Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and IT

Course Code: W36 Course Level: Undergraduate Subject Area: Computing and IT Course Qualification: Diploma This course is available for study in: Aland Islands, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Channel Islands, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Isle of Man, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City State

What you will learn

In the twenty-first century technology dominates the way we live, work, and socialise. Computing and IT skills are increasingly essential in today's workplace. This diploma course gives you an excellent foundation for a wide variety of information technology-related careers. Whether you want to be a confident user and manager of information technologies, to grasp the opportunities that such technologies offer, or to develop software solutions, the Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and IT has a pathway to suit you.

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.

Time required and cost

You require 240 credits to complete this course. Time to complete studies can range from 3 to 12 years depending on how many credits are studied each year. Typically 9 hours of study a week equates to 30 credits achieved in a year.

What you pay is based on the number of credits you study in a year and this depends on the modules you choose. Fees for study commencing in academic year 2013/2014:

• £2,562 if you study 60 credits in a year
• £1,281 if you study 30 credits in a year.

NB: Costs and course content is subject to change.

Career impact

This diploma course is an ideal starting point for a career in information technology, computing, communication technology and related fields. It’s particularly relevant if you work, or would like to work with computing and IT systems – in hardware-based or systems-based contexts – and are looking for a qualification that shows you have a sound grasp of the principles of these technologies, that you can apply these principles, and that you’re aware of the surrounding issues. Specialist options provide you with the opportunity to develop your expertise in particular areas such as software engineering communications, networks or web technologies.

The diploma will also give you a set of transferable skills that will include collaborative working and problem solving.

Key dates

Please see the tables shown on the Pathway pages via the links shown at the bottom of this page.’

Entry requirements

You will however need to be proficient in English, to an IELTS standard of 6.0. If you are unsure you will be able to take a free English test as part of the registration process.

Classification of course

On successful completion of the required number and type of modules you will be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and Information Technology and entitled to use the letters DipHE (Open) after your name.

Credits

For information on Credits, click here.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the following regulations:

• Student Regulations
• Module Regulations
• General Qualification Regulations
• Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and IT.