Can i get a visa for a OU or distance learning masters course in UK ?????

Hi,

Im from PA and was thinking of going to the UK for some postgrad studies. I have accomodation in London.

Does anyone know if I will get a visa for a distance learning course such as OU ?

I was looking at the UKvisa website and it says something about requiring a course with 15 hours of organized learning, which to me says NO i cant do any distance courses.

Any one tried this ?

Thanks

As an American, you would need to be enrolled in a full-time course with - you got it - 15 hours of organised learning. 

I'm an OU student and normally they recommend only taking one 60-point course. I must be crazy because I'm taking TWO. It is a lot of work, however, even for just one since they roughly last 9 months. I don't know whether or not you can get one, although I don't see why not. But I'd contact someone who knows for certain, just in case.

To clarify, I'd contact UK Visa at http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk. Or in writing: UKvisas, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AH, or by phone: 09.30 - 13.30, Monday to Friday, +44 (0)20 7008 8438. There is also an online query form at http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1006977150196.

Hope this helps! Do let me know what they say!
Mel x

Rather than start a new topic, have you found using the OU easy?  I am considering applying to study in Autumn and just wanted opinions on it from people who have already done a course or courses.

Expat is correct and contacting ukvisas won't change it.  OU students are not eligible for student visas.  If you're interested in doing postgrad studies and can afford it, then enroll full time at a regular uni and getting your visa is easy peasy.

Rather than start a new topic, have you found using the OU easy?  I am considering applying to study in Autumn and just wanted opinions on it from people who have already done a course or courses.

They are not easy. I was thoroughly impressed with the OU, the material, and the structure. They are demanding and trust me when you finish an OU course you will KNOW the material. They are achievable but you must dedicate the time. And they are interesting. To have a family, full time job and do more than one OU course at a time would be a real challenge.

By comparison, I found the US courses through University of Maryland a walk in the park.

As an American, you would need to be enrolled in a full-time course with - you got it - 15 hours of organised learning. 

No, you are confusing two different rules.   If the course is a degree (undergrad or postgrad), it just needs to be "full-time" as defined by the University.  The number of hours of organised study is irrelevant.  Many UK degrees have fewer than 15 hours organised study.

The 15 hours of daytime study rule is for courses below degree level.

But this doesn't detract from the fact that you can't get a student visa for an OU course or a distance learning programme.

Vicky

No, absolutely.  But the thread had slightly changed track and this seemed an important error to correct.