
http://www.kuduexpeditions.com/expeditions2.htm

:cool:

You do realise you can get a video recorder :cool:

Im studying with Berklee music online at the moment, thats hard. Im also studyingfor a cisco exam for work.

Dan

if for studying maybe, but for the kude expedition is like studying sex from a video hmmm:smt046

need adventuress here!.......?

[Sudoxe]

if for studying maybe, but for the kude expedition is like studying sex from a video hmmm:smt046
We can practice if you like:study: :makelurve::smt018

:smt046

need adventuress here!.......?

I've just looked at that Kude site, that looks very cool. Although it seems there is only one off road section, which you can opt to take the road. So a lot of road work, but it looks like fun!

I'd love to do the real one though, although lack of talent, money and currently a motorcycle prevent me from doing that. Maybe one day :pale:

Dan

[laMon]

We can practice if you like:study: :makelurve::smt018

:smt046



I've just looked at that Kude site, that looks very cool. Although it seems there is only one off road section, which you can opt to take the road. So a lot of road work, but it looks like fun!

I'd love to do the real one though, although lack of talent, money and currently a motorcycle prevent me from doing that. Maybe one day :pale:

Dan

I went to see Parkinson being recorded on Thursday, and Joan Rivers made a joke that she does not sleep with fetuses [-X:smt082, which would be very accurate here Dan :P:smt082 pmsl

Kudo give you a motorcycle;), start saving!

sorry for hijacking the thread:oops:

[ninasilvert@mac.com]

I just started a degree, and it's great, but everyone is 18 and I'm not! Mainly they've all just left home etc and as a mature student I'm definitely an oddity! Mind you, I'm used to that. I'm loving it though, it feels like luxury to be sitting round learning stuff

[ninasilvert@mac.com]

CG - are you studying with Open University? Ive just finished Creative Writing and am now doing Humanties - aiming for an Open Uni BA Open Degree :D (Im choosing all the courses without exams :lol:)

I love it - keeps the old grey matter working ;)
How was the creative writing? what level course? It sounds great. Are you writing short stories, or a novel perhaps?
I just started studying music technology and dance at Kingston, and I'm definitely the oldest swinger in town! Are you really a granny?:)

[Lou M]

I'm on my third year of AAT, it's been a slog at college two nights a week, but the end is in sight! Then decision time, do I go for Chartered, or finish my Maths degree, or go on to do the School Business Managers course.

I love studying and am always looking at the next course, and I'm heading for 40, it's never too late!!

Lou x

[Fizzy Fish]

Good to hear all the admin worked out in the end Debs! really hope you enjoy the course, it sounds really interesting :thumbsup:

[ninasilvert@mac.com]

I'm on my third year of AAT, it's been a slog at college two nights a week, but the end is in sight! Then decision time, do I go for Chartered, or finish my Maths degree, or go on to do the School Business Managers course.

I love studying and am always looking at the next course, and I'm heading for 40, it's never too late!!

Lou x
wow! that's an intense course of study from what I gather, well done! which way do you think you'll go with it?
PS don't tell but I'm also NOT THAT YOUNG ;)
and thanks for the encouragement x

[Lou M]

wow! that's an intense course of study from what I gather, well done! which way do you think you'll go with it?
PS don't tell but I'm also NOT THAT YOUNG ;)
and thanks for the encouragement x

It's been very intense, but I couldn't have done it on my own at home. I've made friends with another student, we seemed to gell from day one, and it's been great as we've helped each other so much along the way, and we'll be friends for life now.
I'm currently a Finance Manager in a school, and that's why I'm thinking of doing the Business Managers qualification. But I'm happy in what I'm doing for now, but keeping my eye on the jobs that come up at County Hall.

I'll be glad to have my evenings to myself again though, my bike and boat have been neglected these past two years!

Lou x

[ArtyLady]

How was the creative writing? what level course? It sounds great. Are you writing short stories, or a novel perhaps?
I just started studying music technology and dance at Kingston, and I'm definitely the oldest swinger in town! Are you really a granny?:)

Creative writing (was Level 2) hard work but great - a real insight about how its done! Not writing that Novel yet as Im too busy with work and study :rolleyes: :D

brilliant you are studying music and dancing - wow! (wish my old bones could manage that - I could do with getting fit :lol:)

Do you play an instrument? Im working on grade 5 flute atm, although dont plan to take the exam any time soon (just like to know roughly what grade Im capable of! :-s :D ). Open Uni do a Music Diploma which I have toyed with the idea of doing - but it has an exam 8-[ which puts me off (all the courses Im doing are assignment based)

Yes I really am a granny hehe :riding::smt023:lol:

[ArtyLady]

I'm on my third year of AAT, it's been a slog at college two nights a week, but the end is in sight! Then decision time, do I go for Chartered, or finish my Maths degree, or go on to do the School Business Managers course.

I love studying and am always looking at the next course, and I'm heading for 40, it's never too late!!

Lou x

Hats off to you Lou - I cant even add up (mathematically dyslexic :rolleyes:) I love studying too, always planning the next course :study: :D

It is never too late - if I finish this degree in the time frame I have planned, I will be 55ish when I graduate! :cool::crutches: :lol:

[Lou M]

Well Good Luck to everyone, I hope we all pass!

I've got two exams in December, then the final two in June. My life is work and revision at the moment, though I did enjoy Saturday on the new bike!

[Gazza77]

CIMA for me (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants for those not in the know). Two exams next week, hence off work and supposedly revising....:rolleyes:

[ArtyLady]

CIMA for me (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants for those not in the know). Two exams next week, hence off work and supposedly revising....:rolleyes:

Good luck! :D

[Alpinestarhero]

How is everyone finding their respective courses?

Matt

[helen]

I'm also doing the evil CIMA - doing two exams in a week's time.

Sh*tting myself - will probably be retaking in May!

[Pedrosa]

3.30 at Towcester tomorrow? Cant decide so maybe just an each way bet.;)

[Beaniebike]

Well, I've just finished my Masters! I am now oficially Rhona Currie B.Ed, M.Ed!! Get to swan about Glasgow uni in a graduation robe on 28th Nov. Ooooh, and nI get a day off to do it too!! Yipee!

NOw started working towards Chartered Teacher status.:study:

[Pedrosa]

Chartered Teacher? ooh errr. Well for your information I went to an Approved school.:smt082

[Beaniebike]

Chartered Teacher? ooh errr. Well for your information I went to an Approved school.:smt082

Approved to do what exactly???

[Pedrosa]

Approved to do what exactly???

Sorry your obviously not from my vintage! That was a little joke. Approved Schools used to be where the naughty boys and girls got sent to.:rolleyes:

[CoolGirl]

I'm already a few chapters behind and on here..... but don't worry taxpayers, back to the :study: in mo!

[laMon]

The only study I'll be doing is for my PADI licence at the mo :cool:
in 30 degree heat in Egypt:p off to Sharm on Sunday:mrgreen: but I suppose it does not count :tongue:

I'll be showing off the tan at the Soho massive Xmas jolly;)

Good luck to all of you hard workers;).

Pedrosa, how's that dream of yours?;)

[Pedrosa]

The only study I'll be doing is for my PADI licence at the mo :cool:
in 30 degree heat in Egypt:p off to Sharm on Sunday:mrgreen: but I suppose it does not count :tongue:

I'll be showing off the tan at the Soho massive Xmas jolly;)

Good luck to all of you hard workers;).

Pedrosa, how's that dream of yours?;)

It's still with me fella.:D

[Vickster]

I am currently studying for my AISA, which is a Securities and Investment Institute Examination.

Before that I was studying for OTC Derivatives, which I failed (marginally) - which I personally blame Mac99 for !. Will need to resit that early next year.

Glad I am not the only sad book worm on here

:smt039

[laMon]

It's still with me fella.:D


no comprende:rolleyes: :tongue:

[Gazza77]

I'm also doing the evil CIMA - doing two exams in a week's time.

Sh*tting myself - will probably be retaking in May!

Which two you doing? I'm doing P2 & P8, last two at Managerial level.

[Fizzy Fish]

Which two you doing? I'm doing P2 & P8, last two at Managerial level.

my other half just finished the CIMA managerial level in Nov 06, and was then so sick of them that he took 07 off to recover!! Hitting the books again to finish it off in 08 though...

I have a lot of respect for anyone doing CIMA/similar study while studying full time/looking after family/etc - good luck all!!

[lucky strike]

I hope it's going well CG, just stick to it and you'll be fine :smt056 :smt001

As for me, I'm trying desperately hard to finish my Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, got to get one of those 'job' thingies apparently........ :confused:

[dizzyblonde]

my bloke is in his final year at uni..doing an engineering design degree......the brain of a tefal man, cause its very maths intensive.. be glad when its over cause our relationship has really been stretched over exam parts over the years. Jan-may is hell on earth. But finally finally we see light at the end .
finally have no excuse not to move in with me, after buying us a nice big house after getting the sort of job he's been studying for.

Your my wife now Dave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Beaniebike]

Sorry your obviously not from my vintage! That was a little joke. Approved Schools used to be where the naughty boys and girls got sent to.:rolleyes:

God, then if thats the case, I think I teaqch in one of those just now!!!!!:smt103:smt077

[K]

I had the shock of discovering that my Equine Nutrition lectures were not simply about grass and hay... it was chemistry for feck's sake!

I took one look at the periodic table over two decades ago, then promtly left the classroom, crossed the hall to the design tech. dept. and took an O level in wood & metal work instead! ;)

I must have picked something up somewhere in the intervening years though as it's surprised me by seeming to make sense and actually sinking in. :roll:

Overall I'm glad to say that despite being the oldest on my course by 14 years (my mental age does help to bring the average down a bit though :twisted:) I'm finding it so much fun I'm already sifting plans; seriously considering staying for the additional top-up year to bump up the value of my degree. :)

[Alpinestarhero]

I had the shock of discovering that my Equine Nutrition lectures were not simply about grass and hay... it was chemistry for feck's sake!

I took one look at the periodic table over two decades ago, then promtly left the classroom, crossed the hall to the design tech. dept. and took an O level in wood & metal work instead! ;)

I must have picked something up somewhere in the intervening years though as it's surprised me by seeming to make sense and actually sinking in. :roll:

Overall I'm glad to say that despite being the oldest on my course by 14 years (my mental age does help to bring the average down a bit though :twisted:) I'm finding it so much fun I'm already sifting plans; seriously considering staying for the additional top-up year to bump up the value of my degree. :)

K, if you need some help, then just drop a PM. Chemistry is fun!

Matt

[helen]

Gazza,

Snap - I'm booked in for P2 and P8 as well, last of the managerials, but seriously thinking about deferring until May now, the amount of material I need to get through is VAST! Oh, and IMPOSSIBLE!

Do it all by myself, apart from getting a bit of holiday back for two exam passes in May, so it's all down to me and its AWFUL!

Going to splash out on evening classes next year.

I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one in the boat, what with you and Ness's husband - it makes me feel better that people take time out of it!

[ninasilvert@mac.com]

Creative writing (was Level 2) hard work but great - a real insight about how its done! Not writing that Novel yet as Im too busy with work and study :rolleyes: :D

brilliant you are studying music and dancing - wow! (wish my old bones could manage that - I could do with getting fit :lol:)

Do you play an instrument? Im working on grade 5 flute atm, although dont plan to take the exam any time soon (just like to know roughly what grade Im capable of! :-s :D ). Open Uni do a Music Diploma which I have toyed with the idea of doing - but it has an exam 8-[ which puts me off (all the courses Im doing are assignment based)

Yes I really am a granny hehe :riding::smt023:lol:
I know, music and dancing! Lucky me. It's not Open University, I study full time at Kingston Uni, quite a way from Camden, which was the perfect excuse to get me the curvy silver sv650s that gets me to school!
It's actually music technology I'm studying, but I auditioned as a singer (www.ninasilvert.com and www.myspace.com/ninasilvert if you're interested, though not great examples of singing)
and I've been learning piano for nearly a year. I've also played bass guitar for years, but not that well! I'm studying music theory and am on grade 4.
You could do the music diploma and not bother with the exam? Does O.U. cost money?
xxx

[Gazza77]

Gazza,

Snap - I'm booked in for P2 and P8 as well, last of the managerials, but seriously thinking about deferring until May now, the amount of material I need to get through is VAST! Oh, and IMPOSSIBLE!

Do it all by myself, apart from getting a bit of holiday back for two exam passes in May, so it's all down to me and its AWFUL!

Going to splash out on evening classes next year.

I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one in the boat, what with you and Ness's husband - it makes me feel better that people take time out of it!

I daren't take time out, I forget things overnight let alone leaving a gap of months when things follow on. As for deferring till May, might as well give it a go. Worst that happens is you fail and have to do them in May anyway. It's only another weeks work! Took me 3 goes to pass P1 & P5, first time round for these now. I've been at college for these though - don't know what info you have ever been given on CIMA exam technique etc but have some stuff on powerpoint. If you want it, just drop me a pm.

[Gazza77]

Well results are in. Passed one, failed one. Better than it could have been I guess, but passing both would have been better. Back to the books now I guess for a May resit. :study:

[ArtyLady]

Well results are in. Passed one, failed one. Better than it could have been I guess, but passing both would have been better. Back to the books now I guess for a May resit. :study:

Well done for the passed one:D, comiserations for the other :(.

I got a Distinction for my Creative Writing :cool: :D

[Filipe M.]

I got a Distinction for my Creative Writing :cool: :D

Well done, congrats! :D

[Gazza77]

Well done for the passed one:D, comiserations for the other :(.

I got a Distinction for my Creative Writing :cool: :D

Well done. :rave:

[helen]

And I passed my CIMA exam I was having kittens about a couple of months ago - all that staying in over the course of the autumn and working was worth it after all! :D

Just one more to go on managerial - same as you Gazza! Well done, by the way.

[ArtyLady]

And I passed my CIMA exam I was having kittens about a couple of months ago - all that staying in over the course of the autumn and working was worth it after all! :D



Yaay! well done Helen! :cool: :D

[Gazza77]

And I passed my CIMA exam I was having kittens about a couple of months ago - all that staying in over the course of the autumn and working was worth it after all! :D

Just one more to go on managerial - same as you Gazza! Well done, by the way.

Congratulations Helen! Which did you do in the end? I passed P8 and failed P2 by 3 marks, so fingers crossed i should manage it next time.

[helen]

I did P2 - passed with 52%, very close as usual, but I don't care.

P8 in May!

[TheDangerousQuietOne]

I've had 3 exams so far this week, Maths 2A, Mining & Surveying and yesterday was Electronics & Microprocessor Engineering!! Tomorrow is Fluid Mechanics...can't wait!

Won't get the results for a few weeks but it all counts towards my final degree so really should be revising rather than on here...oops!

[Lou M]

Helen, Gazza,

I'm considering CIMA after AAT, but can't decide on that or ACCA. I'd prefer ACCA as I like finance accounts rather than management, but ACCA don't recognise AAT.

How long has it taken you two to do CIMA? I'd have to do it on my own as college doesn't do either of these, just AAT.

Lou x

[Steve_God]

Currently doing a BSc (with Honours) in Molecular Science, with the Open University.
years down, 2 to go...

[Viney]

i have been studying life for the last 36 and a bit years!

[DanAbnormal]

Yep,

VFX & 3D Animation for the next 2 years! Wooo!

[Kyytsis]

On the final approach with a Master's Degree in Economics (Management Science) in Helsinki School of Economics. I started in 2001 and started to work full-time at 2003... Has been slooooow since. In August a part of my studies will expire and I really want to avoid it --> Have to return my master's thesis in few months.

Anyone into Construction Logistics? As a planner, modeller etc?

[Steelman]

Start my MBA next week (part time, on top of work and parenting). First time at school for 20 years, since I finished my A levels.

Finally got my course material through, which had been stuck in the post for 2 weeks, and been able to log on to my student forum and start to get my head around the whole thing.

A bit scary, but quite exciting as well!

Hi CG

Hadn't seen your thread before, possibly because I'm only just back on the Org forum after finishing my MBA dissertation :D

Where are you studying for yours? Mine was a University of Liverpool course online; the last 2 and a half years have been heavy going, but hopefully worth it! I'm currently waiting for my dissertation grade - other module grades have been good but you have to pass the dissertation! Best wishes to all studying whilst working - it's tough, especially in the summer when you'd rather be out riding, drinking, anything else :rolleyes:

Oh and how's the MChem AlpineStar? My son is at Bristol on the same course and having a great time ;) Not so much Chemistry tho' :rolleyes:

Cheers

Tim

[Gazza77]

Helen, Gazza,

I'm considering CIMA after AAT, but can't decide on that or ACCA. I'd prefer ACCA as I like finance accounts rather than management, but ACCA don't recognise AAT.

How long has it taken you two to do CIMA? I'd have to do it on my own as college doesn't do either of these, just AAT.

Lou x

There are loads of different training companies all over the country that you could use, either for college based or distance learning stuff. I first took exams in Nov 05, in theory I could have been a passed finalist by now, but I keep failing every now and again. :(

CIMA does cover financial as well as management accounts, along with more general areas such as business strategy, so it's quite wide ranging. Feel free to PM me if you want any further details or advice.

[Pedro68]

Not anymore!
I'm another one who took a "gap year" that lasted significantly longer :rolleyes:
Actually got kicked off my HND course at Liverpool Poly back in 1989 (I failed one of my first year exams, and although I passed my re-sit - fortuitously because the only book I'd bought during the entire course, and which wasn't on the reading list, they just happened to take the questions from for my resit :D LOL). But shortly after that my academic inadequecies were starting to show, and so I was asked to leave the course (18 months into a 2 year course!).

Fast forward to 2000 and I find myself on a Masters degree course (online, with Liverpool Uni) and being sponsored by my then employer.

Six years later and I have a Post-Graduate Diploma in IT & Computing.

But have to say, it was very very hard going at times. During my regular course modules (which lasted 2 months each), I would be required to put in approximately 16 hours of study per week. Bear in mind I was working full-time, and my days consisted of basically, work, eat, study, sleep ... and very little else. I used to study a minimum of 4 hours per night 4 nights per week (mon - thu), and then during weekends when I didn't have my kids, I'd usually study anywhere up to an additional 16 hours (and sometimes more).

All the hard work was worth it though as I was averaging an A grade!

We also used to get 2 weeks off between modules - just as well really!
I also took some time away from the course following the death of my dad (hence why the course went on longer than anticipated).

I didn't get my MSc due to a variety of events in the end.
Firstly, I had a tutor who didn't seem to give a damn about the importance of timely responses, and so I was forced to change tutors ... which also meant I was forced to change my dissertation topic.
I decided to use something (a project) from my employer for my dissertation, but the company was in dire straits and was looking to make sweeping cut-backs ... I was made redundant and as such no longer had access to the data and people necessary to continue with my dissertation.
I looked at trying to change dissertation subjects again, but time was running out for me ... the course has to be completed within 6 years, and at this stage I had 3 months left. That wasn't enough time I was told in which to complete a disseration FULL TIME, never mind PART TIME, and so I had to "give it up" and settle for the post-grad diploma.

I've no regrets about doing it though because it gave me a great deal of satisfaction knowing that I could study at such a level AND attain the grades I did, and had it not been for certain unfortunate circumstances, I'm fairly certain I'd have had a very good chance of gaining my masters "with distinction".

Would I go back and study now? Probably not. There is only so much that academic qualifications can give you in my line of work, where experience is far far more useful, and is probably a far better indicator of a persons ability with respect to whether they can do the job or not.

[missyburd]

Currently halfway through my second year of Zoology, not going too badly. looking forward to seeing the other side if I get that far :rolleyes:

[mrs mousetrapper]

I'm on my 3rd year of an open uni degree and it's really hard work!
So far I've done Humanaties, Intro to literature and currenty exploring English language, like Artlady I am doing an open degree but haven't been that successful at picking courses without exams!

[dizzyblonde]

I will be glad when Im Indoors finishes his final year this year....lets just say our relationship has been at the bottom of a very large pile of end of year project stuff. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[Pedro68]

I was rather lucky where exams were concerned ... we didn't have any ... it's just not practical for that sort of online (distance learning) course, so we were continually assessed.

We were assessed by our tutors for input/output on a weekly basis. IIRC we got graded on our posts into the "electronic classroom", based on our initial posting on a subject, and we were also graded on our responses to our peers. We were also graded on homework assignments (of which there was 1 a week), and in some modules we also had a project which ran the entire length of the module, and we were also regularly graded on the progress made and the final result.

All of these marks/grades were then put thru some formula (which was publicly available) to give us an overall grade for that module. I much preferred doing that, because I don't like exams, and it prevents people from sitting on their ar$es for most of the module, turning up for an exam and just winging it, but still passing.

[Pedro68]

I will be glad when Im Indoors finishes his final year this year....lets just say our relationship has been at the bottom of a very large pile of end of year project stuff. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
If the end result is that it gives you BOTH a better, and possibly more comfortable existence, then worth it perhaps ;-)

[Lou M]

There are loads of different training companies all over the country that you could use, either for college based or distance learning stuff. I first took exams in Nov 05, in theory I could have been a passed finalist by now, but I keep failing every now and again. :(

CIMA does cover financial as well as management accounts, along with more general areas such as business strategy, so it's quite wide ranging. Feel free to PM me if you want any further details or advice.

Cheers Gazza, I'd always got the impression it was only management. I think I'll have a surf, and check out the CIMA web.

Lou

[Gazza77]

Cheers Gazza, I'd always got the impression it was only management. I think I'll have a surf, and check out the CIMA web.

Lou

Have a look here too, these are who I use: http://www.bpp.com/cima/

It isn't cheap though!!!

[ArtyLady]

I'm on my 3rd year of an open uni degree and it's really hard work!
So far I've done Humanaties, Intro to literature and currenty exploring English language, like Artlady I am doing an open degree but haven't been that successful at picking courses without exams!

Lucky you - having finished the Humanties! Im halfway through it now and cant wait for it to end so I can go onto my level 3 Creative writing :cool: :D

I was going to head down the literature route too but when I saw all the reading that had to be done I revised my plan which now includes Technology of Music, Words and Music, and Art of English with no exams only End of Course Assessments.

What are your planned courses Mrs Mousetrapper?

and welcome to the forum btw :D

[mrs mousetrapper]

Yeah the literature was quite hard going and I have to say that I constantly had my head in books for the entire time!
Not really sure what my next course will be as I have been taking it one step at a time, although I have to say that I'm really enjoying the language course and quite often find myself listening to other peoples coversations as a result - for purley linguistic reasons of course ;-)

Thanks for the welcome by the way - have been reading the forum ever since my first AR last year (as the pillion of mousetrapper) and finaly got around to joining after seeing the threads for the AR08!!

[easter]

good luck with your study, im not brave enough to start studying again, was bad enough first time round lol. some of my friends have done very well, gone back to studying and changed job good luck to all who do i think its great!

[Steelman]

Not anymore!

Fast forward to 2000 and I find myself on a Masters degree course (online, with Liverpool Uni) and being sponsored by my then employer.

Six years later and I have a Post-Graduate Diploma in IT & Computing.

But have to say, it was very very hard going at times. During my regular course modules (which lasted 2 months each), I would be required to put in approximately 16 hours of study per week. Bear in mind I was working full-time, and my days consisted of basically, work, eat, study, sleep ... and very little else. I used to study a minimum of 4 hours per night 4 nights per week (mon - thu), and then during weekends when I didn't have my kids, I'd usually study anywhere up to an additional 16 hours (and sometimes more).


Hi Pedro

I have just finished the UoL online saga for my MBA (not sure if you saw my earlier posting). You're right, it was really heavy going during the 2 month modules; often found that I had to work until 2 in the morning to finish an assignment and then get up at 7 to get ready for work :rolleyes:

Sooo glad that I have finished it now, but nervously waiting for my final dissertation grade :smt102

[K]

Hee hee - just got my first three assignments back - I got two B's and...


... an A! 8)

Go me!

I'm a little stunned to say the least.

I got two B's.


2 x B!

I got an A.

A frikkin A.

Wow.

A. Me. Got. One.




Sweet.










I think I'm still in shock. :oops:

[ArtyLady]

Hee hee - just got my first three assignments back - I got two B's and...


... an A! 8)

Go me!

I'm a little stunned to say the least.

I got two B's.


2 x B!

I got an A.

A frikkin A.

Wow.

A. Me. Got. One.




Sweet.










I think I'm still in shock. :oops:

Well done that girl!! :cool: :D

[Pedro68]

I have just finished the UoL online saga for my MBA (not sure if you saw my earlier posting). You're right, it was really heavy going during the 2 month modules; often found that I had to work until 2 in the morning to finish an assignment and then get up at 7 to get ready for work :rolleyes:

Sooo glad that I have finished it now, but nervously waiting for my final dissertation grade :smt102
Steelman, I think I may have missed that post ... yeah it was hard going. On one project (a web development project) there was supposed to be 3 or 4 members in each "project team". Ours had 3. Then one guy (an NHS dentist so you now know why there's a shortage LOL), went off on a business trip 2 weeks into the module and was unable to complete the remainder of the module, or ANY of the project. That left just me and a guy who had NEVER done any programming or web development in his life ... I thought we'd done exceptionally well by any standard with only the two of us - often being up until 3 - 4am trying to get a piece of JavaScript just to work - so we were gutted when we only got a B for the project.

Good luck for the final dissertaton grade ;-)

Hee hee - just got my first three assignments back - I got two B's and...


... an A! 8)


Woooooooo Go K!
Well done :smt041

I surprised myself with some of my grades too :) it's a great feeling isn't it :D

[CoolGirl]

Hee hee - just got my first three assignments back - I got two B's and...


... an A! 8)



nice one!

I'll have some of whatever you've been taking - my next assignment's due midnight tonight....

[Steelman]

nice one!

I'll have some of whatever you've been taking - my next assignment's due midnight tonight....

Good luck! What module are you on at the moment? (Did you see my early posting to you asking where you are taking your course :confused:)

[Steelman]

Steelman, I think I may have missed that post ... yeah it was hard going. On one project (a web development project) there was supposed to be 3 or 4 members in each "project team". Ours had 3. Then one guy (an NHS dentist so you now know why there's a shortage LOL), went off on a business trip 2 weeks into the module and was unable to complete the remainder of the module, or ANY of the project. That left just me and a guy who had NEVER done any programming or web development in his life ... I thought we'd done exceptionally well by any standard with only the two of us - often being up until 3 - 4am trying to get a piece of JavaScript just to work - so we were gutted when we only got a B for the project.

Good luck for the final dissertaton grade ;-)



Thanks Pedro!

I was lucky in the group work on modules in having some really good and committed people (almost certainly better than me ;-))

I can imagine how it must have been trying to get the group reports written up with 2 people light :smt094

I had to go over my time limit on submitting the dissertation, so I know that I will be capped at a 'C' for it, but will be really p***ed off if I don't make that as my module grades were all A's and B's - but not enough A's to aim for a distinction, so a C in the dissertation will do :rolleyes:

Cheers

Tim

[Pedro68]

Thanks Pedro!

I was lucky in the group work on modules in having some really good and committed people (almost certainly better than me ;-))
Oh yeah, had one of those too ... Databases module, and struggling with some SQL - got some help off one guy in class who was working as a SQL DBA ;-) ... what do I go and do? I end up doing Business Intelligence (where a good deal of my time is spent on databases and writing SQL to test the reports I write!)

I had to go over my time limit on submitting the dissertation, so I know that I will be capped at a 'C' for it, but will be really p***ed off if I don't make that as my module grades were all A's and B's - but not enough A's to aim for a distinction, so a C in the dissertation will do :rolleyes:

Tim, I wouldn't worry too much ... just as long as you get the MBA ... I very rarely get asked what grades I got during my PGD. As long as you have the qualification that's all most employers seem interested in ;-)

[Steelman]

Tim, I wouldn't worry too much ... just as long as you get the MBA ... I very rarely get asked what grades I got during my PGD. As long as you have the qualification that's all most employers seem interested in ;-)

Well, it would be great if I do, more to thank my long suffering wife who had to put up with me working all night and weekends and my son who was always being booted off the high spec (gamer wise) PC ;)

Don't think it will make much difference job wise as I'm at a point in my career structure where I cannot progress any further, and would probably be considered past it to be considered for a new career ;) It was more for my 'life experience' benefit and the satisfaction of completing an MBA course that I dropped out of years ago in London :rolleyes:

[Kyytsis]

Not any more!

Just got my diploma for M.Sc. of Economics and Business Administration! Now I can concentrate on track days with my Thunderace. Actually, I'm a bit sorry not to have the SV anymore, that would have been a very good bike for the track days... The ace is a bit fast on the straights.

[Lou M]

I've just finished! Took my final AAT exams last week, yipee!! Three years of two evenings a week at college has nearly killed me!
So we're off to Pembrokeshire on the bikes tomorrow to celebrate, looks like a dirty weekend away!!:cool: