Are the estimated hours inaccurate?

[u/Far_Psychology3270]

Ive seen quite a few people on this sub saying they only needed like 2-3 hours per week to complete their part time degree. I plan to study computer science & artificial intelligence when im 18 in January and 18-20 hours a week sounds very hard to do. Id honestly have no free time. Im also studying Japanese as well so I need time for that.

[u/Toxo88]

TL:DR - No they are not inaccurate, they are based on careful calculations, but Authors are aware that some students will work faster than others, and that not all students will complete all activities.

The long version - A lot of thought and consideration goes into the production of the OU Modules.

Unit authors consider very carefully how much time will be needed to complete designed activities, and also how much time to complete the reading of a) authored materials and b) 3rd party materials (both calculated using average reading speeds of words per minute) along with any tutorial attendance.

Authors are also aware that some students will complete this quicker than expected, and some students will need all of the weekly time for the core materials. Which is why there is also the inclusion of further study materials for those who are able to use them, but the materials are not essential incase you need all the available time for the core study elements. They are also aware that some students will do the bare essentials, and skip some/all activities.

So no, the estimated hours are not inaccurate per se, study material is meticulously worked out to fit within the study hours. But Authors know that there are variables beyond their control at play too.

Source: I’m an OU employee currently working on the production of a new module.