OU with Unite and Rolls Royce

Content The Open University The Open University in Scotland The OU and Unite the Union The qualifications The time frame and time commitment The funding The method of study and support

The Open University For over forty years The OU has been developing and delivering courses through blended learning to large numbers of students across the world The OU is the largest academic institution in the UK with over 200,000 students (and one of the world’s largest universities) The OU is a provider of higher education and professional development, with around 600 courses Over 71% of Open University students are working full or part-time during their studies (average age is 32) The triple accredited Open University Business School’s MBA course has been ranked amongst the best in the world in the Financial Times (FT) Online MBA Rankings Since 2005 The OU has consistently been voted by our students into the top five universities in the UK for student satisfaction, topping the chart on three occasions.

The Open University The OU in Scotland has over 15,000 students Four in every ten part-time undergraduates in Scotland study with the OU More than one in five live in rural areas (highest student density in Shetland) For every £1 of public funding received, the OU generates £5 for the Scottish economy – through our work in workforce development, social mobility and serving rural communities The OU has had the highest overall satisfaction ratings in Scotland since the National Student Survey began in 2005 The Scottish Government's Skills Strategy Update has found that "The Open University in Scotland (OU) is very much in the skills business. It is working to achieve the objectives of Skills for Scotland by providing part time, flexible learning opportunities for people wherever they live in Scotland. This is equipping OU students with the higher levels skills both they and the economy need”

The OU and Unite the Union STUC and OU MoU – 2007 The OU, Unite the Union and Rolls-Royce – Scottish Funding Council Skills Utilisation engineering project (pilot cohort started October 2009) Awareness raising and appetite testing activity – Unite the Union learning surveys, open days, information sessions, 1-1 advisor sessions, personal study and career pathways Enhanced support model – Induction session, 1-1 and peer group sessions, Line Manager pack and sessions, Employer Mentor/Workplace Contact, online/ support and tutorials, or on- site where possible, evaluation of impact of learning.

Qualifications Currently at East Kilbride we have students working towards: BEng BA Management BA Open Currently at Inchinnan we have students working towards the BEng

A pathway to BA (Hons) Leadership & Management Managing across organisational and cultural boundaries B325 SCQF Level 10 (30 points) Marketing and society B324 SCQF Level 10 (30 points) Make your experience count U122 SCQF Level 7 (30 points) Working and learning BU130 SCQF Level 7 (30 points) An introduction to business studies B120 SCQF level 7 (30 points) Management practice B123 SCQF Level 7 (30 points) Managing 1: organisations and people B628 SCQF Level 10 (30 points) Business organisations and their environments B201 SCQF Level 8 (60 points) Making it happen! Leadership, influence and change B204 SCQF Level 8 (60 points) Managing 2: marketing and finance B629 SCQF Level 10 (30 points) DipHE in Leadership & Management

Time Frame The OU Degrees are based on the English model of 3 years of full time study We expect students studying part time to normally take 6 years This assumes they will study at around half time of full time study An OU degree requires students to complete 360 credit points. 120 at each level of Level 1, 2 and 3 So normally a student takes 60 points a year Modules are 30 point or 60 point So up to 18 hours a week in their own time. Students may take longer depending on their personal circumstances and may take the occasional year out.

Funding A 60 point module is currently priced at £740 (or more) in Scotland. Business modules and those with residential schools are more expensive. Of that roughly the student pays £140 The company pays roughly £300 Unite sources funds to cover an equivalent amount to the company Pro rata for smaller modules

OU Study Module Tutor supports a small group, provides tuition and provides teaching through assignment feedback Student + Online Study Guide and Virtual Learning Environment Student + Online Study Guide and Virtual Learning Environment Online forums for peer support Tutorials, locally and online Tutorials, locally and online Residential component in two modules Assessment and feedback: TMAs Computer assessed assignments for self checking progress Module materials Online or Paper based In Company support Examination or end of module assessment

Learning & Development Team The Open University in Scotland 10 Drumsheugh Gardens Edinburgh EH3 7QJ