Course details
This diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- Stage 1 consists of an introductory module in the arts and humanities, with the option to include a module from a wide range of other subjects.
- Next, in Stage 2, you’ll choose two from a range of modules in English literature, English language and creative writing.
Optional Access module – visit Entry requirements to find out about starting this course with a preparatory Access module.
In Stage 1 you will encounter a variety of different times and places and engage with some fascinating people, art works, ideas and stories. As a student of English, this broad foundation will help you develop the skills and the confident, open approach you will need to tackle the more specialist English language, literature and creative writing modules at Stage 2.
At Stage 2 you’ll focus on a combination of two modules from literature, language and creative writing. In literature, you’ll study different approaches and techniques for reading literary texts from the Renaissance onwards, including drama, poetry, prose fiction, autobiography and travel writing. The modules in English language and creative writing will allow you to explore the history of the English language and understand its contemporary usage and position in the world, as well as explore the creative process, develop your fiction, poetry and life-writing skills, and learn about the publishing process.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 20 March 2019.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Diploma of Higher Education in English uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:
- studying a mixture of printed and online material. Online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes.
- working with specialist reading material such as works of art and musical manuscripts
- working in a group with other students
- undertaking practical work
- using specialist software (for example the Sibelius music writing package or Design/Engineering Studio)
For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support with any of the elements above, visit our Disability support website to find more about what we offer. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your individual requirements, so we can put arrangements in place before you start.
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’ve already completed some study at another university, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – reducing the number of modules you need to study.
You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. Just tell us what you studied, where and when, and we’ll compare this against the learning outcomes for your chosen course.
For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
On completion
On completion of this undergraduate course, we'll award you the Diploma of Higher Education in English.
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 that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you'll need to succeed. If you're not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.
Answer a few quick questions to check whether you're ready for study success
How much time do I need?
- Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
- This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner
Preparing for study with an Access module
If your study skills are a bit rusty or you want to try out Open University study before committing yourself, don’t worry! The OU offers Access modules designed to introduce the subject area, build your confidence and prepare you for further study, and you may be eligible to study an Access module for free! You'll get:
- a personal tutor providing regular feedback with one to one telephone tutorials
- support from a dedicated team throughout your study
- detailed written feedback.
For this qualification we recommend:
Arts and languages Access module
What you will study
This 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
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Skills for career development
Employers greatly value the kinds of skills that successful completion of a Diploma of HE in English will develop. You’ll learn to evaluate and assimilate information in constructing an argument; and acquire skills of critical and flexible thinking, analysis, communication and creativity that are much in demand in the workplace. You’ll also sharpen your IT and writing skills. These are key skills in complex organizations and greatly sought after in the world beyond study – whether you’re already working, volunteering or changing career.
Career relevance
Study of the arts and humanities requires an understanding of human activities in diverse cultural environments and historical contexts that will have a relevance to a variety of careers such as
- in cultural and creative industries
- education
- museum work
- public administration, local government, the civil service, art institutions, and social services
- advertising, journalism, publishing, and public relations
- business, banking and retail
- law
- charities and campaigning
Other careers
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. This includes 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. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your diploma of higher education:
- arts administrator
- lawyer
- museum curator
- heritage management
- politician
- archivist
- event organiser
- journalist
- publisher
- public relations manager
- media researcher
- civil servant
- marketing manager