Last updated 08:14, Friday, 04 July 2008

The graduates celebrated their achievements at a ceremony at The Sage, Gateshead last month.

David Lockett, of The Avenue, Broughton Moor, was one of those graduating on the day.

After moving to Cumbria from Manchester, Mr Lockett, 35, decided on further education after his sister studied for her PhD with the Open University, suggested he would find a degree in psychology worthwhile.

He said: “Having a degree in psychology has helped me develop a broad range of skills.

“There is much more to a psychology degree than just gaining basic knowledge in the subject.

“I have learned communication skills and developed my ability to adapt and work in other environments.

“Learning about people, their brain issues and the causes of illnesses is fascinating.“I have always had an interest in psychology and wanted explanations to my own psychological responses and reactions.”

The Open University is Britain’s largest university, with more than 200,000 people studying its courses.

Mr Lockett said: “An OU course is great if you’re planning on working while you’re studying.

“I completed my degree in three years but for some people it can take up to six years depending on their situation and how easy it is to fit learning in around their daily lives.”

Keswick guest house owner Dawn Titley also graduated.

Her art history course lasted two years but this was not the first degree Mrs Titley had achieved.

She has a degree in social history of science and history of film.

“I study purely for my own interest and because of that there is no pressure for me to get a qualification,” Mrs Titley, 53, said.

“I enjoyed art when I took it at A-level and that prompted me to look at studying it at degree level.

“Learning through the OU for the last five years has been perfect for me. I’ve been able to do it in my own time and at home.“Taking the degree course has opened more doors for me. I can go on to do further study if I wish or consider other career options.“It’s definitely helped me develop my interpersonal skills and I’ve met lots of friends who have the same interests as me.”