I have been doing some OU courses for the last couple of years, not with any intention of changing career or anything (I am 55 and realistic) but just to keep the grey matter active as I work from home for the day job, which is intellectually undemanding. My course this year cost over £1000 because it included a residential week on top of the £700ish it usually costs for a 60 point course. I thought long and hard over that before deciding to continue. I don't qualify for any subsidy/loan and don't expect any assistance for what is after all something I am doing purely out of interest.

The new rate of £5000 per annum is based pro rata on 120 points so my current course would now cost close to £3000 assuming the residential element still adds a premium. Fortunately I will be protected by the transitional arrangements if I keep studying. There is however no way I could justify paying the new rates and I think it will completely change the nature of the OU.

I have seen comments of the OU being 'good value' when compared to full time university study at £9000 a year. I don't really think that is a valid comparison and £2500 for a couple of text books, marking half a dozen assignments and a running a few (optional) tutorials frankly doesn't really look good value to me.

I know that things are tough and difficult decisions had to be made. However I do wonder what effect the rates will have on new students starting OU courses.