UNDERGRADUATE COURSES - YOUR 2018-2019 PROSPECTUS - The Open University
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
EXPLORE THE OU Achieve your goals with The Open University 3 Five reasons why you should choose us 4 What you need to get started 5 What you can study 6 Learn in a way that suits you 7 Boost your confidence with an Access module 8 How you build your qualification 10 How long your qualification will take 11 When and how you can pay 12 Our research – creating your curriculum 14 Boost your career prospects 15 FIND AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE Undergraduate courses 16 BEFORE YOU GO Other useful information 31 Our other prospectuses 32 Get in touch BACK COVER
Dream of changing your future? Believe you can. Start expanding EXPLORE THE OU your horizons and learning new skills. Take your career to the next level, or start a completely new one. We’re here to help you succeed. ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS WITH THE OPEN UNIVERSITY We’re pioneers in distance learning, and since we were founded have helped more than two million people realise their potential. Our unique approach to learning means you don’t have to put your life on hold to get the qualification you want. 86% of FTSE 100 companies have sponsored employees WE WILL: YOU CAN EXPECT: on OU courses – help you get a qualification – materials that are to suit you and your goals designed with you in mind – provide you with the – continuous innovation – teaching and learning we’ve been leading the way resources you’ll need in distance learning for nearly – offer a flexible learning 50 years, ensuring education experience based around is accessible, whatever you and your life your circumstances – use technology and teaching – access to world-class resources, methods that enhance your whenever you need them study experience – qualifications that are – be there to support you respected by employers every step of the way. the world over. – 3
FIVE REASONS WHY YOU 1. SHOULD We’re open to you – we make learning CHOOSE US available to all, regardless of background, age or additional learning needs. 2. You can study 3. We guarantee around your existing outstanding value commitments – we’re and a high-quality experts in helping education at a people fit their studies competitive price. around their busy lives. 4. We’ve designed 5. You get more than our qualifications a highly respected to enable you to put qualification – you’ll what you learn into be able to show you’re practice immediately. dedicated and committed, skills that are valued in the workplace. 4
EXPLORE THE OU WHAT YOU NEED TO GET STARTED Where you start in life YOU CAN DO IT WHAT YOU NEED shouldn’t limit where you The main reason we’re called There are just a couple of The Open University is that we’re things that you will need go. If you’re determined to open to everyone. Every year, we to be able to study with us. succeed and prepared to help thousands of people achieve –– A computer with internet work hard then we can extraordinary things. access. But don’t worry if you help you get started. –– There are no formal haven’t got access to one right academic entry requirements now – you could receive help It’s easy to begin studying with at undergraduate level. to buy a computer. us. The next few pages will tell For some qualifications you –– A good grasp of the English you more about how studying may need to be in relevant language. Our courses are with The Open University works, paid or voluntary employment. taught in English, so if you’re the courses we offer, how you –– We helped around 22,000 unsure whether your English pay, and how long your students with disabilities and is at the right level, go to qualification will take. additional needs last year alone. openuniversity.co.uk/ –– Our students are diverse. englishlanguage for 30% of new undergraduate help and guidance. –– students are under 25 and our oldest students are in their nineties. HAVE YOU STUDIED BEFORE? If you’ve studied at higher education level before, it might count towards your OU qualification, cutting down the modules you’ll need to study as well as saving you time and money. If you tell us what you’ve done, we’ll do the rest. Go to openuniversity.co.uk/credit-transfer. 5
WHAT YOU CAN STUDY We offer nearly 120 highly respected qualifications. Decide which type of qualification is best for you. – A degree in a named subject – Foundation degree To find out more Complete modules in Focus on a particular about how you a particular subject to earn an honours degree. area related to what you’re doing now, in either a work or BUILD YOUR – An Open degree voluntary setting. A foundation QUALIFICATION degree is equivalent to two- and how long it takes, Design an honours degree thirds of an honours degree. see pages 10–11 from across a number of subjects to meet your – Certificate of higher education own needs and interests. Get a general grounding – Diploma of higher education in a subject. A certificate Expand your knowledge of higher education is and improve your skillset. equivalent to one-third A diploma of higher education of an honours degree. – is equivalent to two-thirds of an honours degree. 6
EXPLORE THE OU LEARN IN A WAY THAT SUITS YOU You’ll have the flexibility to PIONEERING TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS ASSOCIATION fit study around the other We’ve been using innovative You’ll gain automatic entry to technology to connect with our active students association things going on in your life, our students since we first when you register – you can whatever they may be. started. We’ll make sure that help influence University you always have what you decisions, meet fellow students SUPPORTED OPEN LEARNING need and feel connected. and develop new skills. We have designed our learning Find out more at experience to combine flexibility CONNECT WITH openuniversity.co.uk/ousa. and regular contact ensuring you OTHER STUDENTS get the help you need to learn in You can use our module DO YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL the best possible way. You’ll get discussion groups to talk about STUDY NEEDS? regular support from tutors and subjects or study methods, or you We’re committed to helping access to all the materials and could follow us on social media. students with disabilities and resources essential to your course. Join the conversation on additional needs. We’ll give You’ll also have access to a student Facebook.com/OUstudents you the tools to help overcome support team who will be there to Twitter.com/OUstudents obstacles that could stand help you on your learning journey. Instagram.com/OUstudentslive in the way of your learning – Or you could join one of the many whatever your needs may be. HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED informal Facebook groups set up For more information go to page You could be assessed in by students. 31, call us on 0300 303 5303 or go a number of different ways. to openuniversity.co.uk/disability. We use a combination of written assignments, oral or practical assessments, projects, examinations, dissertations and portfolios. 7
BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE WITH AN ACCESS MODULE If you don’t have much You don’t have to do one, but you WHAT DO YOU experience of university- might find it useful if you’d like to: NEED TO BEGIN? –– improve your confidence level study or haven’t You can start Access modules –– get a taste of a subject area studied in a while, you in February and October. you’re thinking of studying could benefit from starting in more detail You’ll need: your studies with one –– brush up on your study skills. –– access to a phone of our Access modules. –– equipment that plays DVDs Each module includes a –– the use of a computer selection of materials, online They offer a great introduction with internet access – quizzes, and assignments that to a range of subjects and act as you don’t need to buy you complete over 30 weeks. a taster to see if you want to delve one though, the use of It takes around nine hours of deeper. Students who choose to one at a public library study each week. start with an Access module do will be fine. better on their next module, so it’s You’ll get: a great way to start your chosen –– a personal tutor providing qualification. You might even regular feedback with one- qualify for a free Access module. to-one telephone tutorials –– further support from a dedicated team throughout your study –– detailed written feedback. WHAT YOU CAN STUDY touches on modern languages, areas particularly, but also history, and religious studies prepare you for further study on The Access modules are too. It’s ideal if you want to a wide variety of qualifications. designed as a gentle start to explore your creative side, have our qualifications. Each one of Science, technology and an interest in language, and want the three covers relevant topics maths Access module (Y033) to start honing your study skills. and includes the skills you’ll This module introduces you need as you continue your People, work and society to a technically oriented range chosen qualification. Access module (Y032) of subjects, including science; This is a multi-disciplinary module engineering and design; Arts and languages – you’ll be getting compelling environment; mathematics; Access module (Y031) insights into a wide range of and computing and IT. As the This fascinating module explores areas, including childhood and foundation for further studies a range of subjects – including art youth studies; social science; in these fields, this is the ideal history, English language, English psychology; health; business and module to build your confidence literature, and creative writing; it law. This will allow you to improve and prepare you for further study. your subject knowledge in those 8
EXPLORE THE OU DO YOU QUALIFY FOR A FREE ACCESS MODULE? You can study an Access HOW MUCH DOES AN Students who prepare module for free if you: ACCESS MODULE COST? by taking an Access module –– live in the UK (excludes If you don’t qualify to study are more likely to be Channel Islands and Isle for free, the cost depends of Man) or have a British on where you live. SUCCESSFUL in their future studies Forces Post Office address –– In England, the Channel Islands –– are studying the module to and the Isle of Man it’s £732. prepare for an OU qualification –– In Northern Ireland, (this doesn’t apply if you live Scotland and Wales it’s £246. in Scotland) Pay up front by debit or –– have a household income (or, credit card, or by bank transfer. The access module in Scotland, a personal income) Or spread the cost with an changed everything for of £25,000 or less, or you’re Open University Student receiving qualifying benefits me. My self-confidence is Budget Account – see –– have completed no more page 13 for more information. now far greater and I feel than one year of a full-time I can apply for any job in If you’re studying an Access undergraduate programme at module in preparation for an my field. NQF level 4/SCQF level 7 or OU qualification and you live Leon Sullivan, above, and not completed 30 in England or Wales, you Access student credits or more of OU study. could cover the cost with a student loan – see page 12 for more information. NEXT STEPS Order an Access Modules Prospectus at openuniversity.co.uk/ ug-access or speak to our Student Recruitment team on 0300 303 0069. 9
HOW YOU BUILD YOUR QUALIFICATION As an undergraduate student, ACCESS MODULE you’ll need to build up a set An optional module to build number of credits to gain your your confidence and prepare qualification. Here’s how it works. you for further study. WHAT ARE STAGES, CREDITS AND MODULES? To complete Stage 1, you’ll need 120 credits, studying modules STAGES STAGE 1 worth 30 or 60 credits. –– You must complete three stages to gain an honours degree, two stages for a diploma of higher education or 120 CREDITS foundation degree, and one stage for a certificate of higher education. Certificate of higher education –– To complete each stage you must build up a set number of credits… CREDITS –– You need 120 credits to complete To complete Stage 2, you’ll each stage. need a further 120 credits, studying –– You need a set number of credits modules worth 30 or 60 credits. STAGE 2 to gain your chosen qualification e.g. you need 360 credits to gain an honours degree. 240 CREDITS –– Most students study 60 credits a year. –– You gain credits by successfully Diploma of higher education completing modules… or foundation degree MODULES –– With each module you successfully complete, you’ll earn a set number To complete Stage 3, you’ll of credits, usually 30 or 60. need a further 120 credits, studying –– Modules are either compulsory or modules worth 30 or 60 credits. STAGE 3 selected from a choice of options. –– You choose the modules you want to study, year by year. 360 CREDITS Honours degree 10
EXPLORE THE OU HOW LONG YOUR QUALIFICATION WILL TAKE Exactly how long it will take to get your qualification depends on how many credits you study each year and which qualification you’re working towards. Most of our students study part time. The way we work gives you the flexibility to get the qualification you want in a timeframe that’s right for you. If you want to study full time, you’ll need to plan your studies carefully. PART TIME | 60 CREDITS A YEAR | 16–18 STUDY HOURS A WEEK CERTIFICATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION (120 CREDITS) FOUNDATION DEGREE/ DIPLOMA OF HIGHER EDUCATION (240 CREDITS) HONOURS DEGREE (360 CREDITS) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 YEARS TO COMPLETE FULL TIME | 120 CREDITS A YEAR | 32–36 STUDY HOURS A WEEK CERTIFICATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION (120 CREDITS) FOUNDATION DEGREE/ DIPLOMA OF HIGHER EDUCATION (240 CREDITS) HONOURS DEGREE (360 CREDITS) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 YEARS TO COMPLETE Some undergraduate qualifications follow a different pattern of study. For more information, go to openuniversity.co.uk/ug and look at your chosen qualification. 11
WHEN AND HOW YOU CAN PAY We offer great value LIVING IN NORTHERN IRELAND, To qualify for a loan you need to be studying at least one module worth for money, giving you SCOTLAND OR WALES 30 credits or more and be registered an excellent standard CREDITS COST to study for a qualification. EACH YEAR PER YEAR 2 of teaching at a highly If you get a loan: competitive price. And 30 £492 –– you won’t have to pay anything we’ll always help you find 60 £984 back for up to four years a way of paying that suits 120. £1,968 –– repayments are based on what your circumstances. 2 2018/19 prices (exceptions apply); fees you earn, not what you owe normally increase annually in line with –– payments are deducted You’ll pay on a module-by-module inflation and the University’s strategic automatically from your salary approach to fees. basis, rather than for your whole –– you can pay off the loan qualification at the start. See In Northern Ireland, Scotland early without any penalties below to get an idea of costs. and Wales, the cost for a typical –– any balance outstanding after 360-credit honours degree based 30 years will be written off. LIVING IN ENGLAND on today’s prices is £5,904. CREDITS COST ADDITIONAL SUPPORT – WALES EACH YEAR PER YEAR 1 FUNDING – ENGLAND AND WALES From September 2018, new 30. £1,464 students studying part time can If you live in England or Wales £2,928 also apply for financial support 60. the best way to fund your studies, to help with living costs. There 120. £5,856 regardless of age or income, are two new grants available might be with a student loan and both are non-repayable: 1 2018/19 prices; fees normally increase from Student Finance England annually in line with inflation and the or Student Finance Wales. It’s –– Welsh Government Learning University’s strategic approach to fees. the most popular way to pay and Grant – a non-means tested In England, the cost for a 360-credit you only start paying it back when maintenance grant of up to £750 honours degree based on today’s you earn more than the income –– Special Support Grant – a means prices is £17,568. threshold (currently £25,000). tested maintenance grant of up to £3,750. This is in addition to EXAMPLE REPAYMENT AMOUNTS the non-means tested grant. INCOME EACH MONTHLY YEAR BEFORE TAX REPAYMENT ALREADY HAVE A DEGREE? Up to £25,000 £0 You might still qualify for a student loan. You need to be living in £27,000 £15 England or Wales and looking £34,000 £67.50 to study an eligible qualification. For more information go to £49,000 £180 openuniversity.co.uk/quals. 12
EXPLORE THE OU FUNDING – NORTHERN IRELAND STUDY SUPPORT AND If you live in Northern Ireland DISCRETIONARY FUNDS you could be eligible for a If your annual income is less Part-Time Fee Grant of up to than £25,000, you might be MORE ONLINE £1,230 to help towards your fees. eligible for additional means- The amount depends on how much tested funding for study-related To find out more about you earn and your study intensity costs, such as travel, childcare fees and funding, go to (the number of credits you study). and internet access. openuniversity.co.uk/ug-fees If you’re not eligible for a Part-Time or call an OU adviser on Fee Grant or if your Part-Time Fee SELF-FUNDED STUDY 0300 303 5303. Grant does not cover the full cost It’s easy to pay for your studies of your tuition fees, you can apply using a debit or credit card or for a Part-Time Tuition Fee by bank transfer. Or spread the Loan. See our website for more cost with an Open University information or call 028 9032 3722. Student Budget Account – see below for more information. FUNDING – SCOTLAND If you live in Scotland and your GET SPONSORED personal income is £25,000 or See whether your company less, or you’re on certain benefits, or organisation would want and you’re studying at least 30 to help you learn and develop, credits, you could qualify for a it’s always worth asking. Part-Time Fee Grant to cover all of your course fees. It isn’t a loan and you won’t need to repay it. OPEN UNIVERSITY OUSBA will pay your fees to case, interest does apply. STUDENT BUDGET The Open University, and you The interest rate is fixed for the ACCOUNTS LTD repay OUSBA either in a single duration of the course (current (OUSBA) sum or in monthly instalments. representative APR of 5.1%). You may repay OUSBA at any As a responsible lender, every When you enrol with time before the course begins. application made to OUSBA us, you’ll be offered the In this case, there’s no interest. undergoes a credit and opportunity to pay your affordability check. fees through a loan Alternatively, you may repay from OUSBA. OUSBA in monthly instalments Find out more about OUSBA payable over up to a year. In this at openuniversity.co.uk/ousba. 13
OUR RESEARCH – CREATING YOUR CURRICULUM We’re leading the way DOGS GO DIGITAL MIGRANT MOTHERS in world-class research. Dr Clara Mancini set up our We live in an increasingly first research programme into diverse world. In 2013, in the Tackling real-life issues. animal-computer interaction, UK alone, 25% of newborns And making sure the developing tools to enable dogs were to migrant mothers. curriculum you study to work in medical detection. Dr Umut Erel, one of our leading remains cutting-edge. One tool lets diabetes-alert sociology lecturers, has been Below are just some dogs raise help if their owner conducting research into the way suffers a hypoglycaemic attack. these mothers use their range of examples. Another allows trained pets to skills to help the next generation operate lights or doors. successfully integrate into society. ROSETTA: THE GREAT SPACE Through digital technology This insight forms part of our new MISSION OF OUR TIME we hope to link these tools to priority research area, Citizenship It took 10 years for the Rosetta wireless appliances, alerting and Governance, investigating the space mission to reach Comet others that help is required, changing relationship between 67P. But after travelling almost making these even more citizens, markets and states. four billion miles, it finally useful in people’s homes. made it on 6 August 2014. VOLCANO SAFETY Getting there was the first hurdle. Then it was down to the important First we developed EVOSS instrumentation built by the OU – the European Volcano to do its work. Like Ptolemy, Observatory Space Services MORE ONLINE which measured samples from project. Now we’re developing Find out what else the comet. And found they a real-time satellite volcano we’re discovering, go to contained sugars and amino monitoring system, designed openuniversity.co.uk/ acids: the building blocks of life. to expand worldwide. We’ll ouresearch. provide vital information on FAST FASHION lavas, gas columns and ash plumes – potentially protecting We need international thousands of people. development. But ‘fast fashion’ isn’t sustainable. A team at the OU is researching how clothes are made, sold and disposed of globally, and investigating people’s views of sustainability in relation to clothing. 14
EXPLORE THE OU BOOST YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS An OU qualification can Our materials are often designed Balancing OU study with by leading public and private other commitments gives really boost your career. sector industry experts. And we students flexibility and Employers the world over check them with skills councils, time management skills will respect what you’ve businesses and professional particularly valued by tackled. They know it’s bodies to make sure they’re employers and can really current and relevant. hard to juggle study, prepare students for life work and family life. CAREERS ADVICE. beyond higher education. RIGHT FROM DAY ONE There’s no better way to show Andrew Bargery, We’ll help you start, change you can seize opportunity. PwC or develop your career. That you’re ready to learn. You can contact us at any And up for fresh challenges. point during your course. Network Rail, IBM and PwC We’ll help you explore a are just some of the firms which You’ll get huge range of resources. seek recruits from the OU. And discover opportunities EXCLUSIVE YOU’LL BE WORKING you might otherwise ACCESS to an HARD. AND WE’LL BE never encounter. online job portal where WORKING HARD FOR YOU Once you’re registered, employers are seeking you’ll get access to: out OU students For decades, we’ve worked –– our online forums, webinars, and graduates on building relationships with employers to understand what and Facebook Live chats they’re looking for. That’s why –– our LinkedIn networking group so many are happy to sponsor –– The Open University their staff to study with the OU. Careers Network (TOUCAN) –– experienced careers consultants. MORE ONLINE Find out more at openuniversity.co.uk/careers. 15
FIND AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE You may be looking UNDERGRADUATE COURSES for a flexible approach to getting a qualification, in Open qualifications 17 which case you’ll find our Arts and humanities 18 Open qualifications provide you with a unique way to Business and management 19 tailor study to your needs Computing and IT 20 and interests. Education, childhood, youth and sport 21 Or, if you’d like to focus on Engineering, design and technology 22 a subject but are unsure of which one, the introductions Environment and development 23 to the thirteen subjects we Health and social care 24 offer may help you decide. Languages and applied linguistics 25 Law 26 Mathematics and statistics 27 Psychology and counselling 28 Science 29 Social sciences 30 16
OPEN QUALIFICATIONS FIND AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE Our BA or BSc (Hons) You can also choose to study towards a Certificate of Higher Open is the most flexible Education Open or Diploma of programme of study in Higher Education Open which the UK because you can can take less time to complete, design your own degree and still allow you to combine your own choice of modules. to suit your personal In addition to the Open and professional needs, degree, we also offer a interests and aspirations. BSc (Hons) Combined STEM With this qualification degree that allows you to build you can: your qualification from a wide range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics –– study any subjects you like, modules and study routes. in any combination –– easily change direction if DEGREES your study interests change –– BA (Hons) or BSc –– count credit from university (Hons) Open (QD) level studies you’ve already –– BSc (Hons) Combined completed elsewhere STEM (R28) –– improve your employment prospects. DIPLOMA OF HIGHER EDUCATION An Open degree equips you with a wide range of expertise, –– Diploma of Higher skills and capabilities that are Education Open (W34) much sought after in today’s CERTIFICATE OF highly competitive job market. HIGHER EDUCATION An Open degree on your CV –– Certificate of Higher shows more than your level Education Open (T09) of knowledge about a subject; employers know that you are flexible and adaptable, having studied across a range of subjects. NEXT STEPS Request a copy of our Open Qualifications Prospectus – see page 32. Go to openuniversity.co.uk/qd or call our Student Recruitment team on 0300 303 5303. 17
ARTS AND HUMANITIES Exploring and analysing human culture and history, from ancient civilisations to the twenty-first century, gives a deeper insight into the world we live in and how we got here. Rewarding and enjoyable, studying the arts and humanities also develops an adaptable set of skills for a wide range of careers. Maybe you’re intrigued by These key skills can be put to DIPLOMAS OF ideas about human existence, use in virtually any organisation, HIGHER EDUCATION the world’s religions, civilisations across many different employment –– Diploma of Higher Education and their histories; or perhaps sectors. You could work in a range in Arts and Humanities (W59) you’d like to explore literary and of fields in the public or private –– Diploma of Higher Education artistic cultures and objects, or spheres, including administration, in Classical Studies (W62) develop your creative practice local government, the civil service, as a writer or musician. arts institutions, social services, –– Diploma of Higher Education education, journalism, publishing in English (W61) Studying arts and humanities with the OU will give you an or public relations. –– Diploma of Higher Education adaptable set of skills that can in History (W66) DEGREES lead to a vast range of career –– Diploma of Higher Education opportunities, whether you are –– BA (Hons) Arts and in History and Politics (W64) developing your current role, Humanities (R14) –– NEW Diploma of Higher retraining, or starting a new –– BA (Hons) Arts and Humanities Education in Music (W65) career. It shows that you can specialising in Art History; work independently, think –– Diploma of Higher Education Classical Studies; Creative critically and read analytically, in Philosophy and Psychological Writing; English Language; organise information, and write Studies (W63) English Literature; History; clearly and coherently. This makes Music; Philosophy; Religious you an effective communicator, CERTIFICATE OF Studies; French; German; or HIGHER EDUCATION enhancing your career prospects, Spanish (R14) as well as giving you more –– Certificate of Higher Education –– BA (Hons) Classical confidence in other areas in Arts and Humanities (T32) Studies (Q85) of your life. –– BA (Hons) English Language Arts and humanities graduates and Literature (Q39) are particularly good at utilising their creative problem-solving –– BA (Hons) English abilities and expertise in Literature (Q66) connecting different ideas –– BA (Hons) English Literature NEXT STEPS and concepts, which are and Creative Writing (Q86) Request a copy of our valued employability skills. –– BA (Hons) History (Q01) Arts and Humanities –– BA (Hons) History Prospectus – see page 32. and Politics (Q97) Go to openuniversity.co.uk/ug –– NEW BA (Hons) Music (R25) or call our Student Recruitment team on 0300 303 5303. –– BA (Hons) Philosophy and Psychological Studies (Q43) –– BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Q45) 18
BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT It’s easy to see resources, ICT, and sales and CERTIFICATES OF marketing. In acquiring this HIGHER EDUCATION why business and real-world knowledge, which – Certificate of Higher Education management is such you can apply immediately in in Business Management (T27) a popular study choice your professional life, you’ll also – Certificate of Higher Education among our students, and develop a wide range of general in Business Management business skills in communication, why hundreds of leading numeracy and presentation, (Sport and Football) (T25) employers each year which are valued by employers. – Certificate of Higher FIND AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE sponsor their staff to Education in Computing DEGREES & IT and Business (T13) study with the OU. – BA (Hons) Business Management (Q91) OU CERTIFICATE A competitive global economy – BA (Hons) Business – Professional Certificate means a good grounding in Management specialising in Management (S01) business is becoming more and more useful if you want to get in Accounting; Economics; ahead in life – whether you’re Innovation and Enterprise; running your own company or Leadership Practice; or focusing on a corporate career. Marketing (Q91) Whatever your starting point or – BA (Hons) Business background, The Open University Management (Sport NEXT STEPS Business School offers high quality and Football) (Q88) Request a copy of our qualifications that each year help – BSc (Hons) Computing Business and Management over 25,000 students across 86 & IT and Business (Q67) Prospectus – see page 32. countries acquire the capabilities Go to openuniversity.co.uk/ug and confidence to achieve DIPLOMAS OF or call our Student Recruitment business goals in both the private HIGHER EDUCATION team on 0300 303 5303. and public/not-for-profit sectors. – Diploma of Higher Education Through your studies you’ll in Business Management (W51) learn about the way businesses – Diploma of Higher Education operate, how they develop winning in Business Management strategies, make decisions and (Sport and Football) (W49) manage risk. You’ll also gain valuable insight into key business – Diploma of Higher Education functions such as finance, human in Computing & IT and Business (W42) 19
COMPUTING AND IT Virtually everything we An OU qualification will help DIPLOMAS OF you to get where you want to HIGHER EDUCATION/ do involves computing FOUNDATION DEGREE be, whether that’s in development and IT – from booking or operations, or perhaps in –– Diploma of Higher Education tickets online and emailing technical support or consultancy. in Computing and IT (W36) friends, to paying by And for those already working in –– Diploma of Higher Education a computing or IT role, OU study credit card and using will ensure you remain at the in Computing & IT and a second household appliances. cutting edge and give you a vital subject (Business; Design; Mathematics; Psychology; competitive advantage as you or Statistics) (W42) At the heart of digital devices progress in your career. are computers – ranging from –– Diploma of Higher Education the small embedded processor DEGREES in Computing and IT Practice in your mobile phone, to the –– BSc (Hons) Computing (W15) or Foundation Degree in personal computer you use and IT (Q62) Computing and IT Practice (X15) at home or work and the large –– BSc (Hons) Computing CERTIFICATES OF servers that support ecommerce and IT specialising in HIGHER EDUCATION and the internet. Most of us simply Communications and take this technology for granted, –– Certificate of Higher Education Networking; Communications yet understanding how it works in Computing and IT (T12) and Software; or Software (Q62) is fascinating. –– Certificate of Higher Education –– BSc (Hons) Computing Whether you simply have an in Computing & IT and a second & IT and a second subject enquiring mind, or want to learn subject (Business; Design; (Business; Design; Mathematics; more about this fast-growing field Mathematics; Psychology; Psychology; or Statistics) (Q67) in order to change career direction or Statistics) (T13) or improve your prospects, the –– Top-up BSc (Hons) Computing OU offers a wide choice of study and IT Practice (Q68) options to meet your needs. –– BSc (Hons) Combined Computing and IT professionals STEM (R28) with a strong skill set are very much in demand today, by both IT NEXT STEPS providers and user organisations, Request a copy of our Computing particularly in areas such as retail, and IT Prospectus – see page 32. financial services, manufacturing and the public sector. Go to openuniversity.co.uk/ug or call our Student Recruitment team on 0300 303 5303. 20
EDUCATION, CHILDHOOD, YOUTH AND SPORT Increase your awareness DEGREES and appreciation of what –– BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies (Q23) it really means to grow up, learn and work in today’s –– BA (Hons) Early NEXT STEPS Childhood (Q89) rapidly changing world Request a copy of our –– Top-up BA (Hons) Education, Childhood, Youth and by studying with the OU. FIND AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE Early Childhood (Q90) Sport Prospectus – see page 32. –– BA (Hons) Education Go to openuniversity.co.uk/ug You may be working with – Studies (Primary) (Q94) or call our Student Recruitment or plan to work with – children, young people, families or learners, –– BSc (Hons) Mathematics team on 0300 303 5303. and be interested in obtaining and its Learning (Q46) professionally relevant qualifications –– BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness to help you fulfil your ambitions. and Coaching (Q76) If so, we offer qualifications that –– BA (Hons) Youth Justice Studies are flexible with well-marked (England and Wales) (Q63) stepping stones for you to follow at your own pace – from entry DIPLOMAS OF level, through to honours degrees. HIGHER EDUCATION High-quality content and teaching –– Diploma of Higher Education build directly on our research in in Early Childhood (W50) education; psychology; social –– Diploma of Higher Education sciences; health and social care; in Education Studies sport and fitness; and childhood (Primary) (W54) and youth studies. –– Diploma of Higher Education In addition to the new knowledge, in Sport and Fitness specialising skills and confidence you’ll gain, OU in either Coaching or Exercise study opens up many worthwhile Instruction (W07) career and personal opportunities. There’s a demand for well-qualified CERTIFICATES OF people in education; childcare; HIGHER EDUCATION sport and fitness; youth and community work; research; –– Certificate of Higher Education the voluntary sector; as well as in Children and Families (T24) local, national and international –– Certificate of Higher Education policy development. in Early Childhood (T26) Education, childhood, youth –– Certificate of Higher and sport are high-profile areas Education in Education of social policy, where radical Studies (Primary) (T29) changes in practice, service –– Certificate of Higher Education provision and training take place in Sport, Fitness and across all sectors. Our cutting- Management (T05) edge technology will bring you right up to date with the latest thinking, ideas and research, giving you a real edge. 21
ENGINEERING, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY If you enjoy solving problems and have a good imagination, you’ll find engineering, design and technology stimulating and challenging fields of study. DIPLOMAS OF HIGHER EDUCATION/ FOUNDATION DEGREE –– Diploma of Higher Education in Computing & IT and Design (W42) –– Diploma of Higher Education in Engineering (W11) or Foundation Degree in Engineering (X11) –– Diploma of Higher Education in Environmental Management and Technology (W48) CERTIFICATES OF HIGHER EDUCATION –– Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT and Design (T13) A qualification in any one of the Our cutting-edge qualifications –– Certificate of Higher Education subject areas we offer can bring enable you to explore how to in Environment (T16) real benefits in your professional design, engineer and manage life such as: situations where technology –– exciting employment and people interact. opportunities in business and You’ll benefit from the highest industry, as well as in the public quality teaching supported by our and voluntary sectors – your active research, where we have NEXT STEPS knowledge and expertise will particular strengths in design, Request a copy of our be valued in the UK, Europe sustainable technologies and Engineering, Design and and around the world structural integrity. Technology Prospectus –– higher than average earnings, – see page 32. DEGREES particularly if you follow up your Go to openuniversity.co.uk/ug degree to become a Chartered –– BSc (Hons) Computing or call our Student Recruitment or Incorporated Engineer & IT and Design (Q67) team on 0300 303 5303. –– a skill set that’s in high demand. –– BA or BSc (Hons) Design Employers in many sectors seek and Innovation (Q61) people with the numerical skills, –– Bachelor of Engineering creativity, scientific knowledge (Hons) (Q65) and team-working experience –– Top-up Bachelor of that engineering, technology Engineering (Hons) (Q78) and design graduates possess. –– Master of Engineering (M04) –– BSc (Hons) Environmental Management and Technology (Q72) –– BSc (Hons) Combined STEM (R28) 22
ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT FIND AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE Climate change, global trade, energy supply, pollution, cultural conflict, biodiversity loss and poverty are defining issues at local, national and international levels. These issues are interlinked and find a common focus in environment and development. More than ever we’re living DEGREES in an interconnected world –– BSc (Hons) Environmental where governments, organisations Management and and individuals are all encouraged Technology (Q72) to think about the impact of their NEXT STEPS –– BSc (Hons) Environmental actions in international terms. Request a copy of our Science (Q52) Against this background, our Environment and Development qualifications give you the –– BA (Hons) Environmental Prospectus – see page 32. opportunity to explore the Studies (Q99) Go to openuniversity.co.uk/ug significance of some of the –– BSc (Hons) Geography and or call our Student Recruitment most challenging trends Environmental Science (R16) team on 0300 303 5303. and developments that –– BA (Hons) International are shaping our world. Studies (Q11) On a personal level, you’ll gain a clear appreciation of DIPLOMAS OF how these issues are seen HIGHER EDUCATION around the world, helping you –– Diploma of Higher Education to become a more enlightened in Environmental Management and engaged global citizen. and Technology (W48) On a professional level, you’ll –– Diploma of Higher Education acquire skills and knowledge that in Environmental Science (W47) are increasingly valued in careers –– Diploma of Higher Education relating to the environment and in Environmental Studies (W58) development in the voluntary, public and private sectors. CERTIFICATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION –– Certificate of Higher Education in Environment (T16) 23
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE Health and social care –– BA (Hons) Early Childhood (Q89) –– Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare with Health is a vast service sector –– BA (Hons) Health and Social Care (R26) Science (T28) undergoing radical and –– BSc (Hons) Healthcare –– Certificate of Higher Education rapid change. The focus in Health Sciences (T18) and Health Science (Q96) in frontline health and –– Certificate of Higher Education –– BSc (Hons) Health Sciences (Q71) social care is on giving in Social Care (T39) –– BSc (Hons) Mental more independence, Health Nursing (Q74)1 –– Certificate of Higher Education choice and control to –– BSc (Hons) Nursing in Social Care (Scotland) (TO3) service users. Practice (Q53) –– Certificate of Higher Education in Social Care –– BA (Hons) Social Work This means there’s greater Practice (Wales) (T34) (England/Scotland/Wales) demand for well-trained and (Q32/Q41/Q42) OU CERTIFICATES multi-skilled people across –– BA (Hons) Social Work –– Certificate in Health a range of rewarding (Scotland) (graduate and Social Care (S31) employment opportunities. entry) (Q50) Providing help and care for –– Certificate in Health –– BA (Hons) Youth Justice Studies Sciences (S19) those in need offers a unique (England and Wales) (Q63) sense of personal and career –– Certificate in Promoting fulfilment. Through OU study 1 This is an appropriate qualification in Public Health (S13) England to be taken within a Registered you can become part of this Nurse Degree Apprenticeship. essential and valuable sector, or APPRENTICESHIPS build on your existing workplace The OU is listed on the DIPLOMAS OF experience and progress your Education and Skills Funding HIGHER EDUCATION/ career in a particular area. Agency’s register of approved FOUNDATION DEGREES Our qualifications cover today’s apprenticeship providers. We –– Diploma of Higher Education most topical and important issues, currently offer apprenticeships for in Early Childhood (W50) such as mental health, children Assistant Practitioners, Registered and families, and end-of-life care, –– Diploma of Higher Education in Nurses and Nursing Associates. and are designed to inspire and Health and Social Care (W69) Employers who want to find out challenge you. Some explore –– Foundation Degree in more should contact us by email broad principles and approaches Healthcare Practice (X16)1 or at apprenticeships@open.ac.uk. to caring, while others offer a route Diploma of Higher Education Please note apprenticeships are to a professional qualification. All in Healthcare Practice (W16) organisation led qualifications and draw on the latest research and –– Diploma of Higher Education only available via arrangements the experience of practitioners to in Health Sciences (W44) with employers. provide you with valuable insight, –– Diploma of Higher Education in For more information go to skills and knowledge. Social Care (Scotland) (W31) openuniversity.co.uk/ Our students are a mix of health-apprenticeships. 1 employees and employers This is an appropriate qualification in England to be taken within a Higher working in a wide range of Apprenticeship in Health. settings and levels across the sector, as well as service CERTIFICATES OF users, and friends and families HIGHER EDUCATION involved in their care. –– Certificate of Higher NEXT STEPS Students tell us how studying Education in Adult Health with the OU transforms their Request a copy of our and Social Care (T23) lives, practice and experience in Health and Social Care relation to health and social care. –– Certificate of Higher Education Prospectus – see page 32. in Children and Families (T24) Go to openuniversity.co.uk/ug DEGREES –– Certificate of Higher Education or call our Student Recruitment –– BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Q73)1 in Early Childhood (T26) team on 0300 303 5303. –– BA (Hons) Childhood –– Certificate of Higher Education and Youth Studies (Q23) in Healthcare Practice (T01) 24
LANGUAGES AND FIND AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE APPLIED LINGUISTICS Whether it’s for general Learning a language and DEGREES how languages work, including interest or to further your –– BA (Hons) Arts and Humanities the English language, opens doors with English Language, French, career, learning a new to other cultures and communities, German or Spanish (R14) language or about the giving you an experience of the –– BA (Hons) Language English language is an world that goes deeper than Studies (Q30) any tourist trip ever could. enjoyable and rewarding It can also provide a key to experience that opens DIPLOMAS OF HIGHER the global workplace. EDUCATION up new horizons. By using printed materials, –– Diploma of Higher interactive online resources and Education in English (W61) Learning with the OU means you’ll tutorials with other students, be studying with the UK’s largest you’ll develop proficiency in –– Diploma of Higher Education provider of open-entry, part-time all four language skills: reading, in Language Studies (W41) language degrees. writing, listening and speaking. CERTIFICATE OF Whether you’re a complete Studying languages will not only HIGHER EDUCATION beginner or want to develop improve your written and oral your existing skills, we offer a –– Certificate of Higher Education communication skills, but also step-by-step way of achieving in Language Studies (T21) help you to gather, assess and degree qualifications in French, interpret information, as well as German and Spanish with the develop your confidence. These possibility of also studying skills are highly valued in the beginners’ modules in Chinese global job market and will be and Italian. Alongside these appreciated by employers in languages, you can also learn whatever career you enter. NEXT STEPS about the English language – its Request a copy of our Languages history, impact on the world today and Applied Linguistics Prospectus and role in communication from – see page 32. Shakespeare to social media. Go to openuniversity.co.uk/ug or call our Student Recruitment team on 0300 303 5303. 25
LAW Law is a foundation DEGREES stone of society and –– BA (Hons) Criminology and Law (Q92) plays an increasingly important and visible role –– Bachelor of Laws (Hons) (LLB) (Q79) in all areas of modern life. –– Bachelor of Laws (Hons) (graduate entry) (LLB) (Q80) It is a subject with a great tradition and a dynamic future. DIPLOMA OF Social and environmental HIGHER EDUCATION responsibilities, the way businesses operate, and international codes –– Diploma of Higher Education of conduct are all determined in Criminology and Law (W52) and upheld by legal systems. Studying law is stimulating in its own right but it’s also a smart career move. A law degree is a first and necessary step if you want to practise law professionally. NEXT STEPS It’s also an asset for many careers Request a copy of our that are not directly related to Law Prospectus – see page 32. law. For instance, roles in finance, Go to openuniversity.co.uk/ug human resources, local government or call our Student Recruitment or general management all benefit team on 0300 303 5303. from a legal background, whether in corporate business, local and central government, or the voluntary sector. If your goal is to work as a professional lawyer, then studying our Bachelor of Laws (Hons) (LLB) is a great starting point. Completion within six years (or five years for graduates) counts as a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) in England and Wales, which satisfies the professional bodies’ first stage of training as a solicitor or barrister. 26
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS Mathematics and statistics DEGREES play a part in almost all –– BSc (Hons) Computing & IT and Mathematics (Q67) daily activities. They’re at the heart of advances in –– BSc (Hons) Computing & IT and Statistics (Q67) science and technology, as –– BSc (Hons) Economics and well as being indispensable FIND AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE Mathematical Sciences (Q15) problem-solving and –– BSc (Hons) Mathematics (Q31) decision-making tools –– BSc (Hons) Mathematics in many aspects of life. and its Learning (Q46) –– BSc (Hons) Mathematics Forecasting the weather, breaking and Physics (Q77) codes, air traffic control, sending rockets into space, weighing up –– BSc (Hons) Mathematics evidence in court, or predicting and Statistics (Q36) natural disasters; all rely on –– BSc (Hons) Combined mathematics or statistics. STEM (R28) Do you: DIPLOMAS OF –– need numerical and analytical HIGHER EDUCATION skills to enhance your job –– Diploma of Higher Education performance and prospects? in Computing & IT and –– relish the intellectual Mathematics (W42) challenge of learning the –– Diploma of Higher Education techniques and powerful in Computing & IT and abstract structures used by Statistics (W42) Knowledge of maths is key professional mathematicians and statisticians? –– Diploma of Higher Education in to the hi-tech, cutting-edge Mathematical Sciences (W43) jobs in our digital economy. –– want to be well ahead of your children’s learning? CERTIFICATES OF UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, HIGHER EDUCATION Nov 2017 Whatever your reasons for studying, the OU offers –– Certificate of Higher Education a great choice. We’re the UK’s in Computing & IT and largest provider of higher Mathematics (T13) education teaching in –– Certificate of Higher Education mathematics and statistics. in Computing & IT and A qualification in mathematics Statistics (T13) NEXT STEPS or statistics will always count in –– Certificate of Higher Education Request a copy of our your favour whatever you do, or in Mathematical Sciences (T14) Mathematics and Statistics plan to do, in your career. There’s Prospectus – see page 32. particularly strong demand in OU CERTIFICATES Go to openuniversity.co.uk/ug teaching, finance, ICT and data –– Professional Certificate or call our Student Recruitment science for people with training in in Practical Statistics (S03) team on 0300 303 5303. these subjects. There’s also plenty of scope to use your skills in other –– Graduate Certificate sectors, with health, psychology, in Theoretical Statistics and sales and marketing being and Probability (S04) popular options. 27
PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELLING Psychology is the study Many of our degrees are DIPLOMAS OF designed to deliver the HIGHER EDUCATION/ of people, their lives FOUNDATION DEGREE requirements for the Graduate and their behaviour. Basis for Chartered Membership –– Diploma of Higher Education It helps us to understand (GBC) of the British Psychological in Computing & IT and everyday interactions and Society (BPS), providing the Psychology (W42) recognised foundation for experience, cognitions further training to become –– Foundation Degree in and feelings. a professional psychologist. Counselling (X09) or Diploma of Higher Education in ACCREDITED Counselling (W09) As a psychology student you will learn about new developments PSYCHOLOGY DEGREES –– Diploma of Higher Education and new research and their –– BSc (Hons) Forensic in Psychology (W45) applications to contemporary Psychology (Q82) –– Diploma of Higher Education life. You will analyse and evaluate in Social Sciences (W68) –– BSc (Hons) Psychology (Q07) psychological concepts; develop skills in assessing and using –– BSc (Hons) Psychology CERTIFICATES OF different kinds of evidence with Counselling (Q84) HIGHER EDUCATION and gain an understanding –– BSc (Hons) Social –– Certificate of Higher of how psychological research Psychology (Q83) Education in Computing informs our everyday life. It is an & IT and Psychology (T13) applied science and a dynamic OTHER DEGREES THAT academic field with relevance INCLUDE PSYCHOLOGY –– Certificate of Higher Education to many social and global issues, in Psychology (T22) –– BSc (Hons) Computing many of which you will encounter & IT and Psychology (Q67) throughout your studies. –– BA (Hons) Criminology You will be able to use the and Psychology (Q98) knowledge and skills you –– BA (Hons) Philosophy and develop to take advantage of Psychological Studies (Q43) NEXT STEPS job opportunities in education, industry, the health professions, –– BA (Hons) Social Sciences Request a copy of our management, advertising and (Psychology) (R23) Psychology and Counselling marketing, human resources, Prospectus – see page 32. research, counselling, and Go to openuniversity.co.uk/ug social services. or call our Student Recruitment The OU is Europe’s largest team on 0300 303 5303. provider of university-level education in psychology. Our diverse topics are supported by an active research agenda, and the module materials are written by academics with expertise in areas including: social psychology; counselling psychology; forensic psychology; interdisciplinary and psychosocial studies; developmental psychology; discourse analysis; cognitive psychology and neuropsychology. 28
SCIENCE FIND AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE Science is about creativity, You’ll be able to use your science CERTIFICATES OF knowledge and skills in many HIGHER EDUCATION discovery and problem different careers and sectors. –– Certificate of Higher Education solving, and offers the Ecology, journalism, education, in Environment (T16) chance to improve our agriculture and health are just –– Certificate of Higher Education world’s future. a few. And by studying for in Health Sciences (T18) a degree in science, you’re likely to increase your lifetime –– Certificate of Higher Education The insights and discoveries earnings significantly. in Natural Sciences (T11) emerging from science’s many disciplines drive OU CERTIFICATES DEGREES advances across healthcare, space exploration, industrial –– BSc (Hons) Environmental –– Certificate in Health manufacture, environmental Science (Q52) Sciences (S19) protection, conservation, –– BSc (Hons) Health –– Certificate in Astronomy and many other areas. Sciences (Q71) and Planetary Science (S10) Study science with the –– BSc (Hons) Geography and –– Certificate in Physics (S20) OU and you’ll enhance your Environmental Science (R16) understanding of the world –– BSc (Hons) Mathematics and develop the creative, and Physics (Q77) analytical and investigative –– BSc (Hons) Natural skills employers value. Sciences (Q64) Whether you are looking for a NEXT STEPS –– BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences career in science, or you simply Request a copy of our Science specialising in Astronomy and want to explore a subject that Prospectus – see page 32. Planetary Science; Biology; really interests you. The depth Chemistry; Earth Sciences; Go to openuniversity.co.uk/ug and breadth of our science Environmental Science; or or call our Student Recruitment programmes attract over 15,000 Physics (Q64) team on 0300 303 5303. students each year, so whatever your motivation there’s sure to –– BSc (Hons) Combined be a qualification to challenge STEM (R28) and reward you. DIPLOMAS OF You’ll benefit from the highest HIGHER EDUCATION quality teaching, stimulated by our active involvement in international –– Diploma of Higher Education research programmes ranging in Environmental Science (W47) across astronomy and planetary –– Diploma of Higher Education science; biology; chemistry; in Health Sciences (W44) Earth sciences; environmental –– Diploma of Higher Education science; and physics. in Natural Sciences (W37) 29
You can also read