In the twenty-first century technology dominates the way we live, work, socialise and play – and 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. Finance, government, business, commerce, public services such as health and education, and the voluntary or ‘Third Sector’ are all critically dependent on computing and IT systems. 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.
Fees and facts
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Flexible, part-time study through
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
A Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) 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.
DipHEs 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 DipHE 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.
There are no formal entry requirements to study this diploma.
Career relevance and employability
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, software-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.
Building and deploying information technology systems are not solitary activities: they require teamwork and people management skills. During this diploma course, you’ll gain experience of working in a team to tackle a small development task. You’ll also be well prepared for further study should you decide to complete a full honours degree.
Studying the Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and IT will also give you transferable skills in:
the use of IT facilities
retrieval of information
time management and organisation
analysing and solving problems.
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.
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.
Distance learning explained.