Diploma in Computing
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Diploma
- Code
- D12
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Made up of
- 120 credit points
Description
Professionals working in the computer software industry bring many different kinds of expertise to their work. The Diploma in Computing will provide you with an introduction to the main concepts of modern computing, and some of the knowledge and skills needed for commercial software development.
In particular, this diploma will give you:
- an understanding of the nature and variety of modern software systems, and the processes that are used to build them
- skills in the most widely-used approach to software construction - object orientation (OO) including OO analysis and specification; OO design; OO programming; testing and maintenance
- the ability to work with other people in a team, communicating computing ideas effectively
- a basis for going on to further study in computing, or for finding work in computing-related industries.
Planning your studies
The Diploma in Computing is made up of Level 2 and Level 3 courses taken from our undergraduate programme. There are no entry requirements but you must be suitably prepared for study at this level. The normal preparation would be one of the Level 1 courses Data, computing and information (M150) , Open mathematics (MU120), Using mathematics (MST121) or Networked living: exploring information and communication technologies (T175).
You can register your intention to study for the diploma when you reserve your place on individual courses, or you can ask us at any time to link courses that you have already studied towards the diploma. This gives you the flexibility to delay your decision or to change your mind as your studies progress. There is no time limit for obtaining the required credit points for this qualification, however, you should note limitations on individual courses as mentioned below. You must include at least 40 points from OU courses that have not been counted in an OU diploma or other first degree you have been awarded.
Computing courses can count towards this diploma for a maximum of three years after we have stopped presenting them (please read the full course descriptions for details of future availability).
Courses
For this 120-point diploma you require:
30 points from the following compulsory course:
| Level 2 compulsory course | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
And 90 points from the following optional courses:
| Level 2 optional courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | Oct 2010 |
|
30 | Oct 2010 |
|
20 | Feb 2010 |
|
30 | Jan 2010 |
|
10 | May 2010 |
| Level 3 optional courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
|
30 | Jan 2010 |
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
Or subject to the rules about excluded combinations, at Level 2 the discontinued courses M254, MT262, or at Level 3 the discontinued courses M301, M358, M360, M361.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
For this qualification, we do not allow you to count credit for study you have already done elsewhere.
On completion
On successful completion of the required courses you will be awarded a Diploma in Computing and will be entitled to use the letters Dip Comp (Open) after your name.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Award Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Award Regulations
Student Regulations
The Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available on our Policy Documents for Students website.
How to register
To register for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the course you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that course.
About this page
An undergraduate qualification in Computing and ICT.
Study explained
- Credit points
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Level
- - indicates how difficult a course is. Undergraduate study starts at Level 1.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
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