Distance learning: Open University

Open University business graduate Kevan Slimmon, from Glasgow has been selected for promotion in the Royal Navy; an event that he believes has had something to do with his studies

Open University business graduate Kevan Slimmon, from Glasgow has been selected for promotion in the Royal Navy; an event that he believes has had something to do with his studies. The 42-year-old engineer from Newton Mearns has been awarded a Master of Business Administration degree from the OU following four years of study, including two years as a submariner. (This is a key business qualification taken by many civilian management high fliers.)

During the final few months of his study, Lieutenant Slimmon’s wife, who had supported his studying, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite this major setback he still completed the course. ‘In the last five months of study my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and completed a course of chemotherapy so that was definitely a difficult period,’ he said. ‘However, my wife and the OU provided the support and encouragement I needed to complete the course.’

He explains that he chose the OU as the route towards getting an MBA because of its reputation and the quality of its course material. ‘I have recently been selected for promotion from Lieutenant to Lieutenant Commander effective from 1 October this year, and believe that, in studying towards the MBA, I developed the skills and knowledge to improve my performance at work.

‘I work as a submariner in the RN and was serving at sea during the first two years [of the degree course] so I had some minor difficulties keeping to the course schedule but the OU was always flexible in its response to requests for deadline extensions. Its approach means that you can get access to a personal tutor, or a tutor via the conferencing facility in First Class. The opportunity to meet other students regularly also means that you never feel alone or isolated; there is always someone to talk to.’

Slimmon is grateful for the help that he received from the Navy, and also from his wife during his years of hard work. ‘My employer provided financial support and allowed time off for study and attendance at residential school, and my wife was a great support and provided encouragement throughout my studies.’

He is now faced with four years’ worth of jobs around the house that had to be put on hold until this phase of his learning was completed. ‘My wife has waited patiently during my years of study for me to start all my DIY projects, but they have now started in earnest!’