Has anyone ever done an Open University course?

Its great IF you are organised, self motivated etc and have plenty of spare time(ie perfect for ILXors). Depends on the type of study but I found it a pain in the arse trying to work and study- however I am lazy fuck. Check out the support providied in terms of ease of contact with the lecturer and student services. I did masters papers this way, and generally the numbers are smaller, so the support and contact is better. Good Luck.

yes self-motivation is the key here. i did a course that required much study at home between lectures and found the best way to remain 'on the case' was to get involved in a study group, which consisted of people who lived nearby-ish. that way we had set days we would meet and discuss things pertaining to the work and share ideas, help each other out and keep one another on track really.
most open learning type courses can help you with a list of people nearby who are interested in starting a study group.
good luck from me too. :-)

The OU is great! The materials are marvellous and the tutors are excellent! You can't do better!

(Ok, they employ me).

What Kiwi says is right to an extent, although you'll be lucky to find any other programme of study so well designed to fit around work or other commitments. A lot depends on individual tutors, who are your main source of feedback and support. If you do it, make your mind up to make sensible use of your tutor and tutorials if available. People who drift away often make themselves marginal by not doing so.

(NB I teach in social sciences so this stuff may be a bit subject specific). If you're returning to study at a fairly basic level, or are underconfident, the study support and self-contained design of the courses are I think extremely good. On the other hand, if you're looking at higher level courses or are already acadmically competent and confident, you might find the course material (often a small number of set books or a customised Reader plus Study Guide) a little claustrophobic and limited; you either have to suck it up or be prepared to read around *as well as* following the course. Find out a bout materials before you start (most Regional Centres have a library with this stuff available for borrowing).

If it's a degree you're looking for, be aware that it's a long haul (6 years part time for most people); self-discipline and a measured approach are vital. If future career is a primary consideration, choose your courses carefully; a named (honours) degree gives you more currency than the heterogeneously mixed ones that are unique to the OU.

Good luck!

I'd just like to thank everyone who posted replies. They've all been very helpful, and encouraging. I've decided to look into a few Lvl 1 courses. To ease myself into study slowly, as my academic self-confidence isn't the greatest.