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Accessibility statement
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If you’re new to university study in general, or want to get a better idea of how our qualifications are structured, we’ve got you covered.
To put those into context, GCSEs are level 2 FHEQ, and A-Levels are level 3.
We offer over 200 highly respected qualifications in a range of subjects. Our course types page can tell you more about what we offer.
Modules are the most important part of your qualification – each one covers a key area of your studies.
Each module is worth 30 or 60 credits.
You’ll need to build up a set number of credits to complete your qualification.
Each qualification is made up of one, two or three 120-credit stages.
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
Stage 1
Stage 1
120 Credits
120 Credits
Total of 120 credits
Total of 120 credits
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Stage 1
Stage 1
120 Credits
120 Credits
Stage 2
Stage 2
120 Credits
120 Credits
Total of 240 credits
Total of 240 credits
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
Stage 1
Stage 1
120 credits
120 credits
Stage 2
Stage 2
120 credits
120 credits
Stage 3
Stage 3
120 credits
120 credits
Total of 360 credits
Total of 360 credits
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
Stage 1
Stage 1
120 credits
120 credits
Stage 1
Stage 1
120 Credits
120 Credits
Stage 1
Stage 1
120 Credits
120 Credits
Stage 2
Stage 2
120 Credits
120 Credits
Stage 2
Stage 2
120 Credits
120 Credits
Stage 3
Stage 3
120 Credits
120 Credits
Total of 120 credits
Total of 120 credits
Total of 240 credits
Total of 240 credits
Total of 360 credits
Total of 360 credits
The majority of our modules can be studied by themselves on a stand-alone basis. Browse our full list of OU modules.
If you're looking for postgraduate courses, see Postgraduate study.
3 minutes 3 seconds
Our guide to OU qualifications and academic credit.
OU study is so flexible. I can study when I want, how I want and where I want, so I can really make it fit around my plans and what I want to do.
Being able to study in a way that fits around my current work and social life is extremely important and is why a lot of OU students choose The Open University. I wouldn't be able to do it otherwise.
Level info