I really want to study at home for my own self esteem but no idea where to start

[MissStrawberry]

I know I could ask Google but in my experience Mumsnetters are much more useful and knowledgeable!!

I am not envisaging then using the qualification as I suspect I am too old but I would still like to see if I can achieve what I should have done when younger if my childhood wasn't a complete fuck up.

[Mooster1709]

Have you thought about the Open University? I work in a university and did some teaching for them for a while when I was a phd student. Great courses, well respected, high quality stuff. Not cheap I suspect but if you want to pursue a degree then the OU is probably the way to go.

[joanofarchitrave]

i would go for degree level too. Start having a browse through the courses - what catches your eye? Courses on the History of Medicine always make me salivate... perhaps in a decade or so. The wonderful thing about doing it purely for your own development and satisfaction is that you can do what you really want to do. My mother did some geology modules late in life as she'd always wanted to.

[EBearhug]

I would probably start with MOOCs - free online university courses. It may give you an idea of what's available. I think the OU also has some taster courses for free.
www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/comment/opinion/moocs-from-mania-to-mundanity/2007773.article


Once you have had a bit of a look around, and you have a clearer idea of what you want from studying, then you can apply for a paid course.

Alternatively, you could try evening classes and then you meet real people, too.

What are your interests? What would you like to know more about? That's where to look when you are thinking about which subject. Studying something you're not actually keen on is a very hard slog indeed, and unless you have to do it for work, is really not recommended.

[EBearhug]

Try this link www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/comment/opinion/moocs-from-mania-to-mundanity/2007773.article

[Venushasrisen]

A friend did a 'am I up to studying at degree level' summer course at the local college.

Needless to say she got an A and now doesn't need to prove her herself by doing a degree! So is taking up hobbies she enjoys. But may study in the future, prob OU.

[MissStrawberry]

If I was really honest I would love to be a social worker but I can't see it happening. DH said I would be arguing against lots of current protocols.

I really need to think as tbh I can't think of anything else at the moment that I would want to study.

[filee777]

What about sociology? Psychology or history? All big parts of a social work degree. Or law? Probation officer?

[EBearhug]

Think about why you want to be a social worker, and then think about which other subjects might also match those wishes. (I'm just agreeing with filee, really.)

[bellablot]

Need more info. What is your highest qualification? You can't study a degree having not even done any GCSE's. you have to start with evening access courses and extra maths then foundation degree level. It takes years to start from the bottom but achievable non the less.

[hedwig2001]

Coursera. Lots of interesting courses for free.

[MissStrawberry]

I have GCSE's. Started A levels. Not looking to make a career so would wonder if I would have to do A levels first given that I am studying for fun really.

Would like to do psychology but tbh would think I already have a head start on that. Once the kids are back at school I need to do some research.

I am not looking to be a social worker. Just to study.

[filee777]

Well as a mature student you should be fine getting on a social work course with some experience and gcses, however it is very geared towards being a profession rather than a 'study only' degree I suppose.

Lots of psychology though!

[bellablot]

My DSis is currently doing Social Work having had no GCSE's to start. She did pre-access course then access course (at night college, couple of nights a week) then started foundation degree as well as extra maths qualifications she needed to pass (forgot the exact name , sorry!). Then you do your normal degree after passing foundation. I think the whole thing takes 5 years. Forgot to mention also, throughout all of this she had to work at least 16 hours per week in a caring role (child care, old people etc) to gain more points towards her qualifications. A lot if hard work but if your prepared for it, focused and determined.

[bellablot]

Forgot to say she got rejected the first time she applied as this sort of route into social work is high demand apparently. She got through the second year on the pre-access. It certainly wasn't easy for her but if you already have GCSE's you should be-able to skip the first step or 2

[MissStrawberry]

Oh I just don't know what to think at the moment. I am doubting myself which is annoying as I know I am bright but I keep thinking how will I manage with all the kids to look after.

[bellablot]

Have you thought about a practical sort of course, like interior design, something you can use straight away and maybe make a business out of. What is your previous work experience, this can make the difference when applying for certain courses?

[MissStrawberry]

That is the point. I am not looking to work after, just use my brain. It doesn't have to lead to anywhere. It is just for me.

[LittleRobots]

I did a psych degree with the ou and found it fascinating. There's courses at pre degree level or you could start with a level one or two course. Very varied from stats and biology to social psychology. I met some interesting people and had a good summer school as well as keeping the brain active. Would definitely recommend it.

[bellablot]

Then you could pretty much Fo anything, I wouldn't limits self to social work, also this is a very real profession and people doing these sorts of courses are looking at jobs in the end. Psychology would be very interesting, drag one for me if I just wanted it for my own satisfaction. Have a browse on the OU website or your local college.

[MissStrawberry]

I haven't thought about anything much and then suddenly it came to me.

Law. That is what I would like to look in too.

I remember now something I said as a child and I was allowed to believe I wasn't clever enough by a relative who was thick and hated that I wasn't and I had blocked it out and convinced myself it wasn't for me.

Dh behind me and happy to fund it. Will look into it.

Eek.

[BillyBanter]

Maybe start with something like www.coursera.org/

[BillyBanter]

www.coursera.org/

[filee777]

I looked into law, but it was a bit impersonal for me.

[jjbingo]

Don't doubt yourself. As others have pointed out - you can do it, you just need to set reasonable goals.

I would start off writing a list of your qualities and a separate list of things you like doing. Be honest!

Then you can start to shape out possible jobs. For example, if you hate dealing with confrontation, social work may not be for you. If you are a good listener and are observant, a teaching assistant role may suit you.

There are some charities that will pay for courses (nothing to do with your finance) here -

grants-search.turn2us.org.uk

Whilst I wouldn't rush a decision, I would set a target for two weeks time to have at least 3 possible courses. Spend another week or so deciding on the best course and go for it. Doesn't matter if it doesn't work out - imagine what other doors open once you get started?

Good luck!

JJ