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Diploma

Level
Undergraduate
Made up of
120 credits

Description

Please note that this diploma is only available until 31 December 2014.  In order to claim this qualification, you must have completed the required 120 credits by this time.

If you have any questions about your eligibility for this qualification please contact the Credit, Qualifications and Ceremonies Centre on +44(0) 1908 653003 or by email.

Childhood and youth studies is one of the fastest growing qualifications in the UK. The OU was a pioneer in this field and over the last 15 years we have developed a wide-ranging, interdisciplinary qualification programme. It spans the entire age range of childhood and youth and covers childhood internationally as well as in the UK. This diploma is an attractive option if you work or intend to work with children and young people, or if you have more general interests in the interdisciplinary childhood and youth studies field. It combines the two compulsory modules from our honours degree in this subject and represents the core learning in this field. The diploma is particularly suitable for you if you want to deepen your specialist knowledge and understanding of this field of study without undertaking a whole degree. It is also ideal for professional development.

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How to register

Registration is not yet open for this qualification. For an autumn 2012 start, registration opens on 27 March 2012. If you would like to register your interest, you can order our free guide to studying in 2012.

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Career relevance and employability

This qualification gives you the knowledge and analytical skills relevant to many careers in childcare, health and education; working with families; playwork; or working with young people. It will introduce you to many new aspects of the subject which will enable you to make informed choices about future career paths. You do not need to work with children in order to study this diploma. Although it’s not a vocational qualification in its own right, it is a weighty academic qualification (QAA Intermediate level) and will be relevant for individuals wanting to enter or progress in this field.

This diploma emphasises independent thinking and helps you to develop clear and confident writing skills, both of which are highly valued by employers. It also develops your knowledge and appreciation of the diversity of modern childhoods. It expands your expertise and interests. Managing the many aspects of the subject matter will demonstrate your versatility to employers. It will develop your research skills if you want to go on to further study, while the knowledge, analytical and communication skills developed through this qualification will prove valuable in your role as employee, volunteer, parent or grandparent.

There is more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OU’s Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.

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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.

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Credit for previous study elsewhere

If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution we may be able to give you credit that you can count towards this Open University qualification. Further details will be available when registration opens for this qualification.

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On completion

On successful completion of qualifying modules totalling 120 credits, you will be awarded the Diploma in Childhood and Youth Studies entitling you to use the letters Dip CYS (Open) after your name.

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Fees 2012

See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.

About this page

An undergraduate qualification.

Study explained

Costs
- find out how much you can expect to pay.
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.

Your questions

We may have already answered it in our frequently asked questions.

Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35

Employers' questions

Contact Corporate Enquiries
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