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    An undergraduate qualification in Arts and Humanities and Languages.

Diploma of Higher Education in Humanities

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The Diploma of Higher Education in Humanities will help you refine your skills of debate and analysis while developing your cultural literacy. It encompasses a wide range of fascinating disciplines including art history, classical studies, creative writing, English language, French, German, history, literature, music, philosophy, religious studies and Spanish. Taking a broad perspective on human culture through the ages, you’ll sharpen your critical awareness and understanding of diverse cultural environments in widely varying historical circumstances. This diploma course offers a number of specialist pathways to suit your needs and interests. Whichever you choose, you’ll encounter a great diversity of topics from across different periods and civilisations, enabling you to develop your understanding of the past; reading and studying the arts; and the analysis of differential points of view. 

How to apply

To study for this qualification, you will need to choose a pathway from the list below.

Our qualifications have up to three start points in the year, October, February or April. You should apply in good time and if you are seeking financial support or applying for credit transfer, check our application timetable on the How to register page.

Our qualifications are available to residents of the UK and many other European countries. Read Where can I study? to see the list of countries from which we accept direct applications.

Key facts

Code: W35 Made up of: 240 credits
Entry
Requirements:

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.

Fees: Our fees depend on where you are ordinarily resident. We have a range of funding options to help you with payment. When you apply to study we will tell you the fee and funding options that are available to you. Before you apply you can read What you can expect to pay.

Career relevance and employability

This Diploma in Humanities will help you practise and refine the skills of argument and analysis which are valued highly by employers. The breadth of study and the range of cultural texts and objects analysed, combined with training in clear thinking and communication, make this subject relevant to a wide variety of careers, including:

  • public administration, local government, the civil service, art institutions, and social services
  • advertising, journalism, publishing, creative industries and public relations
  • education
  • legal work
  • business, banking and retail
  • human resources
  • charities and campaigning.

As you study this diploma course, you’ll enhance the skills you’ve already acquired. You’ll develop greater perception in understanding and analysing information, while constructing more sophisticated arguments in responding to assignments. You’ll learn to study independently and develop your information literacy. These are key transferable skills. and when you’ve completed this qualification you’ll be able to explain how they are relevant to the modern workplace.

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 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.

On completion

On successful completion of the required modules you will be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Humanities, 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 Qualification Regulations, Module Regulations and the Student Regulations.

Qualification Regulations

Module Regulations and Student Regulations

The Module Regulations and the Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available on our Essential documents website.

If you have a disability

Choosing the qualification that’s right for you is very important. Depending on your disability, long-term health condition, mental health disability or specific learning difficulty, you may need to consider any challenges posed by:

  • the learning objectives: for example, to gain an honours degree in a language you must be physically able to speak the language
  • how the modules are taught: for example, some of our science qualifications require that you complete laboratory work
  • any work-based competency requirements.

Choosing the right qualification can be a complex mix of the subject requirements and the support you may need. To help you assess whether the qualification you are interested in will work for you, further advice is available from:

Computing requirements

You will need a computer with internet access to study for this qualification. For most OU qualifications a Microsoft Windows (new since 2006), Apple Mac (OS X 10.5 or later) or Linux computer should be adequate. However, some qualifications require more specific IT equipment, in which case you will need additional software to use an Apple Mac or Linux computer. A detailed technical specification for your modules will be made available when you register. Please note, technical specifications do change over time to match computer developments and the way we teach.

Not sure if you’re ready? Try a short introductory Openings course

If you would like to try Open University study before you commit to a qualification, our Openings courses could be the right place for you to start. These introductory-level courses have been specially designed to help you find out what it’s like to study with the OU, get a taste of a subject area, develop your study skills, and build your confidence. There is also financial support available for these courses. Read more about our Openings courses.

Distance learning

The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.

For more information about distance learning at the OU read Study explained.

Our 2012 Guides to OU Study are out now!
Everything you need to know about the OU and an introduction to our degree courses.

Study explained

Time
– find out how much time is required to complete OU study. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
Costs
- find out how much you can expect to pay.
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

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