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You Said, We Did

How your voice has made a difference

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This page provides an opportunity to see the valuable feedback received from students across a wide range of communication channels, and to see what the OU has done in response.


Please note this video is now a couple of years old so some people no longer have the same title. The current Students Association leadership can be seen on their website.


Choose a topic from the drop-down list below to see how students can have an impact on their university experience and be empowered to help shape the University. Next time you are asked to give your opinion, you know that the OU is taking this feedback seriously and will respond.


You said...

MSc Advanced networking – update knowledge and skills in fast changing environment.

We did...

The currency of the Advanced Networking curriculum is currently being addressed by replacing a number of 30 credit modules with a new 60 credit module (T829 Advanced Networking (CCNP Enterprise) launching in November 2021).

Computing and Communications

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You said...

Lack of tutorials on Postgraduate modules

We did...

Briefings are being trialled which are two-part briefings (Part 1 is a brief outline of the programme and an introduction to PG study, Part 2 is module specific). EMA/Exam briefings are also being trialled. The future of these briefings will depend on the evaluation of these briefings which will evaluate the success rate and attendance levels of the briefings before rolling out further

Computing and Communications

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You said...

”We would like to better understand what modules are about before signing up to them” (from 19/20 QME - Student Consultative Forum on support before and between modules; also feedback from Student Support Team).

We did...

We have continued adding “Are you ready for?” quizzes to more and more of our modules on the Module Chooser site, as well as creating content on the Subject Sites under the heading “Discover your module”. These now provide a comprehensive set of taster materials and background information about our modules and informing students in their qualification progression. A student postcard has also been developed for Design students to help plan qualification study.

Engineering and Innovation

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You said...

For more than half of students, their overall study aims were career-related

We did...

Our EEES Employability Lead is working with the Careers and Employability Service to connect students with employers and resources. Employability is now embedded in the design process for new modules.

Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences

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You said...

Accreditation for degrees was valuable, enhancing both employability and credibility.

We did...

In November 2020 we gained CIWEM accreditation for 6 of our Environment qualifications; we have also applied for IES accreditation for 4 of these same degrees.

Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences

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You said...

Learning outcomes are most useful when they are related clearly to specific assessment questions or tasks.

We did...

We held 2 discussion meetings on marking practices in EEES in 2021, including tutor and student views. We have rewritten the degree learning outcomes for Q52 Environmental Science so that they are more concise. We have also written degree learning outcomes in the same style for M05 Master of Environmental Science and R53 Geology.

Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences

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You said...

You wanted to have more opportunities to feedback on aspects of your modules

We did...

For our new modules, we are introducing more real-time surveys to the module websites, to capture your opinions and feedback at various stages or on specific activities.

Life, Health and Chemical Sciences

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You said...

You often feel isolated in your studies

We did...

Most of our modules now have student buddies, who have successfully completed the module and can offer support from the perspective of someone who has been through what you are going through.

Life, Health and Chemical Sciences

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You said...

you’d like more advice on careers choices and taking your next steps

We did...

Our new modules (e.g. S290) include ‘Employability insights’ and other resources, including ‘top tips’, prepared with the help of representatives from lots of different careers

Life, Health and Chemical Sciences

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You said...

That the transition to the OU from a brick University was difficult as there were so many things to get used to about the OU.

We did...

Working with experienced OU students, we have developed new advice available on the Science Study site to help students who are new to distance learning and the OU.

Life, Health and Chemical Sciences

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