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BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree

The BA/BSc (Honours) Open is the most flexible degree programme in the UK because you can study any subjects you like, in any combination. This means you can build a qualification that's unique to you.

If you'd like some guidance about which subjects to study, we're always happy to advise. You don't need to decide now about the whole qualification, the only decision you need to make before you register is which subject to study first.

Key features of the course

Design your own qualification to suit your personal and professional needs, interests and aspirations
Mix and match subjects as you like, or combine one main subject with a few modules from other areas
Easily change direction if your study interests change
Gain knowledge and skills in a wide range of subjects
Count credit from university-level studies you’ve already completed elsewhere.
Enhance your employability – research shows that attitude and aptitude is far more important to employers than degree subject.

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Degree

Course code: QD
Credits: 360
How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Course cost: See Fees & funding
What will I study?: See Course details
Entry requirements: None

Are you ready for study?
Find out here

Register for this course

Start dates

Credit transfer: apply by 11/08/2016

Credit transfer: apply by 01/12/2016

Credit transfer: apply by 02/02/2017

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Course details

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits (equivalent to one year's full-time university study). Most students study 60 credits a year, taking on average six years to complete. We recommend that you study Stage 1 over two years as it provides the underpinning knowledge and skills needed for more advanced study at Stages 2 and 3.

If you have little or no knowledge or experience of studying, you may prefer to start your studies with an Access module as an additional preparatory stage. The credit gained from the Access module will be in addition to the other credit required for the qualification.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You’ll start with 60 credits chosen from our ‘key introductory modules’, specially selected to develop the conceptual understanding and study skills you’ll need as you work through your degree. For your remaining 60 credits, you'll have a free choice from a wide range of OU level 1 modules. Many students focus broadly on one discipline, such as science or the humanities – but there’s nothing to stop you studying modules from entirely different subject areas. Whatever your choice, it will stretch your mind, fire your imagination and enhance your employability.

Recommended starting points (60 credits) A full list of key introductory modules is available when you register, but we recommend that you start your Open degree with one of the following:
Arts and Humanities The arts past and present (AA100) Study a broad range of arts subject areas (art history, classical studies, English, history, music, philosophy and religious studies) across multiple cultures and historical periods in this university-level introduction. Business and Management An introduction to business and management (B100) This module is an engaging introduction to the fascinating and challenging world of contemporary business and management for all OU business and management qualifications. Computing and IT My digital life (TU100) 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. Design Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century (U101) Explore the common principles of design, acquire new designing skills and develop an understanding of ways of thinking that lead to innovation and creative solutions. Education, Childhood and Youth Introduction to childhood studies and child psychology (E102) This introductory module offers a fascinating insight into topics central to the lives of children and young people, exploring their emotional, physical, intellectual, social and cultural development. Engineering Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192) This is an introduction to engineering and design engineering, integrating key scientific concepts, mathematical techniques and study skills needed to support further studies in engineering. Environment and Development Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116) Introduces studying the environment and explores the issues arising from environmental change around the globe and the ways in which these challenges are being addressed. Health and Social Care An introduction to health and social care (K101) Explore through real-life case studies how we give or receive health and social care services in residential and community settings, hospitals, clinics or GP surgeries. Health and Wellbeing Introduction to sport, fitness and management (E112) Whether your interest in sport and fitness is general or professional, this module covers key issues from health and nutrition to safety and customer care. Languages Bon départ: beginners' French (L192) Learn to speak and understand French in a wide range of practical situations, and explore French life and culture with this carefully structured beginners’ module. Rundblick: beginners' German (L193) Learn to speak and understand German in a wide range of practical situations, and explore life in German-speaking communities with this carefully structured beginners’ module. Portales: beginners' Spanish (L194) Learn to speak and understand Spanish in various practical situations, and get a real feel for Hispanic cultures with this carefully structured beginners’ module. Law An introduction to law (W101) This module examines the role and function of a legal system by considering why laws develop, how laws are created, interpreted and applied, and what role law plays in regulating and administering justice within a society. Mathematics and Statistics Discovering mathematics (MU123) Introduces and helps integrate key ideas from statistics, algebra, geometry and trigonometry into your everyday thinking to build your confidence in learning and using mathematics. Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) This university-level mathematics module covers key topics including calculus, vectors, matrices, sequences and functions, and assumes you are confident with the underpinning algebraic ideas. Introducing statistics (M140) Learn statistical tools and quantitative methods, covering topics such as summarising data; examining relationships; randomness and sampling distributions; probability; testing hypotheses; and estimation. Psychology and Counselling Introduction to childhood studies and child psychology (E102) This introductory module offers a fascinating insight into topics central to the lives of children and young people, exploring their emotional, physical, intellectual, social and cultural development. Science Questions in science (S111) Questions in science is a key introductory science module that encompasses astronomy and planetary science; biology; chemistry; Earth and environmental sciences; and physics. Science and health: an evidence-based approach (SDK100) This module introduces the health sciences by exploring eight globally important health topics, ranging from nutrition and infectious diseases to pain and breast cancer screening. The module also introduces you to the scientific approach to health and develops study skills in maths and writing for science. Social Sciences Introducing the social sciences (DD102) This module is an ideal introduction to the social sciences – psychology, criminology, geography and environment, politics and international studies, economics and sociology.
Completing Stage 1 (60 credits) Choose another 60 credits from the list above or from a wide range of OU level 1 modules. A full list of OU level 1 modules is available when you register and includes the following:
Business and Management An introduction to retail management and marketing (B122) Education, Childhood and Youth Working with young people: an introduction (E108) Engineering Engineering at work (T198) Health and Social Care Foundations for effective practice in youth justice (K115) Foundations for social work practice (K113) Perspectives in health and social care (K118) Languages Andante: beginners' Italian (L195) Auftakt: intermediate German (L130) Beginners' Chinese (L197) English for academic purposes online (L185) En rumbo: intermediate Spanish (L140) Exploring languages and cultures (L161) Ouverture: intermediate French (L120) Professional communication skills for business studies (LB160) Vivace: intermediate Italian (L150) Mathematics and Statistics Essential mathematics 2 (MST125) Psychology Investigating psychology 1 (DE100) Science Investigative and mathematical skills in science (S141) Topics in science (S142) Social Sciences Investigating the social world (DD103)

Recommended starting points (60 credits)

A full list of key introductory modules is available when you register, but we recommend that you start your Open degree with one of the following:

Arts and Humanities

The arts past and present (AA100)
Study a broad range of arts subject areas (art history, classical studies, English, history, music, philosophy and religious studies) across multiple cultures and historical periods in this university-level introduction.

Business and Management

An introduction to business and management (B100)
This module is an engaging introduction to the fascinating and challenging world of contemporary business and management for all OU business and management qualifications.

Computing and IT

My digital life (TU100)
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.

Design

Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century (U101)
Explore the common principles of design, acquire new designing skills and develop an understanding of ways of thinking that lead to innovation and creative solutions.

Education, Childhood and Youth

Introduction to childhood studies and child psychology (E102)
This introductory module offers a fascinating insight into topics central to the lives of children and young people, exploring their emotional, physical, intellectual, social and cultural development.

Engineering

Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192)
This is an introduction to engineering and design engineering, integrating key scientific concepts, mathematical techniques and study skills needed to support further studies in engineering.

Environment and Development

Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)
Introduces studying the environment and explores the issues arising from environmental change around the globe and the ways in which these challenges are being addressed.

Health and Social Care

An introduction to health and social care (K101)
Explore through real-life case studies how we give or receive health and social care services in residential and community settings, hospitals, clinics or GP surgeries.

Health and Wellbeing

Introduction to sport, fitness and management (E112)
Whether your interest in sport and fitness is general or professional, this module covers key issues from health and nutrition to safety and customer care.

Languages

Bon départ: beginners' French (L192)
Learn to speak and understand French in a wide range of practical situations, and explore French life and culture with this carefully structured beginners’ module.
Rundblick: beginners' German (L193)
Learn to speak and understand German in a wide range of practical situations, and explore life in German-speaking communities with this carefully structured beginners’ module.
Portales: beginners' Spanish (L194)
Learn to speak and understand Spanish in various practical situations, and get a real feel for Hispanic cultures with this carefully structured beginners’ module.

Law

An introduction to law (W101)
This module examines the role and function of a legal system by considering why laws develop, how laws are created, interpreted and applied, and what role law plays in regulating and administering justice within a society.

Mathematics and Statistics

Discovering mathematics (MU123)
Introduces and helps integrate key ideas from statistics, algebra, geometry and trigonometry into your everyday thinking to build your confidence in learning and using mathematics.
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)
This university-level mathematics module covers key topics including calculus, vectors, matrices, sequences and functions, and assumes you are confident with the underpinning algebraic ideas.
Introducing statistics (M140)
Learn statistical tools and quantitative methods, covering topics such as summarising data; examining relationships; randomness and sampling distributions; probability; testing hypotheses; and estimation.

Psychology and Counselling

Introduction to childhood studies and child psychology (E102)
This introductory module offers a fascinating insight into topics central to the lives of children and young people, exploring their emotional, physical, intellectual, social and cultural development.

Science

Questions in science (S111)
Questions in science is a key introductory science module that encompasses astronomy and planetary science; biology; chemistry; Earth and environmental sciences; and physics.
Science and health: an evidence-based approach (SDK100)
This module introduces the health sciences by exploring eight globally important health topics, ranging from nutrition and infectious diseases to pain and breast cancer screening. The module also introduces you to the scientific approach to health and develops study skills in maths and writing for science.

Social Sciences

Introducing the social sciences (DD102)
This module is an ideal introduction to the social sciences – psychology, criminology, geography and environment, politics and international studies, economics and sociology.

Completing Stage 1 (60 credits)

Choose another 60 credits from the list above or from a wide range of OU level 1 modules. A full list of OU level 1 modules is available when you register and includes the following:

Business and Management

An introduction to retail management and marketing (B122)

Education, Childhood and Youth

Working with young people: an introduction (E108)

Engineering

Engineering at work (T198)

Health and Social Care

Languages

Mathematics and Statistics

Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)

Psychology

Investigating psychology 1 (DE100)

Science

Social Sciences

Investigating the social world (DD103)

Stages 2 and 3 (240 credits)

At Stage 2, you may have formed some ideas about the direction in which you want to go – if so, you can start to focus on one or two subject areas. Equally, you can continue to enjoy a free-ranging approach and let your mind take you where it wants to go. However, at Stage 3 we do recommend that you build on previous modules to get the best from your studies. We have advisory routes through different subjects available to help you create a coherent qualification that suits your needs.

The modules quoted in this description are currently available for study. However, as we review the curriculum on a regular basis, the exact selection may change over time. Note also that some modules are required to be studied in sequence.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding
Cognitive skills
Practical and professional skills
Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.

For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successful completion of 360 credits you will be awarded either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science honours degree.

Whether you qualify for a BA (Hons) Open degree or a BSc (Hons) Open degree will be determined by the number of credits you have from modules suitable for a BA or for a BSc.

For a BA, at least 180 credits must come from modules suitable for a BA (that is with module codes starting with A, B, D, E, K, L, M, U or W).

For a BSc, at least 180 credits must come from modules suitable for a BSc (that is, with module codes starting with B, D, E, K, M, S, T, U or W).

Of these 180 credits, at least 120 must be at OU level 2 or above, and at least 60 of these must be at OU level 3.

Your honours degree will be classified either as first-class honours, upper second-class honours, lower second-class honours or third-class honours. The class is determined by the grades you achieve in up to 240 credits from OU modules above level 1. At least 120 of those credits must come from modules at level 3.

At the end of your studies you will receive a detailed record of modules you have studied and the results. You will have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations available on our Essential Documents website.

BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree

Entry requirements

The only decision you need to make when you register is what to study first.

Study skills for this qualification

The BA/BSc (Honours) Open begins with one of a range of key introductory modules, which are all designed to build a solid foundation for further study. Although they’re introductory modules, having some basic skills before you begin can help you get the best from your studies. For example, if you choose one of our science, maths or engineering modules you might want to check if your IT and mathematical skills are up to scratch. For some subject areas, we offer online diagnostic tools to help you to decide if you’re ready, or if you could do with some extra preparation:

General study skills

Anyone can study with The Open University, but if it's a while since you did any academic work it's worth checking that your time management, computing and English skills are up to speed. Visit Can I do it? to find out more.

How much time do I need?

Most of our students study part time completing 60 credits a year.
This will normally mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Read about how some of our students have fitted OU study into their lives, then find out if you have enough time to study by completing our time planner.

Help! I'm not sure I'm ready!

If your study skills are a bit rusty or you want to try out Open University study before committing yourself, don’t worry! You can get started with an Access module – fascinating courses designed to introduce subject areas, build your confidence and prepare you for further study.

The credit gained from the Access module will be in addition to the other credit required for the qualification.

For this qualification, we recommend choosing one of the following:

Arts and languages Access module

What you will study

This fascinating, multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the arts and languages, and would like to develop both your subject knowledge and your study skills. It explores a range of subjects, including art history, English, English language studies, history, modern languages, and also touches on the areas of creative writing and religious studies.

View full details of Arts and languages Access module

Y031

People, work and society Access module

What you will study

This is a multidisciplinary module that allows you to develop your subject knowledge and your general study skills. It provides an excellent introduction to a wide range of subject areas, including children and young people, health, law, management, psychology and social sciences.

View full details of People, work and society Access module

Y032

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

This fascinating, multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics, and would like to develop both your subject knowledge and your study skills. The subjects included are science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.

View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module

Y033

In this section:: How much will it cost?; Ways to pay for your qualification and other support

How much will it cost?

We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spread, or even reduce, the cost.

Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis – you won't have to pay for the whole of your qualification up front.
A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. Added together, they give you the total cost.
If (like most OU students) you study part time at a rate of 60 credits a year, you'll take six years to complete an honours degree. Our current fee for 60 credits is £2,786*.
Our current fee is £5,572* – based on 120 credits of study – which is equivalent to a year's full-time study.
The total cost of your qualification starts from £16,716* based on our current fees.

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2017. Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees.

Additional costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as a laptop, travel to tutorials, set books and internet access.

If you're on a low income you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after you register.

Residential schools

If you choose to study a residential school module as part of this qualification, you will be responsible for the cost of travel to the venue and an additional charge (£270 in 2016/17) to cover the cost of accommodation and meals. This charge is payable as part of your residential school booking and will be due after you have completed your registration onto the residential school module.

Ways to pay for your qualification and other support

We know there’s a lot to think about when choosing to study, not least how you can pay. That’s why we offer a wide range of flexible payment and funding options to help make study more affordable. Options include Part-Time Tuition Fee Loans (also known as student loans), monthly payment plans and employer sponsorship.

We’re confident we can help you find an option that’s right for you.

Just answer these simple questions to find out more about the options available to you for courses starting before 31 July 2017.

You will need [xxx] credits to complete this qualification.

How many credits are you planning to study per year?

30 credits per year means you will study 8 - 10 hours per week

60 credits per year means you will study 16 - 20 hours per week

Do you already hold a degree?

Yes, I already hold a degree

No, I do not hold a degree

Are you employed?

Yes, I'm employed

No, I'm not employed

Are you a member of British Forces Posted Overseas?

Yes, I am a member of British Forces Posted Overseas

No, I am not a member of British Forces Posted Overseas

* The fee and funding information provided here is valid for courses starting before 31 July 2017. Fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University’s strategic approach to fees.

An OU qualification will always help you stand out from the crowd, now and in the future – whether you’re just starting out, developing your career, or changing direction entirely.

Skills for career development

An Open degree equips you with a wide range of expertise, skills and capabilities that are much sought after in today’s highly competitive job market. It’s also fascinating, mind broadening and completely relevant – because you design it yourself. An Open degree on your CV tells potential employers that you understand your subjects in a broad social, academic and employment context; that you’re serious about professional development; that you’re adaptable and flexible; and that you have excellent transferable skills including:

problem solving
communication and literacy
numeracy
information technology
analysis and reporting
critical analysis
reflective awareness.

It also says a lot about your personal qualities – that you’re prepared to take on a challenge and see it through to the end, and that you can prioritise tasks and manage your time. These are exactly the kind of qualities that employers are looking for. Research* shows that having the right attitudes and aptitudes is by far the most important consideration when businesses are recruiting graduates – nearly nine in ten employers (89%) value these above other factors such as degree subject (62%).

* Inspiring Growth CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Survey 2015.

Career relevance

The Open degree is relevant to a huge range of jobs in every sector. It can help you to develop in your existing employment, or be a passport to a whole new career. Its flexibility particularly suits people with multi-faceted work roles; and anyone needing to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding to manage changes in their current job or future career path.

Other careers

A degree is always valuable, no matter what you study. Around 70% of graduate jobs are open to graduates of any discipline – particularly roles in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, visit the graduate careers website Prospects for hundreds of job ideas.

When you register on an Open University course, you’ll get all sorts of ideas and materials to help you prepare for study.

But if you can’t wait until then, here are some tantalising and fascinating videos to give you an idea of the quality of our learning programmes and a flavour of the OU’s unique style of teaching.

Watch

Mythbusting moons

Supermoons, tides, and what’s on the dark side: bust some common moon myths.

History of English in 10 minutes: Anglo-Saxon

A look at what words the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings bought to the English language.

60 second adventures in economics: The Invisible Hand

Get a lowdown on the self-regulating nature of the market place.

Course details

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Recommended starting points (60 credits)

A full list of key introductory modules is available when you register, but we recommend that you start your Open degree with one of the following:

Completing Stage 1 (60 credits)

Choose another 60 credits from the list above or from a wide range of OU level 1 modules. A full list of OU level 1 modules is available when you register and includes the following:

Stages 2 and 3 (240 credits)

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

Classification of your degree

Regulations

Entry requirements

Study skills for this qualification

General study skills

How much time do I need?

Help! I'm not sure I'm ready!

Arts and languages Access module

What you will study

People, work and society Access module

What you will study

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

Your next step

How much will it cost?

Additional costs

Study costs

Residential schools

Ways to pay for your qualification and other support

You will need [xxx] credits to complete this qualification.

How many credits are you planning to study per year?

Do you already hold a degree?

Are you employed?

Are you a member of British Forces Posted Overseas?

Skills for career development

Career relevance

Other careers

Exploring your options

Watch

Mythbusting moons

History of English in 10 minutes: Anglo-Saxon

60 second adventures in economics: The Invisible Hand

Where do you live?