The Open University
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Decline and fall of a once great institution
I had a ten year gap between studying at the OU and the difference is striking. Ten years ago the tutors were excellent and engaged, marked work correctly and on time and really gave a more engaged and flexible experience than the brick university experiences I had had. I have come back and am in my second (and last) course - two different subjects but both have the same problems. I can't believe the number of incorrect markings I've been given that I have had to question, only to find my original answers in the assignment were correct and they have miscorrected me. It has been confusing, concerning and disappointing. Most tutors don't know what course you're on, assignments are returned way past the 10 day turnaround with no empathy or apology given and its very clear that it now feels like students are part of a side hustle that tutors have. Either that or they're all incredibly overworked. The quality of marking and engagement has dramatically decreased. Tutors also no longer respond to messages - often at all. One of the faculties never responded to an issue I had that they needed to address and the tutor had to respond instead (which they are not supposed to do). With the 10 year gap it has been like studying at two different universities. I used to love and support the OU and had planned to do my post graduate studies there. After my experiences currently and in the last module and the large number of comments and reviews on forums and online generally with people having the same experience, I have decided to do my post graduate and all future study at brick universities and will no longer be recommending it to others. Prices are almost in line with brick universities also, which makes it worse. The decline of a wonderful institution I'm afraid. I can only speak for the two faculties/subjects I'm involved with of course but I am seeing the same problems again and again in discussions online, that line up with my own experiences. Note: I am not providing my details to the OU's request for further information as I am still finishing off my final module and will not be studying here in future.