Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and its Practice
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Diploma
- Code
- E41
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Made up of
- 240 credit points
Description
Wherever we look, we find computers and computing devices. They are found in nearly every workplace and lie at the heart of almost every modern gadget, whether it is used at work or in the home.
For computers and computing devices to work safely and reliably, they need to be programmed and managed. The programs or ’software‘ they use have to be designed, written, tested, installed, updated and distributed over networks, keeping everything in step. And when large numbers of people are using complex networks of computers and communications devices, the systems they rely upon need to be professionally administered - and users will always need expert advice to solve their problems.
The Open University’s Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and its Practice is about acquiring skills to develop and manage software, and learning how to deploy those skills at work. As a student on the diploma, you will study courses on a range of specific skills – like programming in Java – and you will start to plan and manage your professional career development. You will also receive credit for gaining relevant technical qualifications from organisations like Microsoft.
After the diploma, you can also go on to complete a full honours degree, choosing specialist subjects such as databases, distributed computing or human-computer interaction.
This diploma will be of particular interest to those living and working in Scotland. It is offered to students who live and work elsewhere as the Foundation Degree in Computing and its Practice (G06).
Planning your studies
If you’re new to study or the OU, we strongly recommend that you start with Data, computing and information (M150) and that you complete your Level 1 study before going on to Level 2. If you wish to study in a different order, do read the description of your chosen course carefully to ensure that you are sufficiently prepared for it.
You can register your intention to study for this diploma when you register on an individual course, 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 80 points from OU courses that have not been counted in an OU diploma or other first degree you have been awarded.
Your choice from the optional courses might depend on whether you intend to progress from this diploma to an honours degree such as the Shortened BSc (Honours) Computing and its Practice (B40). You should check the requirements of any further qualifications that you are considering and seek advice from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Career relevance and employability
You will already be working with computers, either in paid work or as a volunteer. You may spend most of your time undertaking tasks such as installing standard ’office’ software or working on a help desk - but you want the opportunity to develop your skills further.
Perhaps you started work straight from school, or maybe you are returning to work after a career break, or just want a change of direction. Maybe you need a relevant qualification to make progress in your job, but can’t afford to stop working.
If so, the Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and its Practice could be ideal for you. It allows you to study while you work, with up to half of the credit you need coming from work-based learning and by recognition of vocational qualifications from organisations like Microsoft – indeed, you may already have some of these qualifications. Studying with the support of an appropriately-qualified person at your place of work, you can gain the skills that will put you well on the way to a successful career in the computing industry.
For planning your next career steps, visit the OU Careers Advisory Service.
Courses
For this 240-point diploma you require:
60 points from the following compulsory courses:
| Level 1 compulsory courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
|
30 | May 2010 |
And 30 points from the following optional courses:
| Level 1 optional courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
| or | ||
|
30 | |
|
30 | Jan 2010 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued course T171
And 120 points from the following compulsory courses:
| Level 2 compulsory courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
60 | Oct 2010 |
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
|
20 | Feb 2010 |
|
10 | May 2010 |
And 30 points from the following optional courses:
| Level 2 optional courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | May 2010 |
|
30 | Oct 2010 |
|
30 | Jan 2010 |
Courses may count towards this award for a maximum of five years after we have stopped presenting them. See course descriptions for future availability.
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 of Higher Education in Computing and its Practice and will be entitled to use the letters Dip HE (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
- Introduction to the Award Regulations
- General Award Regulations
- Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and its Practice
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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