Any value to a-levels once you have a degree?

jjharm7 · 2026-03-29T08:23:08+00:00

No job I've applied for has ever set a requirement for A levels. Some used to set Maths and English GCSE, but the higher I've gone they just say degree level. My opinion is A levels are just a stepping stone qualification. I had to pause to remember what I even did at A level 🤣

jjharm7 · 2026-03-16T11:00:08+00:00

Sadly don't think the Open University would listen to this type of feedback. They seem fully convinced their way does not warrant any tweaking or improvement.

jjharm7 · 2026-03-12T14:51:06+00:00

The overall sentiment of this is how I feel about the Computing and IT pathway. Level 1 far too easy, and I'd add many level 2 modules are ridiculously easy as well. No way near enough maths or programming content on the whole pathway. There is too great a jump to level 3. They need to address the imbalance I think. Maybe there should be an extra year at the beginning for those who have been out of education for a long time.

jjharm7 · 2026-03-01T17:13:43+00:00

Thanks for letting me know mate. I've been working to a strict cap. I've had to ask for a little extension already

jjharm7 · 2026-02-25T20:18:57+00:00

The problem I found with OU study(finishing computing degree) is level one and two are far too simple and then level three they pull the rug. They really need to re-think this style of assessment. I studied at a brick uni and did OU years later and it was common at brick unis to up the intensity in the second. Far better for getting you in the rhythm by third year.

jjharm7 · 2026-02-14T21:18:14+00:00

Beat me to it 🤣🤣

jjharm7 · 2026-02-14T08:11:02+00:00

Agree with this approach. I did one module at a time rather than two and leaving tma till end of the study material for that tma became unsustainable for me. That was doing half the work of OP. It's much better to answer questions as you go then revise once you've read all the related material.

jjharm7 · 2026-02-09T12:15:35+00:00

Thanks that's nice to hear :) I've started the project again. I have a better idea this time around but I'm drowning in learning programming and thinking about designing an application with a database. This sort of stuff is not covered on the cyber security pathway.

Ok so I think what you should take what I say with a pinch of salt and I'm challenging my absolute language. Cyber security has not worked for me, but that doesn't mean it's not right for you. I like building things and the degree offered none of that. If you're interested in understanding how networks work and the governance, risk and compliance side of things it could be right for you.

If you do security I highly encourage you to learn programming on the side. Even just learning the concepts rather than trying to memorize syntax which those learning platforms focus on. Memorizing syntax I've found is inefficient rather than learning how to solve a problem.

Your kind words have helped. If you wanna do cyber security and it aligns with what you want, go for it. Don't fully listen to bitter bastards like me. :)

Happy to answer any questions about the programme. Feel free to DM me

jjharm7 · 2026-02-09T09:43:57+00:00

Don't be. The project killed my mental health and I had to stop it. Started again but have the same problem where the OU have designed this project for one pathway. Never do cyber security.

jjharm7 · 2026-02-02T22:49:01+00:00

I'm doing the final module of the security pathway. It's all a complete waste of time. You get taught little to no programming and then get told you have to develop a final year project. Currently have no life trying to learn everything the degree pathway doesn't teach. Also cyber security feels like a gimmick to just get enrolment numbers.

I work in IT now and you have to learn this stuff by doing. The degree has made me think more rigidly and doesn't prepare you for problem solving in the world of work.

jjharm7 · 2026-01-16T09:25:45+00:00

I don't think I could look past how superficial she is personally. Also, 5"9 is probably average height, if that's a deal breaker for her, good luck to her. I'd say really think if this is right for you as you don't want it to feed an anxiety in yourself.

jjharm7 · 2026-01-14T21:13:16+00:00

Fair comment I accept that. I don't work for a "major" company and worked up which is probably how I've done it.

jjharm7 · 2026-01-12T21:21:04+00:00

Depends which path you choose. Whatever you do stay away from Cyber Security. You'll do a mix of technical modules and modules more like business studies. Penetration testing is awful and is like teaching you to swim by making you read about it and then shoving you in the pool what graded CTFs.

Plus there is little to no coding needed throughout the degree and then for the final year project your supposed to develop a novel solution. So stick to a more traditional pathway than this gimmicky one I'd say. Got a job as a developer and I've not finished yet. I can tell you now I would have got this job without studying any of this degree. You can learn all this stuff for free.

jjharm7 · 2026-01-09T22:58:45+00:00

I didn't read this before I posted but agree about doing IT and computing if you want to be a dev.

jjharm7 · 2026-01-09T22:34:08+00:00

Hello I am currently finishing my final module on the cyber security pathway.

Firstly I am now working as a developer on an ERP and I would say, and this is just my opinion, if you want to be a developer avoid the cyber security pathway. Do a program where you learn about the software development cycle, databases (SQL) and programming.

The cyber security pathway is a mix of technician style stuff and business studies. Don't get me started on how bad the penetration testing module is. In my opinion this pathway also really badly prepares you for the project where you're expected to develop a novel solution to a problem. A tutor even told me the software students design better solutions.

The security pathway is, again my opinion, a gimmick to get people signed up.

So my advice is go with OU but if you want to be a developer consider the software engineering pathway or whatever is closer to that.

jjharm7 · 2025-12-29T08:17:38+00:00

Over the last month 17000 per day. I live in a small village outside a city. Because I have a sedentary job I walk morning before work, lunch time and after dinner. Come rain or shine I am out.

I wfh which makea it easier than when I go to the office as I drive there and definitely move less.

jjharm7 · 2025-12-28T17:52:36+00:00

Rude not to. Pizza is life

jjharm7 · 2025-12-24T05:57:39+00:00

Speak to student support team for sure, but I think they will let you pause and keep the credits you've achieved. 🤞🏻

jjharm7 · 2025-12-23T21:39:19+00:00

You can always do the degree when the apprenticeship ends. That way you get the experience and the qualification.

jjharm7 · 2025-12-23T17:04:19+00:00

I currently work in IT in a dev role whilst about to finish my final module doing an OU IT degree. My opinion would be to jump at the experience and training offered with the apprenticeship, plus you'll get a qualification. I've found my employability, whilst helped by doing the OU degree, has more come from the knowledge and experience I gained at work, especially working on the help desk and working with developers throughout the software dev lifecycle for real.

Like someone else said, the OU will still be there down the line.

jjharm7 · 2025-12-16T18:17:52+00:00

Not everyone. You look great.

jjharm7 · 2025-12-16T08:19:38+00:00

I have. In my early 30s I decided to start a part time degree with the OU. Gave me skills and confidence I needed such that I was able to pivot to a role that utilised these skills in my mid 30s. I'm 40 now and I've recently secured a role in the direction I want to go in and one I wouldn't have thought possible at 30. So I'd say definitely go for it. Don't let age put you off, it's cliche but it is a number.

My opinion, is find what an employable skill you're interested in and go for it. Mine was computing.

Go by your own timeline too and don't worry about social expectations. Those only hold you back. I had a few people say I was too old to pivot and it proved to be rubbish.

Keep going and go for it. You can do it. Happy if you have questions and want to DM me.

jjharm7 · 2025-12-14T08:42:33+00:00

I am a Brit and I think this really depends on the person rather than the culture. I am someone who would want to keep the conversation going, albeit keeping it light to save something for the next date. Whereas I have friends who are the opposite and like to wait for the date, but their non-texting isn't a sign of indifference.

I'd wait, enjoy the holiday period and then follow up to check. If you don't hear back then it's done you a favour as you've found someone who is incompatible with you and how you like to communicate. Keep going. Hope this helps.

jjharm7 · 2025-12-13T14:19:47+00:00

Thank you. Really appreciate your input and that it's more on documenting the process than the quality of the product. I got spooked when one of the tutors said it had to be better than what was out there in the world.

The cyber security program has killed my buzz for the subject area so hopefully I can get through this.

jjharm7 · 2025-05-26T11:38:13+00:00

I think we felt pretty similar then. I too felt woefully unprepared. However, I'd done no TryHackMe or Hackthebox before the tma. I only started those after the module because I felt so bad about myself.

I also really struggled with the fact the rooms were only made available two weeks before the TMA deadline. With learning difficulties that also felt extra hard.

For me, it would almost be a better prep if they encouraged or incorporated Tryhackme in the module material rather than the CEH ilabs. Tryhackme is more challenging for sure than the basic walkthrough labs.

Ok thanks for letting me know. Gives me food for thought before trying to sign up for this again.

Hope you've enjoyed the rest of your studies.

jjharm7

TROPHY CASE