Certificate of Higher Education Open: Standard pathway

Stage 1

For your first 60 credits, you’ll choose from a wide and varied list of key introductory modules (worth 30 or 60 credits each), designed to develop your subject knowledge and study skills and provide a firm foundation for future learning. You can see the full list when you register, but here we suggest modules that introduce our 14 subjects:

• Arts and humanities – The arts past and present (AA100)The arts past and present::This broadly-focused course introduces you to university-level study in the arts across a range of subject areas - art history, classical studies, English, history, philosophy, music and religious studies. It is structured around four themes, in order to guide you through some of the basic concerns of arts subjects: Reputations; Tradition and Dissent; Cultural Encounters; and Place and Leisure. Your studies will range from poetry to string quartets, and from sculpture to short stories – across a wide variety of cultures and historical periods. This key introductory Level 1 course is also a useful means of acquiring the key skills required for further study of arts and humanities subjects.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,AA100,,1 (60 credits)
• Business and management – An introduction to business studies (B120)An introduction to business studies::This Level 1 course is the first in our degree in business studies and is the recommended introductory course in business studies. It explores the question ‘What is a business?’ and investigates the business functions of human resource management, accounting and finance, and marketing. Different internal and external elements of a business are introduced, and the context in which a business operates explained. You’ll explore the common aims and characteristics of business – investigating what makes them different. Business structures, cultures and functions are identified and the political, social, economic, technological and ethical considerations affecting business are introduced.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,B120,,1 (30 credits)
• Childhood and youth  – The early years: developing practice (E100)The early years: developing practice::This Level 1 course is appropriate for practitioners currently working with young children aged between birth and seven years in public, private, voluntary and independent settings. You’ll cover a range of themes including how children develop and learn; their personal, social and emotional development; communication and language; literacy, mathematics; and their understanding of the world. You'll learn about the early years curriculum and develop your ability to work effectively with young children, parents, colleagues and other professionals.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,E100,,1 or Supporting learning in primary schools (E111)Supporting learning in primary schools::This Level 1 course is appropriate for teaching and classroom assistants (paid or voluntary) working alongside teachers in primary schools, or if you’re working in a special school, hospital educational unit, or pupil referral unit where primary-aged children follow the National Curriculum. You’ll cover a range of themes including: the study of children’s learning; inclusive education; play and creativity; and English, maths and science. You’ll acquire a good knowledge of primary education, learn to work productively with teachers as team colleagues, and develop your ability to support children’s learning effectively.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,E111,,1 (both 60 credits)
• Computing and IT – My digital life (TU100)My digital life::While you’re learning about tomorrow's technology why not help create it? My digital life takes you on a journey from the origins of information technology through to the familiar computers of today, and on to tomorrow’s radical technologies. You'll get hands-on experience of the ubiquitous computing approaches that will become increasingly common over the next decade. You'll also learn about the profound social and technological changes associated with information technology – changes that will affect every one of us. This key introductory Level 1 course will help you prepare for these changes – think of it as an online survival kit for the twenty-first century.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,TU100,,1 (60 credits)
• Education – The early years: developing practice (E100)The early years: developing practice::This Level 1 course is appropriate for practitioners currently working with young children aged between birth and seven years in public, private, voluntary and independent settings. You’ll cover a range of themes including how children develop and learn; their personal, social and emotional development; communication and language; literacy, mathematics; and their understanding of the world. You'll learn about the early years curriculum and develop your ability to work effectively with young children, parents, colleagues and other professionals.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,E100,,1 or Supporting learning in primary schools (E111)Supporting learning in primary schools::This Level 1 course is appropriate for teaching and classroom assistants (paid or voluntary) working alongside teachers in primary schools, or if you’re working in a special school, hospital educational unit, or pupil referral unit where primary-aged children follow the National Curriculum. You’ll cover a range of themes including: the study of children’s learning; inclusive education; play and creativity; and English, maths and science. You’ll acquire a good knowledge of primary education, learn to work productively with teachers as team colleagues, and develop your ability to support children’s learning effectively.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,E111,,1 (both 60 credits)
• Engineering, technology and design – Engineering the future (T174)Engineering the future::This key introductory Level 1 course examines the range of human activity that is ’engineering‘, from design concepts to the manufacture of products. It introduces the context in which engineers operate –including issues such as product safety and patent law – and looks at current engineering practice. It considers some of the developments in engineering methods and applications that will shape the future. The course is ideal if you are considering studying engineering at higher levels and wish to acquire more specialised skills. It is also a good introduction to engineering if you simply have an interest in what it is and how it is practised in modern society.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,T174,,1 (30 credits) or Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century (U101)Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century::This key introductory Level 1 course, packed with new learning innovation, will change your way of seeing and solving complex problems forever. Through a mix of academic and practical work you’ll develop an understanding of design, acquire new designing skills and build a portfolio of design projects as a strong foundation for future study or work experience. This online course looks at common principles of design and ways of thinking that lead to ideas and creative solutions. Within a specially created virtual design studio you’ll complete many hands-on activities and interact with your fellow students as you experience a completely different way of learning.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,U101,,1 (60 credits)
• Environment, development and international studies – Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)Environment: journeys through a changing world::Our world is changing fast – we are experiencing pressure from climate change, growing demands for finite resources and the extinction of many plants and animals. Environment: journeys through a changing world introduces you to environmental studies and the issues arising from environmental change. It shows how people are seeking positive solutions to environmental challenges where you live, in the Arctic, Africa, the Amazon and China. It also develops the key skills and concepts needed to understand our changing world. You do not need any prior knowledge to study this key introductory Level 1 course, just an interest in the future of our planet.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,U116,,1 (60 credits)
• Health and social care – An introduction to health and social care (K101)An introduction to health and social care::We all depend on care services at some time in our lives – at home; in hospitals, clinics or GP surgeries; in community and residential settings. As a key introductory Level 1 course, K101 provides an authoritative overview of health and social care underpinned by health and social policy, practice expertise and social science. The learning experience is greatly enhanced by real-life case studies taking you deep into the experience of receiving care and working in care services. This course will help you to build knowledge and understanding of care work and care services, develop skills, and prepare you for further study.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,K101,,1 (60 credits)
• Languages – Rundblick: beginners' German (L193)Rundblick: beginners' German::This key introductory Level 1 course – Rundblick: beginners' German – is designed to develop the skills you need to speak and understand simple German in everyday contexts. It explores life in German-speaking countries and communities worldwide through topics relevant to adult learners – such as impressions of Germany, Austria and Switzerland; travelling; lifestyles; cultural events; and technology. Study resources include printed books, a dedicated website with online activities and resources and audio recordings – which support independent learning. Together, they’ll give you not just language skills but a real feel for German-speaking countries and communities too.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,L193,,1, Bon départ: beginners' French (L192)Bon départ: beginners' French::This key introductory Level 1 course – Bon départ: beginners' French – is designed to develop the skills you need to speak and understand simple French in everyday contexts. It explores life in France and introduces you to a wide range of practical situations such as travelling, shopping, working and eating out. Study resources include printed books, a dedicated website with online activities and resources and audio recordings – which support independent learning. Together, they’ll give you not just language skills but a real feel for French-speaking cultures too.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,L192,,1, or Portales: beginners' Spanish (L194)Portales: beginners' Spanish::This key introductory Level 1 course – Portales: beginners’ Spanish – is designed to develop the skills you need to speak and understand simple Spanish in everyday contexts. It takes you through a wide range of practical situations such as travelling, shopping, working and eating out in Spanish-speaking countries. Study resources include printed books, a dedicated website with online activities and resources and audio recordings – which support independent learning. Together, they’ll give you not just language skills but a real feel for Hispanic cultures as well.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,L194,,1 (30 credits each)
• Law – Rules, rights and justice: an introduction to law (W100)Rules, rights and justice: an introduction to law::This key introductory Level 1 course introduces the study of law and legal skills. It begins by looking at how rules develop within a society and how laws (in effect legal rules) are made, interpreted, and applied. Then, it examines the concepts of legal personality, unlawful conduct and states of mind. You will explore civil and criminal sanctions; issues raised by human rights legislation; and the concepts of rights and justice. Of particular interest as preparation for a law degree, the course also provides an excellent beginning if you wish to study other subjects. The course deals principally with the law of England and Wales.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,W100,,1 (60 credits)
• Mathematics and statistics – Discovering mathematics (MU123)Discovering mathematics::This key introductory Level 1 course provides a gentle start to the study of mathematics. It will help you to integrate mathematical ideas into your everyday thinking and build your confidence in using and learning mathematics. You’ll cover statistical, graphical, algebraic, trigonometric and numerical concepts and techniques, and be introduced to mathematical modelling. Formal calculus is not included and you are not expected to have any previous knowledge of algebra. The skills introduced will be ideal if you plan to study more mathematics courses, such as Using mathematics (MST121). It is also suitable for users of mathematics in other areas, such as computing, science, technology, social science, humanities, business and education.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,MU123,,1, Using mathematics (MST121)Using mathematics::This broad, enjoyable introduction to university-level mathematics assumes some prior knowledge, as described on our MathsChoices website. The course shows how mathematics can be applied to answer some key questions from science, technology, and everyday life. You will study a range of fundamental techniques, including calculus, recurrence relations, matrices and vectors and statistics, and use integrated specialist mathematical software to solve problems. The skills of communicating results and defining problems are also developed. This is not a course for beginners – at the MathsChoices website (mathschoices.open.ac.uk) there are quizzes, sample material and advice to help you determine if this course is right for you.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,MST121,,1 (or from February 2014 Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)Essential mathematics 1::This key introductory course provides a broad and enjoyable foundation for university-level mathematics, but you do require some prior knowledge. It teaches you the essential ideas and techniques that underpin university-level study in mathematics and mathematical subjects such as physics, engineering and economics. You’ll study a range of fundamental topics – including calculus, vectors, matrices and complex numbers – and use mathematical software to solve problems. You’ll also develop your skills in communicating results and defining problems. This is not a course for beginners. Our MathsChoices website (mathschoices.open.ac.uk) contains quizzes, sample material and advice to help you decide if this is the right course for you.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,MST124,,1) or Introducing statistics (M140)Introducing statistics::Today, more than ever, statistics is part of our lives. From this key introductory course you will learn how to use basic statistical tools and quantitative methods that are useful in business, government, industry, medicine, the economy, and most academic subjects. Topics covered include: summarising data; examining relationships; randomness and sampling distributions; probability; testing hypotheses; and estimation. Using data from a range of applications, you’ll learn practical statistical techniques and fundamental principles, as well as using software and a calculator to analyse data. The skills introduced will be ideal if you plan to study more mathematics courses. This course is also suitable for students of other subjects who need a basic knowledge of statistics.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,M140,,1 (30 credits each)
• Psychology – Introducing the social sciences - part one (DD131)Introducing the social sciences - part one::This key introductory Level 1 module provides an approachable and contemporary introduction to the disciplines and subjects that form the social sciences, as well as the questions and issues that social scientists investigate and explore. It tackles everyday issues in an appropriate way, so that you can build on what you already know and gain a solid grounding in study techniques and social science skills and debates. Combining this with another 30-credit course – such as Discovering psychology (DSE141) – is an excellent choice if you want a gradual entry into the social sciences.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,DD131,,1 followed by Discovering psychology (DSE141)Discovering psychology::Drawing on a wide range of studies and some classic pieces of psychological research, this key introductory Level 1 course provides an accessible and engaging introduction to the study of psychology. Discovering psychology explores the different ways in which psychologists investigate the human mind and behaviour, and shows you how psychological research addresses real-life issues. You will be provided with a textbook and access to a website containing an online study guide, audio-visual material and interactive activities which are designed to help you develop your knowledge and skills.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,DSE141,,1 (30 credits each)
• Science – Exploring science (S104)Exploring science::This key introductory Level 1 course is an ideal starting point for studying the natural sciences – astronomy and planetary science; biology; chemistry, earth and environmental science; and physics. Using a blend of text and online study materials, this wide-ranging course investigates the major scientific issues affecting human society in the twenty-first century. You will explore the fundamentals of modern science and develop important scientific concepts and skills to give you a solid foundation for studying science at a higher level. You should have some basic mathematical skills and knowledge of basic science concepts before you begin.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,S104,,1 (60 credits)
• Social Sciences – Introducing the social sciences (DD101)Introducing the social sciences::This key introductory Level 1 course is an ideal introduction to the social sciences – psychology, social policy and criminology, geography and environment, politics and international studies, economics and sociology – through study of contemporary UK society. Using a blend of text, audio, DVD and online materials, you’ll explore a wide range of topics, including questions of society’s relationship to the environment, questions of identity and issues of social order and governance – all considered in their national and international contexts – that will equip you with a range of skills for independent study and for your personal and working life.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.T09-1,module,DD101,,1 (60 credits).

For your final 60 credits, you can choose any Level 1 module(s) you like, worth 30 or 60 credits.

If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards an Open University qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible, and before you register for your chosen qualification. If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete your qualification with us.

Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.