Diploma of Higher Education in Social Sciences
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Diploma
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Made up of
- 240 credits
Description
Please note that this degree is only available until 31 December 2013. In order to claim this qualification, you must have completed the required 240 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.
If you’re a new student looking to start a diploma in social sciences, we strongly advise you to study our new Diploma of Higher Education in Combined Social Sciences (E75), which provides a new range of opportunities for students who wish to study social sciences at the OU.
This is a programme of study that provides you with a good knowledge and understanding of society and how it is structured, handling concepts, evidence and ideas from a range of specialist disciplines within social sciences such as sociology, social policy, psychology, politics, criminology, geography and economics. Some of the optional modules in the diploma provide you with an opportunity to broaden your experience by studying subjects that provide skills or knowledge related to social sciences – such as history, health and social care, English or mathematics.
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.
Career relevance and employability
You will find that many of the skills you acquire by studying for a social sciences diploma translate very well into the modern workplace, which requires clear and focused communication and presentation of ideas and arguments supported by evidence.
This diploma course leads to degrees that could open up employment opportunities in business, banking, insurance, education, health professions, administration, law, social services, voluntary and campaigning organisations, the media, public relations, public service organisations and government (national and local), planning and environmental management, the criminal justice system and social welfare organisations. The compulsory and optional modules build a strong set of vocational-oriented skills that are transferable to the job market: clarity of written communication and ability to convey an argument validated by evidence; critical thinking; analytic skills involving the selection from and evaluation of a large amount of knowledge and data; problem solving; constructive engagement with critical feedback; time management, self-motivation and basic numerical skills.
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.
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
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.
On completion
On successful completion of the required modules you will be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Social Sciences, and will be entitled to use the letters Dip HE (Open) after your name.
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
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