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An image to illustrate the Diploma of Higher Education in Computing & IT and a second subject
Combine computing and IT with a second subject of your choice, business, design, mathematics, psychology, or statistics, and unlock a world of possibilities. You’ll gain core IT skills in programming, networking, and software development, while exploring how technology intersects with your chosen field. This dynamic combination builds problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and digital literacy, equipping you with a versatile skill set for modern careers. It’s also an ideal springboard for further study and roles where technology intersects with other disciplines.
This Diploma of Higher Education is the same as Stages 1 and 2 of our BSc (Honours) Computing & IT and a second subject (Q67). Stage 1 is the same as our Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT and a second subject (T13).
This computing & IT diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
You’ll study two 30-credit fundamental computing & IT modules and choose one of five second subjects from business, design, mathematics, psychology and statistics.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)30Apr | Oct
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)30Apr | Oct

Choose your second subject from business, design, mathematics, psychology and statistics, and study 60 credits from that subject.
ModulesCreditsStart month
Business
You'll study the following:
An introduction to business and management (B100)60Oct | Feb
Design
You'll study the following:
Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century (U101)60Oct | Feb
Mathematics
You'll study both of the following:
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)30Oct | Feb
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)30Oct | Feb
MST125 includes a remote exam you'll take at home or another suitable location. The exam will be invigilated online by ProctorU, a service based outside the UK and with whom you must agree to additional Terms of Service. Find out more about online invigilation.
Psychology
You'll study the following:
Encountering psychology in context (D120)60Oct | Feb
Statistics
You'll study both of the following:
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)30Oct | Feb
Introducing statistics (M140)30Oct | Feb

You’ll choose one of four computing and IT focus areas from communications and networking, computer science, software development and web development, plus study 60 credits from the second subject you chose at Stage 1.
Study two 30-credit computing & IT modules from one of four focus areas.
ModulesCreditsStart month
Communications and networking focus
You'll study both of the following:
Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257)30Oct
Communication and information technologies (TM255)30Oct
Computer science focus
You'll study both of the following:
Object-oriented Java programming (M250)30Oct
Algorithms, data structures and computability (M269)30Oct
Software development focus
You'll study both of the following:
Managing IT: the why, the what and the how (TM254)30Oct
Object-oriented Java programming (M250)
30Oct
Web development focus
You'll study both of the following:
Web technologies (TM252)30Feb
Object-oriented Java programming (M250)
30Oct

Study 60 credits from the second subject you chose at Stage 1.
ModulesCreditsStart month
Business
You'll study the following:
Entrepreneurship and innovation (B209)60Oct
Design
You'll study the following:
Design for impact (T240) – planned for October 2026
60Oct
Mathematics
You'll choose one from:
Pure mathematics (M208)60Oct
Mathematical methods, models and modelling (MST210)60Oct
Psychology
You'll study the following:
Applying psychology (D250) – planned for October 2026
60Oct
Statistics
You'll study both of the following:
Analysing data (M248)30Oct
Practical modern statistics (M249)30Oct

By studying this diploma, you’ll:
You’ll be supported by personal tutors, quality materials, tutorials, and regular feedback.
You’ll be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Computing & IT and your second subject upon successful completion:
You'll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You can achieve this diploma in as little as two years and have a maximum of 12 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.
You can complete this diploma in two years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.
You can complete this diploma in four years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification; however, you’ll need some basic knowledge of computing and the ability to read and write to a good standard of English.
If you’re thinking about choosing mathematics or statistics as your second subject, check that you’re ready for mathematical study at this level.
If you choose the networking topic at Stages 2 and 3, you'll be required to attend at least one UK-based day school to gain hands-on practical experience of configuring networks.
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
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 to transfer credit before registering, at least four 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 and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

4 years
£3,892*
A diploma is worth 240 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 4 years.
£15,568*
That’s 18% less than the cost of an equivalent qualification offered at most other universities in England.
Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£28,605
£28,605
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£23,352
£23,352
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£5,253 (18%)
£5,253 (18%)
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£19,070
£19,070
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£15,568
£15,568
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£3,502 (18%)
£3,502 (18%)
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£9,535
£9,535
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£7,784
£7,784
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£1,751 (18%)
£1,751 (18%)
Qualification
Qualification
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
£28,605
£28,605
£23,352
£23,352
£5,253 (18%)
£5,253 (18%)
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
£19,070
£19,070
£15,568
£15,568
£3,502 (18%)
£3,502 (18%)
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
£9,535
£9,535
£7,784
£7,784
£1,751 (18%)
£1,751 (18%)
*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 25/26 academic year.
**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.
Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, you'll need:
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.
Pay nothing upfront – over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan (sometimes called a student loan), meaning they pay nothing upfront.
Learn more about this and our other funding options below.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.
If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.
You may be eligible for:
This qualification will equip you with a sound grasp of the principles of technologies in your specialist area, an ability to apply the principles, and an awareness of surrounding issues. Depending on your choice of second subject – business, design, mathematics, applied psychology or statistics – you’ll have a unique and focused skills set that will enhance your existing career and put you in a strong position in the jobs market, which increasingly depends on computing technologies across all sectors.
During the course you will gain a range of valuable transferable skills in communication, time management, analysis and problem solving, and be well prepared for further study should you decide to top up to an honours degree.
Computing and IT is a rapidly growing sector of employment, and the UK is recognised as a world leader in producing talented graduates. Employers highly regard Open University computing and IT graduates for their ambition, time management and organisational skills.
This diploma course opens the way for a wide range of IT-related careers. Growth areas and areas of high demand include cyber security, mobile development, cloud computing and the management of Big Data.
The range of organisations employing computing and IT specialists is extensive. Beyond pure technology roles, people with computing and IT expertise also enter management consultancy firms or corporate roles, while others go into technical writing roles or work freelance.
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.
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 website are available to see at any time, 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, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience):
Credit transfer: apply by 12/02/2026
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Credit transfer: apply by 12/02/2026
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