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    An undergraduate qualification in Arts and Humanities.

Diploma of Higher Education in Humanities

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Description

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. 

Fees and facts

Where will you be resident whilst you study?

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Fee: Choose country above to see fee and ways to pay.
Study method: Flexible, part-time study through distance learning.
Type of qualification: Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
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A Diploma of Higher Education (Dip HE) is equivalent to two thirds of an honours degree. They are nationally recognised qualifications focusing either on a particular job or profession, or academic study.

Dip HEs are designed to increase the professional and technical skills of staff within a profession or extend your knowledge and understanding of a particular subject. A Dip HE shows that you are capable of extended study at university level.

You can use a DipHE to:

  • change careers or progress your current career,
  • gain technical and professional skills,
  • gain a greater knowledge and understanding of a subject you are interested in,
  • gain professional recognition,
  • achieve a full honours degree through additional study.

The Diploma of Higher Education might be of particular interest to those living and working in Scotland.

Code: W35

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.

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.

Choose a pathway and register

Pathways allow you to specialise or choose particular topics that interest you. You will need to choose a pathway before registering.

You can choose from a number of different pathways to a DipHE in Humanities depending on your interests and the amount of time you wish to commit to studying. Each pathway can also prepare you for the BA (Hons) Humanities with the same specialism.

Next start
Broad-based humanities pathway Oct 2013
Art history pathway Oct 2013
Classical studies pathway Oct 2013
Creative writing pathway Oct 2013
English language pathway Oct 2013
French pathway Oct 2013
German pathway Oct 2013
History pathway Oct 2013
English literature pathway Oct 2013
Music pathway Oct 2013
Philosophy pathway Oct 2013
Religious studies pathway Oct 2013
Spanish pathway Oct 2013

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 this qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible, and before you register for this qualification.  

If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete this qualification. This may also mean that the next start date and the maximum time limit for this qualification are different to those shown above.

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

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.

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 following regulations:

These regulations are also 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 2007), Apple Mac (OS X 10.6 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.

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 or study adviser 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 read Distance learning explained.

Are you already an OU student ? Go to StudentHome for information on choosing your next module.

Your questions

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