Case studies : Open University student: Linda Cosgriff

Linda Cosgriff did a BA (Hons) Literature with the Open University (OU); she has been a housewife for nineteen years.

Returning to education was a lifelong ambition as it allowed me to get some qualifications to hopefully get a decent job. My husband has a long-term illness and is unable to work, and so I need to become the provider, making my return to education even more important.

Daily purpose

As a housewife my daily purpose had been to care for my children, but once they were at school I needed something beyond this. Studying kick-started my brain and got me writing again; and I made lots of friends. I had a ball and am keen to carry on studying so I am thinking about doing an MA in creative writing. There is financial help available for a first degree if you are on a low income, for example the OU funded my degree and gave me £250 a year towards book/transport costs.

There was only one con of my degree and that was the exams. Despite distinctions in the majority of assignments throughout my time studying and solid revision I couldn’t seem to perform well in the exams. I was disappointed in the end to receive a 2.1.

Recession hit

Since graduating I have applied unsuccessfully for jobs and had only two interviews in 16 months. I had the bad luck to graduate as the recession hit its height, leaving me up against people recently made redundant and with up-to-date skills. To help combat this I have taken three creative writing classes (to keep me sane) and some computer courses for the skills.  I have been volunteering for the past ten years, and I am convinced that helped me get the two interviews.
 
As for jobs, now that I have graduated my biggest problem is a lack of confidence; fear: I look at jobs that I know I could do, but don't apply because...I don't know why; I find a reason not to.  I think I have convinced myself that no-one will want me after almost twenty years out of the workplace.

Another hurdle I and many other mature students face is that we have set down roots with our families, meaning that we have to stay where we live to both study and work. This limits the number of jobs I can apply for as they have to be within a certain distance. In my case, for example, although my husband doesn't have a job that would keep us here, my son attends a grammar school on a full bursary and we are not prepared to move because it would be too disruptive for him.

Be prepared

I would highly recommend the Open University route if you have a family or a job and can’t take on a full-time degree, as it allows you to be more flexible in your learning. I would advise other mature students to do some GCSEs or A-levels before starting any degree, or take the OU’s short ten-point courses to ease you in. Accept all offers of child care help as a degree is difficult – but not impossible - to do without a supportive family: mine were wonderful, and consider my degree as partly theirs.

Buy a slow cooker for the week before an exam or an assignment is due. Be a little (but only a little!) selfish and do it just because you want to; you won't regret it.